8. Smelly Nelly’s Black Crystal Ball

Black Moon crystal ball, 20th century, © Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle

“Smelly Nelly” was a Paignton witch who used this Moon crystal divination tool. She was called “Smelly Nelly” because she liked to use strong perfumes when peering into the future. She believed these aromas would be appealing to the spirits. Unlike most crystal balls which are clear, this black stone is meant to be consulted at night when the Seer can read the reflection of the Moon in the glass. In the Divination room along with this crystal ball is a teacup used for reading tea-leaves, a practice that figures prominently in the Potter series.