Mirror, mirror, on the wall – who is the fairest of them all? Mirrors and their placement need to be carefully used in Feng Shui practices. A mirror reflects and often doubles whatever is opposite. This can be of benefit but can also be a negative action. Right now, go and look at what your mirror is reflecting. It can reflect a garden, a positive image and also add space and light to an area. The mirror should have no cracks, rust and should ideally be enclosed. If you buy an antique mirror, really make sure there is no damage – Feng Shui practice would say that you have bought a damaged energy piece.
What Not to Do
- Place it directly across from your major front door, this is the ‘mouth’ of the house and all positive Chi will bounce right back through the door and out of your space
- Mirrors are a water element so avoid reflecting flames or a fire or placing in the fire sector of the Bagua map
- Never reflect a toilet as you are doubling up on the drainage of energy
- Cut your head off, seriously, you want to see as much of your body as you can
Living Areas
Mirrors in your lounge can expand a space and can bring a sense of height to ceilings. If it reflects a window, it can bring a garden in but make sure it is not bringing in more activity, or the ‘noise’ of what is outside. Placing a mirror in the dining room is said to double up wealth and abundance – the centuries idea that lots of food equates to abundance. Don’t forget that the tv can also be seen as a mirror and reflects what it is facing.
The Kitchen
It is not ideal to place a mirror in the kitchen and frankly, it doesn’t make sense. However, depending on the placement of your stove and cooking area, if the chef has their back to the rest of the room, it is recommended to place a mirror or reflective surface behind the kitchen stove. The idea is that your back is not exposed and you can see behind you. A shiny kettle is usually enough.
The Bathroom
Number one rule, don’t reflect the toilet. Use tiny mosaic mirrors by the drains to reflect back stating, ‘this mirror stops positive energy going down the drain’. Yet again, make sure you have as full a view as possible of yourself.
The Bedroom
A golden rule is not to have mirrors in the bedroom and particularly one that you look in to opposite your bed head. Ancient Feng Shui states that you are seeing your ghost reflected when you wake up! It is said to disturb your sleep patterns as well. I do have reflective wardrobe doors but they are a soft coffee colour and hard to see in to. Place a mirror inside a wardrobe to check your appearance.
