stackyFACTSCrystal balls only became the ultimate mystic aesthetic because a medieval bishop wrote a massive, hateful rant about how much he despised them.
Crystal balls only became the ultimate mystic aesthetic because a medieval bishop wrote a massive, hateful rant about how much he despised them. In the 12th century, John of Salisbury published a detailed text condemning 'specularii'—people who gazed into polished surfaces to find stolen goods. Ironically, his incredibly descriptive complaints acted as an instructional manual, wildly popularizing the exact mystical practice he was trying to cancel.
This article describes beliefs and cultural traditions, which are not necessarily scientifically established facts.
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