Mirrors are a huge principle in Feng Shui and also in Home Staging. So much so that I'm going to give you the "lowdown" from a Feng Shui Consultants use of Mirrors....and the effects of them.
Mirrors are used quite often in Feng Shui with INTENT. They can be a way to intentionally draw someone into a space---or make them feel "pushed away." For example, we usually recommend placing a mirror if you have a small entranceway, to "grace" someone into the space. We also look for walls to hang mirrors where they reflect the outside. "Letting the Outside IN" is a Feng Shui Principle to create the Yin/Yang of a space. But every space is different and before hanging ANY mirrors, have someone hold them and see how they make you FEEL first.
Mirrors also Intensify and Magnify anything they are reflecting. If you hang a mirror and it's reflecting a blank wall, you will double the energy of nothing. Always check to see the ENERGY of what that mirror faces. Some lovely artwork opposite a mirror is a wonderful addition.....some people want to intensify LIGHT as well.
*Here's a little footnote before I forget: With the exception of small mirrors used to institute a "cure" in Feng Shui, always make sure that a mirror is larger then your head and not broken up into pieces. We need to see ourselves WHOLE and if the mirror is smaller then your head you are cutting off your AURA which is your energy field.
We don't advise mirrors in the bedrooms, something people have a difficult time with. If you need a mirror in your bedroom to check your clothes, try placing it INSIDE the closet door. This is probably where I've seen the most difficulties with mirrors and SO many people aren't sleeping well. If a mirror is opposite you and you wake up to face yourself every morning, it can be an energy draw. Let's face it; we're not looking our best when we wake up! Something to defect the mirror might be a large, colorful vase placed in front. Pretty statues (2-we think in PAIRS in the bedroom) or use your own imagination. Remember, if you are missing an Element you can intensify it here.
A true case in point on the power of Mirrors. While at a client's home I found the couple was not sleeping well at ALL. Both were up many times during the night and their bed faced a wall that had an overhang. It did not have any artwork or lights directed UP but standing at the foot of the bed, I could FEEL like I was being pushed out. FEEL it but not SEE it. I hate when this happens but I was stuck in that room, unable to give them an answer on what to do. Minutes went by and they're looking at me expectantly----"COME ON already" I could hear them thinking. I went through question after question and finally it dawned on the homeowner---she had taken down a large mirror and not knowing where to put it, had stored it behind the headboard, making them feel "pushed" into the wall! Ah, nice to know I wasn't crazy after all :)
Another issue with bedroom mirrors: I have often seen closeted mirrors. The scenario here is having a closet with mirrors, the bed in the middle and windows at the other side of the room. The occupants can feel as if they're being "pushed" outside. An easy solution if you don't want to take them down is hanging a sheer fabric over them. You can add color and warmth and close them during the evening. Remember too that your TV has not only electromagnetic energy but a reflective quality. Don't sleep with the TV on and if it's facing you, it's best to cover it at night.
This is a BIG Feng Shui concern: Mirrors should never reflect a drain. We think of drains as simply that, drain energy which can drain our finances, health and business.
We use mirrors as "cures" too. Fighting with a neighbor? We use a small 2" round mirror to gently deflect their energy back into their space. We often place a small (3 to 5 inch) Bagua mirror over our front door facing out to deflect street energy, fast moving cars or T Junctions. **A hint for buying mirrors: Anytime you're purchasing something for Feng Shui and you look under those sites, the price goes up. Small round mirrors can be found in craft stores for a dollar or two. If you look for "Octagon" mirror instead of "Bagua" mirror they are often used to display jewelry and can be purchased very inexpensively. I personally prefer the kind with NO WOOD around them but that is a matter of personal preference.
One more quick tip to be mindful of: Convex and Concave mirrors are used only when necessary for certain very powerful remedies. I personally have only used them a few times in over ten years so chances are you won't need it.
This was about as short as I could make this post and is only an overview of a complex subject in Feng Shui! There is SO much more to mirrors and their own particular energy that they carry but keeping these points in mind when staging a home, selling a home or for your own personal use can make a very big difference. Have you checked YOUR MIRRORS today?
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner and owner of Feng Shui Long Island for over a decade providing on site Consultations for all of Long Island and New York City and Distance Consultations by phone.
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