YES! Thank you iMonrey. I had noticed the crystal ball motif and then came across this forum while scouring the web to see what it was about. I am so glad I am not alone!
Amongst my research, I found this...http://www.studentsocculthistory.com/sphere-of-destiny.html...maybe this is the sneaky reference?
Also, thank you Basil for allaying my curiosities about the paper lamp prop too. :)