When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. – Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.
There is much debate about mirrors in feng shui. Some feel mirrors are symbolic of water, because they reflect. Others feel they are an earth element, because they are made of sand. They are actually symbolic of metal. When feng shui first came on the scene over three thousand years ago, mirrors of that era were made of polished materials such as bronze and copper. Today, mirrors are basically made from coating glass with a metal lining.
Some well-meaning consultants have attributed mirrors to be “feng shui aspirin.” This is not the case. In fact, I think they cause more problems than not. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to mirrors along feng shui guidelines:
- Reflect the Beautiful. If you have a stellar landscape view out of a window, or a fine oil painting, or lush indoor plants, hanging a mirror to reflect these will increase the auspicious energy of the space.
- Looking Glasses in Living Rooms. Living rooms, dining rooms, and family areas are great places to hang mirrors, as these rooms generally host entertaining events such as parties. Mirrors can add beneficial chi to a party atmosphere.
- Keep Mirrors in the Bedroom to a Minimum. Mirrors should never be facing the bed, or reflecting the bed, if possible. Ideally, they should be hanging on the same wall that touches the headboard. Mirrors can disrupt sleep patterns, which will damage the occupant’s health. One can also be startled by their reflection should they wake up in the middle of sleeping.
- Mirrored Closet Doors are Bad. These cause harm because they generally reflect the bed! Try to keep these covered, either with an adhesive film or a curtain. As an apartment dweller, I have these on my bedroom closet, directly across from the bed. I treat them like a window. During the day, I open the curtains up, and the mirror expands the room. But at night, the curtains get closed. No more reflection on the bed.
- Never place a Mirror across from the Front Door. Because the main entrance is the mouth of the environment, and this is where chi enters, a mirror will literally bounce the good energy back out the door. This causes financial and work-related ruin. It’s best to place the mirror either perpendicular to the entrance, or on the wall next to it, so one can check their attire before departing the home.
- Avoid Octagonal Mirrors. Pakua or Bagua Mirrors are often misused in feng shui. Although popular in Chinese and New Age gift shops, these items use Yin House symbols, which aid in selecting burial plots for the deceased. They attract negative energy to an environment, and should not be used inside a home or business.
- No Broken Images. Collections of small mirrors, or mirrors with cracks are not auspicious. They attract negative energy to the area, and can make the occupant feel discontent and uncomfortable.
- Mirrored Furniture is Good. One or two pieces of mirrored furniture in room can add a beneficial metal energy to a space. It also gives a touch of glamor and sophistication to the environment.
For most environments, mirrors can be a beautiful thing. Just keep them to a minimum, keep them clean, and make sure you genuinely like the mirrors in question. Follow these rules, and you’ll avoid feeling as if you are trapped on the other side of the looking glass.