Who has not heard about the legend of "Bloody Mary," where, if one stands in front of a mirror and says "Bloody Mary" three times, a witch is said to appear to kill the one who uttered it? Discover the history of the mirror, mirror superstitions, and twelve ways to use a mirror for spiritual purposes.
People have long been intrigued and fearful of mirrors, and this is understandable. In the old world, ancient humans may have believed they were seeing their very soul or spiritual twin when they saw their reflection peering back through dark water or a shiny object. After all, staring into a pool of water and seeing their reflection must have been perplexing.
The History of the Mirror
The oldest mirror in the world was likely created during the Neolithic period from obsidian, a smooth, dark, reflective glass formed from volcanic ash. Vanity mirrors were made of polished brass, copper, and silver. These mirrors were used until the Middle Ages. During this time, people began making mirrors from polished rock crystal backed with metal foil. A few small mirrors were made of glass and metal backing. Some had decorative figurines placed on them. During the Renaissance, as glassblowing techniques developed, mirror production gained momentum. These mirrors were bubble-like and round, with mercury and silver backings. People believed they protected the owner from supernatural forces. It wasn't until the 17th century that Venetian glassmakers learned how to make flat mirrors. These mirrors were often enormous, backed with copper and gold, and costly. By the Victorian era, nearly everyone could afford a mirror of some size.
Mirror Superstition
Superstitions surrounding mirrors have existed as long as mirrors have. For example, in Europe, mirrors are nearly always covered in rooms where the sick lie to prevent the soul from being taken from one's body. Mirrors are also immediately covered after someone dies to keep their soul from lingering and help them move on, especially if they die at home. An ancient Chinese myth says our reflection in a mirror is a demon pretending to be our reflection while secretly plotting our death.
Superstitious people typically fear mirrors because they are believed to be gateways for spirits, particularly during thunderstorms. The energy of thunder and lightning provides a pathway for ghosts and other spirits to follow and materialize in mirrors. The same holds true when you look in a mirror while holding a candle. These spirits can be harmless or very evil. In the movie The Skeleton Key, Ben (John Hurt) sees the image of the spirit who has hexed him in the reflection of the compact mirror his caregiver, Caroline (Kate Hudson), shows him. He is immediately seized with fear and overcome upon looking into the mirror, where he sees the evil spirit that hexed him reflected, a typical example of how spirits can be seen in mirrors.
Twelve Ways to Use a Mirror for Spiritual Purposes
There are multiple ways to use mirrors for spiritual purposes. Twelve ways are outlined below for your reference.
- To receive a message from other realms, you can scry, which means staring into a reflective surface and waiting for images to form that tell a story and hold spiritual meaning for the seeker. Scrying is an old English term derived from the word "descry," which means to "catch sight of" things that cannot usually be seen with the five senses. Scrying with mirrors is known as Catoptromancy. John Dee (1527-1608 or 1609), an Anglo-Welsh astrologer, mathematician, and occultist who served as an advisor to Queen Elizabeth, popularized scrying through reflective surfaces. Scrying is typically performed using a reflective surface, such as a standard household mirror. Even a compact mirror will do. However, you can also scry by observing clouds, crystals, fire, oil, smoke, wax, water, and even old bones. While you can scry with almost any mirror, witches and those involved in magic tend to use black mirrors. Black mirrors aren't just mirrors; they're dark, shiny objects known as scrying mirrors. However, for nonwitches, any reflective surface will do. You need only relax your vision while staring into a mirror to begin making contact with other realms. Scenes or images will eventually emerge. The idea is to relax and let them come forth.
- Mirrors can be gateways to other dimensions or portals through which spirits and other entities can enter safely. Of course, your intention should always be positive and loving, lest evil come through.
- You can bless and guard your home by lighting a candle before a mirror and asking a guardian angel, such as Michael, for protection.
- Covering a mirror after someone dies will help the deceased not to linger on in this world and to move on into the next.
- Mirrors are thought to absorb and contain memories of anything reflected in them. Therefore, a mirror contains valuable information you can tap into. Over time, it can begin to project the energy back onto the owner or into the home, which is beneficial if it is positive, but not so great if it is negative. You can rinse mirrors with Holy Water or smudge them with sage to cleanse them of previous energies, good or bad. Because mirrors absorb so much energy and information, it is recommended to buy a brand-new mirror before using it for spiritual purposes.
- Mirrors can amplify the power of intention by multiplying the impact of your actions during a ritual. For example, you can set up multiple mirrors at the four corners of a prayer circle. Or, you can set up a mirror to amplify the power of any crystals used in spells. Multiples of three are encouraged.
- Hanging a large mirror in the dining room, facing the dining table, is said to bring about wealth. Any food reflected in a mirror magnifies blessings, bringing more money and general abundance into the household. On a deeper level, the reflection of food also nourishes the spirits in the house, keeping them happy and attracting blessings not just of abundance but also of protection.
- When a home has been full of negativity, arguments, narcissism, abuse, or depression, you can break a pattern by breaking a mirror. The person doing the breaking looks into the mirror and states aloud what is coming to an end. This mirror should have resided in the house for some time, absorbing negative energies. Then place the mirror in a disposable bag and break it safely to break from the past. It's best to bury the shards of glass.
- Mirrors are seen as windows into the soul or reflections of your double. Keeping this in mind, you can ask your soul questions or ask to see something happening to your soul elsewhere, which may sound far-fetched, but no more so than seeing ghosts and spirits in the looking glass.
- Some say you can see a reflection of your past life if you stare into your own eyes and ask to view it. Stand close to a mirror and stare into your own eyes, and nothing else. As all else in the mirror floats away, ask, "What did I look like in my past life?" or "What did I look like in 1761?" and wait for the reveal. I tried this and saw an older Chinese man, which might explain my love of Asian decor.
- Some witches use mirrors for "glamoring", a term for changing one's appearance. Once a mirror is cleansed of all other energies, the witch gazes into it and projects what she wishes to see, as if it has already manifested. Once content with the visualization, the mirror is wrapped in black or red silk and safely tucked away. This ritual is repeated daily until changes in their appearance become visible. Afterward, hold the ceremony once every week or so, on Friday or Monday, to maintain her outward beauty. Hey. Positive thinking can do wonders.
- Additionally, because mirrors absorb energy, you can cast a powerful "spell" of happiness by standing in front of a mirror at home while feeling exceedingly satisfied, confident, joyful, or exhilarated.
Not everyone has a mirror hanging in their home. You can also scry by placing water in a dark bowl. Then use the bowl of water as a mirror. You can also make use of ponds, lakes, and wishing wells.
Also, see the Light & Mirrors Meditation for spiritual protection.
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