Traditionally, when you think of crystal gazing or scrying, you may picture a gypsy using their penetrating gaze to pierce the depths of a large, shimmering crystal ball. At this point, I would like to make you aware of two important realities. One, when it comes to scrying, you can't just expect to glance into any shiny orb and pop off an accurate prediction. Not that scrying doesn't produce accurate results, because it does. But this divinatory technique does require some preparation--both mental and physical, and probably shouldn't be attempted 24-7 as I will later explain. Second, crystal balls are usually very expensive--at least, I think so, being the average teenager, who happens not to be currently employed. The larger and clearer they are the more expensive they are. If later, you decide you still want authenticity but can't hand over a lot of cash, you can purchase a small (a 3-4 inch diameter should be enough) crystal, glass, or quartz ball (quartz is highly recommended, as it builds up an energy field in addition to acting as a scrying device--one day, I'll get one of these). Needless to say, it makes me happy to know that you don't need to buy a big, fancy crystal ball. All you need is a good reflective surface. A glass of water, a mirror--even a magnifying lens can be used. As a beginner, you don't want any imperfections in your scrying tool.
Okay, now that we have that bit of background info over with, let's start. Actually, scrying isn't very hard. In fact, the majority of people do have the ability to see into a crystal ball, scrying glass or any clear, shiny surface. It is merely a question of practice (practice, practice--in divination, dogg-ed practice makes all the difference). You might want to start somewhere you are sure you will not be disturbed; a quiet room is good...a quiet, dim room is even better. Initially, it is important that you are not disturbed or distracted, so you might want to do this alone. Sit in a comfortable chair that supports you; any straight-backed chair will do. Place your scrying tool on a table before you, at a comfortable height. Because the room needs to be dim, a single candle placed behind you (so you won't be distracted by it's reflection in the glass, mirror, etc.) is strongly suggested.
With beginners it is imperative that you are comfortable at all times. It might be a good idea to set up a routine--a series of gestures and actions that will eventually contribute to your meditative state of being. But remember--comfort is key. If for any reason, you don't feel comfortable continuing some part of the routine or you feel the need to add something new to it, don't hesitate to do so. I would also recommend, in the pursuit of comfort, to do this at night as night is a time I've always found conducive to esoteric work of any kind. It sort of quiets the mind and helps you focus on what you're doing. Once you're perfectly comfortable, simply gaze at the glass---don't stare. Be relaxed, blink whenever you need to. Don't tense up. While gazing at the glass, clear your mind. Make it a perfect blank. Those of you familiar with meditation know how to do this with greater ease than those of you who aren't. Really, scrying is like self-hypnosis. You have to learn how to connect your conscious and sub-conscious.