There
has always been something mysterious and intriguing about
mirrors; when we look into a mirror we see through- and beyond-
the physical plane of the mirror's surface and into the virtual
space of the reflection. Mirrors are very magical objects,
which is probably why so many stories have been written about
passing through them into another world, such as Lewis Carroll's
Through the Looking Glass, and the backwards poetry of Jabberwocky.
Mirrors
serve three basic purposes in feng shui: expansion, reflection,
and deflection. They are the feng shui workhorses, bringing
light into darkness, driving away negative energies, doubling
positive energies, activating missing corners, and energizing
stagnant areas.
Expansion
modifies the focal point of our vision, which works to open
up a virtual dimension in an otherwise flat plane. In feng
shui terms, this symbolically "opens up" new windows, not
just for our "seeing eyes", but for our mental vision as well.
Mirrors are often recommended as a remedy to expand a small
space. Cramped quarters can equate to limitation by restricting
freedom of movement in one or more directions, working to
hinder our ability to expand into a more successful life.
A wall that blocks your movement as you enter a space, requiring
you to turn right or left to move forward, can symbolically
block your progress as well.
Mirrors
can also be used to reflect (draw in) or deflect (push away)
specific objects, images, or views. These are among the most
beneficial uses of mirrors, as they facilitate you to either
bring a positive energy into your space, or to keep a negative
influence out. The key differences between using a mirror
to attract a positive influence or to deflect a negative influence
lie with placement: when you are reflecting (attracting) a
positive image into your space, the mirror must be inside
your home and when you are deflecting (repelling) a negative
energy, the mirror is hung on the exterior of the home.
Reflection
is used to double energy by creating a virtual duplicate within
the virtual space of the reflection. Therefore, it is important
to pay attention to what is being reflected in it. For example,
if your mirror is reflecting a pile of clutter and unpaid
bills, the reflection is a symbolic doubling of your untidiness
and debt. On the other hand, if the mirror is reflecting a
joyful family photograph, the mirror is symbolically doubling
your family's happiness and harmony.
Mirrors
can also be used to deflect negative influences away from
your home, as the reflection works to "bounce back" harmful
energy towards its source. Often a ba gua mirror or a gazing
ball is placed on the exterior of the home to deflect harmful
energy aimed at the property, the structure, or the front
door.
The
following guidelines and suggestions of use will help you
to use the principles of expansion, reflection, and deflection
of mirrors beneficially in your home:
-
To
draw in the good energy, mirrors should reflect something
you want to see more of, such as your garden, trees or light.
A reflected view of any kind of natural beauty will bring
the energy of that environment into your home.
-
To
deflect large amounts of negative energy streaming into
your home, place a gazing ball in front of your door, especially
if your home sits at the end of a cul-de-sac, T-Junction,
or dead-end street.
-
Use
mirrors to open up small, cramped spaces and to amplify
light. This will prevent chi (energy) from becoming stagnant
in dark corners of your environment.
-
A
mirror must not reflect another mirror on the opposite wall,
as this gives rise to infinite and confusing reflections,
which in turn confuse the chi.
-
Place
a small round mirror under or behind any object that has
special feng shui significance. This symbolically doubles
the power and effectiveness of the object.
-
Mirrors are too stimulating for the bedroom and should be
avoided- especially mirrors that directly reflect you sleeping
in bed, which will interrupt a restful sleep. It is also
thought by some to cause unwelcome third-party involvement
in the marriage, leading to infidelity and unhappiness.
-
Place
a mirror at the bottom of stairs to slow the downward Chi.
