Using Mirrors in Feng Shui (Applications, Rules, Tips)

Mirrors in Feng Shui -Classic white interior witn chair mirrors and open door

When using mirrors to create good Feng Shui, it’s necessary to call up a practice known as Xie Zi Fa, the ‘method of minor adjustments.’ This is the practice of using small objects, mirrors included, to boost the flow of Qi in a space.

Using mirrors in Feng Shui demands the consideration of this method, which states that one must have specific intentions when adding mirrors or other objects to overcome energy blocks within a space.

Therefore, whenever placing mirrors to adjust the Qi of any space in your home, it is necessary to do so with a clear intention.

Mirrors embody the water element, a source of introspection, wisdom, and serenity. Like water, which surrenders to the shape it is subjected to, mirrors reflect images without judgment or obscurations.

Mirrors are primarily used in Feng Shui to focus and invite energies into a space. For example, if the mirror reflects trees in a nearby grove, it invites the wood element into your space. On a more superficial level, mirrors invite more natural light to an area and make them appear larger and more spacious. Rooms with sufficient light and space are known to attract good Feng Shui.

We’ll discuss the uses of mirrors in Feng Shui later on.

Types of Mirrors in Feng Shui Applications

Flat Mirrors

These are regular mirrors but with different shapes. You want something with a  regular shape such as rectangle, square, round, or oval. It can be framed as most traditional mirrors are or frameless with an edge that’s polished.

For such mirrors, the best you can do for Feng Shui is invite the five elements into your home. You can do this via shape. For example:

  • Installing mirrors with round frames invite the metal element. Such mirrors increase joy, precision, and clarity in your space.
  • Square or horizontally rectangular mirrors represent the earth element, making them capable of improving stability and grounding. This is also the best type of mirror for your self-care routine.
  • Tall, rectangular mirrors, especially when they mimic tree trunks, represent the wood element. Introducing such a mirror into your home can improve kindness and flexibility.
  • Mirrors with triangular frames, although extraordinary, are not only stylish but a herald to the fire element. Placing one in your bedroom is a good decision if you’re looking to improve passion, visibility, and inspiration.
Types of Mirrors in Feng Shui Applications
Image by Lee Travathan from Pixabay

You can also invite the five elements using color. In this case, your focus is on the color of the mirror’s frame. For instance:

  • Brown, orange, and yellow invite the earth element to your space. Mirrors with naturally finished wood frames, whether neutral or brown in tone, are good earth representatives.
  • Whites and grays are the colors you need when inviting the metal element into your home. You can also spring for metallic frames to activate metal energy in your home.
  • Mirrors with blue, green, and teal frames will bring more wood energy.
  • Bright orange and red frames invite more fire energy into your space.
  • To invite more water energy, choose a black or deep navy-blue frame for your mirrors.

Concave Mirrors

A concave mirror is shaped like the inside of a bowl. Such mirrors take an image, shrink it down, and flip it top side over. In Feng Shui, they’re mostly used to deflect sharp energy since they can convert threatening images into harmless results.

Convex Mirrors

A convex mirror looks like the outside of a bowl. Due to this design, it has a broader field of view, so it shows you more of your surroundings than other mirrors. In Feng Shui, these mirrors are thought to have protective qualities since they mimic a watchful eye.

Bagua Mirrors

Bagua mirrors are unique mirrors with octagonal borders. The mirror itself is usually round, the difference being that it is framed by trigrams.

Bagua mirrors such as these offer adjustable external Feng Shui protection. As such, you should only use such mirrors under the watch of a Feng Shui consultant. The wrongful use of a Bagua mirror can result in the expulsion of positive energy from your home, which could cause a series of unpleasant complications.

Check out some Bagua Mirrors designs Opens in new tab

Uses of Mirrors in Feng Shui

Amplifying Wealth

In Feng Shui, mirrors are placed strategically to reflect specific images. Most of the time, practitioners use them to invite energies into their homes. For instance, positioning a mirror next to a window to reflect a nearby stream can bring in more water energy into a space.

The other widespread use of mirrors is to amplify or double the energies you feel are most beneficial. A common practice is the placement of mirrors to reflect stove burners. The stove is symbolic of wealth, so visually doubling the number of burners on it can also double your chances of obtaining wealth and lucrative opportunities.

Just make sure it’s not too close to the heat, as a cracked mirror is always a sign of bad luck.

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Correcting the “Command” Position

One of the principles of Feng Shui is the establishment of a command position in every room of your house. You’re not in the command position if you can’t see the door while lying in bed, cooking, or sitting at your desk. If the layout of your home doesn’t allow for a physical adjustment to the appropriate position, mirrors can be used to restore the commanding position.

All you do is position the mirror so that you can see the door, or a reflection of it, when at the command position of the room. In the kitchen and study, consider the convex mirror, which, despite being small, offers a wide field of view. These are usually easier to attach to the stove or computer.

However, in the bedroom, a standing mirror will serve you better since you can easily adjust it to see the door as you lie in bed.

Strengthening your Social Network

Placing a mirror so that it reflects an image of your dining table is one way to double your circle of friends and family. Make sure the mirror is large enough to capture the whole table, or you risk cutting down your circle of close friends.

Bringing Harmony in Partnerships

Installing a round mirror over the bed may sound a little controversial if you’re familiar with the bedroom guidelines for good Feng Shui. However, it is worth considering since it promotes the smooth, continuous flow of Qi for partners who sleep in the same bed.

The round edges of such a mirror can mellow the harshness in the relationship, promoting harmonious living.

For this step, you must first consult with your partner to ensure both of you are comfortable sleeping under a heavy hanging object. Ensure it is adequately fastened to eliminate any form of threatening energy in your bedroom.

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Strengthening Weak or Missing Bagua Areas

If, after consulting a Bagua map, you notice that some areas are missing or weak, using a mirror is one of the best ways to fix that. When placed facing away from the missing areas, Mirrors can energetically strengthen and expand such areas.

Enhancing Focus and Productivity

Placing a small, round mirror on the ceiling above your head will allow you to focus your energy on the task at hand. You can set it where you work or where you perform your meditation. When installing this mirror, do it with the intention that it is meant to focus your Qi.

Uses of Mirrors in Feng Shui
Image by Sonja Kavka from Pixabay

In Which Direction Should the Mirror Face?

Perpendicular to the Front Door

Feng Shui experts advise against placing mirrors directly across the entryway or front door. Mirrors capture and reflect energies all over your home, and should a negative presence emerge from the front door. This energy will reverberate throughout your space.

Place mirrors perpendicular to doors and entryways. Place them with the intention of expanding or bringing more light and space to boxed areas of your home.

North Direction

The North is the center of the God of Wealth, Lord Kubera. Placing a mirror facing this direction is one way to maintain the positive energy of this direction. (Related reading: Guan Gong the Chinese God of War and Wealth)

Opposite Beautiful Views

Mirrors mimic beauty without judgment or obscurity. Placing them next to a beautiful view invites that same energy into your home. If a view is peaceful and calming, these energies traverse through the reflection and into your home.

East or North Bathroom Walls

Mirrors in your bathroom can be on the North or East walls. These are directions that purge negativity and invite brightness.

Adjacent to Safe, Cash Box, or Wealth Lockers

Placing a mirror next to the cash box of your business, for instance, will attract more wealth and bring in more customers. Mirrors can help you sustain energies that create and increase wealth.

Related Reading: Eighteen Things that Bring Luck to Your Home According to Feng ShuiOpens in new tab

Where Should You Not Put a Mirror?

South East

You should not reflect this fire direction as it may increase fights and quarrels in your home.

Facing Each Other

According to Vastu Shastra, it is bad to place mirrors facing each other. This invites restlessness, anger, and impatience in your home

North and East

Aside from your bathroom, it is never advisable to put mirrors facing North or East. That’s because these directions bring forth positive energies, and the mirror may reflect them away.

Directly Across the Entrance

Mirrors that face the entrance of your home can reflect the energy entering the house, meaning they’re liable to attract negativity or force away positive energy.

More Tips About Mirrors in Feng Shui

1. Mirrors in the bathroom should have sufficient lighting.

2. Mirrors should not face the bed, sunlight, or the main door, since they’re prone to attracting negative energies.

3. Large mirrors on the dressing table, especially if you look at them every morning, can increase positivity. They’re also an auspicious symbol. However, they should not reflect the bed (or anyone lying in it).

4.   Avoid mirrors that are not clear. Cloudy, distorted, broken, or obscured mirrors, plus any mirror at a height that cuts off the head, are not recommended. Keep in mind that you can still have ornamental mirrors even though they’re not good for Feng Shui. It’s all about creating an environment that’s pleasing to you.

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