The Hidden Power of Mirrors: Ancient Superstitions and Magical Rituals That Still Work Today
- LumenDivinum
- Jun 10
- 10 min read
Mirrors have long been at the epicenter of superstitious beliefs, mostly associated with bad luck. I'm sure we’ve all accidently broken a mirror or dropped one at some point in our lives, and cringed at the thought of our grandmothers' words ringing true; and manifesting 7 years of bad luck…
On the other hand there are also cultures that believe, when a mirror breaks it is releasing bad luck or even negative energy such as curses...
Personally, I feel superstition, just like anything else is all about how much intention and power you give to it. Focusing on lucky or positive aspects of a situation will certainly bring about more positive physical manifestations.
Using Mirrors in Feng Shui
For example, in the Chinese practice of Feng Shui, they make use of a Bagua Mirror which combines the power of a concave mirror with the power of the Feng Shui Bagua. Mirrors are often used as ‘cures’ in Feng Shui because they can offer protection for your home and ward off evil spirits or bad Chi. There are many different Bagua Mirror variations and they are not all used for the same purpose. The symbols on the outer ring of your Bagua mirror will describe its purpose and placement in the home.
Magical Uses for Mirrors
As magickal objects, mirrors can be used for an array of esoteric purposes. They are powerful tools in many spiritual, and occult crafts and traditions, but are generally used for the following -
Divination or scrying
Spying or remote viewing
Opening, closing or clearing portals
They can also act as doorways or portals themselves
Trapping spirits and entities
Mirrors in the Bedroom
Another belief associated with mirrors is not to have them facing you while you sleep. This includes having a TV or other screen facing your bed while you sleep. (TV’s and screens are essentially black mirrors) This notion is popular among various belief systems and traditions. Having mirrors facing your bed, is believed to shock your astral body when it leaves to dream and travel the Astral Realms. Mirrors will prevent the soul from properly coming and going and cause trauma or night terrors etc. If you really can't help having one there, try covering it at night while you sleep.
If you do have mirrors and screens in the bedroom that are not facing your bed, it is still advised to cover these at night or before going to sleep. Especially if you suffer from nightmares, insomnia or spiritual warfare and attacks in the evenings. Children specifically could benefit from this practice if they battle to sleep alone, or are fearful of the dark. You should find the simple act of covering your mirrors to be very helpful in these situations. The reason being; is that it prevents dark practitioners and entities from using your mirrors to gain access to your space while you are asleep.
Death and Mirrors
On that note, covering mirrors with material or fabrics is an older custom that still takes place today. There could be a few reasons for this, but the two main ones include, that which we stated above, as well as after a death in the family. Some cultures traditions for mourning, require all the mirrors in the house to be covered for at least 3 days after the passing of a loved one. This is due to the belief that their soul may be lingering in the house or around the family, and looking in a mirror will trap the soul there for eternity, not allowing them to move on or to find peace.
Spiritual Practices and Uses for Mirrors
Below, I have included some easy ways to add mirrors into your spiritual practices; for those that are new to their craft, or just curious but simply don’t know where to start.
Sealing and Protecting Your Mirrors
Mirrors have long been thought of as portals to other dimensions or doorways to a specific world that mirrors ours, i.e. the place where our Doppelgangers live. I do believe there is some truth to this and that some people and entities are able to use mirrors as gateways into our space, just as we are able to use them to access different realities.
For this reason, it’s important to cleanse and seal your mirrors. While this may not seem like such a big step, the simple exercise of cleansing and consecrating your tools should be the foundation and basis of all spiritual rituals and workings. Especially when purchasing a second-hand item or mirror, to clear any previous energies or attachments.
How to Seal and Protect Your Mirrors
Cleansing is the first step in protecting your mirror. To do this you could use smoke such as incense, Sage or Palo Santo. Crystals such as Selenite or Kyanite will remove negativity from objects as well. Leave them on your mirror for 24 hours before starting with the next steps.
Your next step could include wiping the mirror down with a water and salt solution, or using Holy Water to bless it. Using cleansing sprays that are not oil-based is also an easy way to cleanse your mirror.
Once this is done and your mirror is sparkling, you can inscribe the back with a protective sigil, symbol or prayer to seal it, and ward off negative entities and uninvited visitors or spies.
Do this by painting, drawing, carving, or even printing a picture or prayer and sticking it on the back of your mirror. If you have no problem with people seeing these symbols, charms can also be used and stuck on your mirror's frame as décor.
The symbol/s you choose can be as simple or as intricate as you like. Whatever resonates with you.
Another option would be to use olive oil that has been blessed or prayed over, to anoint the back or front of your mirror.
Here are some basic and more popular options for protective symbols and sigils below –
Mirror Magick; Return to Sender Rituals
Mirrors can also be used in Return to Sender spells and rituals. Whereby you return hexes, curses, or ill intent that has been directed towards you, back to the original sender. Your ritual can be directed at a specific person or into the universe if you’re uncertain as to where your bad juju is coming from.
Method 1 - Return to Sender
To do this; set up a sacred space, get some candles, incense, crystals, and a photo or name of your target ( if you have that info).
Cleanse your area and your tools, including your mirror.
Mirrors used for spell work should not be used for other purposes and should be kept in a box / wrapped in cloth when not in use.
Next, ask your Angels/ Ancestors/ Guides / Deities for assistance in the work you’re about to do. *Remember, this is not black magick and you should not have bad intentions toward your target while doing this work. The goal is simply to return any misfortune directed at you, back to them*
If you do have a name or a photo of the person, make sure to stick it on the wall directly in front of you for this next step. Once you’re ready to start, hold the mirror up in front of you facing outward and say aloud –
“ NAME - I now return from me to you, all misfortune you wished me true.
No ill harm or intent come to me, return to sender three times three (3×3).
Universe grant my wishes true, as now I return what’s yours to you.
Blessed Be / Ase/ Aho/ Amen / So Mote It Be”
You can say this 3 times or more *in increments of 3.
Method 2 - Mirror Box Ritual
Another way of doing this, is to take a small box and line the inside with mirrors. This is known as a Mirror Box.
Place the subject's name inside the box, along with some herbs, crystals, or other items that could aid in your workings.
*Do some research. Placing items that belonged to the subject, or photographs of them inside the box, would naturally make this work more powerful.
Recite your spell once you are done and the box is closed, visualize the subject being surrounded with mirrors reflecting all their karma back at them.
Once done, you may like to bury this box or keep it somewhere out of sight, where it won't be disturbed.
Black Mirrors and Scrying
Black Mirrors are generally used for scrying purposes. These were originally made using black minerals such as Obsidian or Tourmaline, and originated in Ancient Greece. While true Black Mirrors are rare and expensive, they are still obtainable. However, normal handheld or compact mirrors can also be used for scrying and divination purposes, and they are much easier and cheaper to find. As an alternative to mirror scrying, one could also use a dark bowl with water to act as your reflective surface. Such methods of divination are known as catoptromancy and hydromancy respectively.
How to Use a Mirror for Scrying Purposes
Before starting divination or scrying work with a Mirror or any other tool, it is crucial to cleanse it and your space. Once that is done, you can begin by placing the mirror flat on the table in front of you.
Focus on your intent and ask a question while gazing into the mirror. This is done from an angle so you can see the glass but not your own reflection.
Stare as long as you feel the need or until you get answers.
The outcome and experiences with this exercise are of course, different for everyone and it may take a few tries before you get the answers you’re looking for or to see some results.
Keep in mind we may not get the answers we are expecting and they may come in a form we initially find hard to interpret or understand. Just keep at it and have fun!
When you are done using your mirror remember to wrap it up in material and pack it away.
The method for using water to scry is much the same. Use a dark bowl with fresh water and gaze into it at an angle.
Mirrors; Magick and The Moon
There are many esoteric practices that harness the energy of the Moon in their workings. The Moon has such a beautiful and powerful energy, that we as women specifically, can tap into and harness in our magickal workings. Representing the Divine Feminine, the Moon has been used for centuries in spell work, magick and rituals. Most practitioners follow the moon cycles to determine the best times for specific spells and rituals to be performed.
A simple way to utilize the Moon in your mirror magick, is to leave your mirror outside in the moonlight overnight (Full moon is best for charging it.)
Try to get the moon's image in your mirror. It will obviously change position throughout the night, but ideally, you need that moonlight to reflect into your mirror as much as possible.
Some people like to add crystals, pour special (cold) herbal teas or even moon water over their mirrors as a wash, or use oils to anoint them in order to enhance the power of their workings.
The options are endless, but I am a firm believer that you should always follow your intuition with your magick and do what feels right to you. Someone else’s recipe/ ritual is not necessarily what’s best.
Once your mirror has absorbed all that magickal moon energy, you can use it for rituals, consecrating sacred objects or for spells and other workings. Moon magick is powerful stuff!
Conclusion
I hope you found a new appreciation for using these fascinating tools in your craft and your everyday. Wishing you many moons of mirror magick to come!
Blessings,
Luna Sinclair ♥
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MIRRORS FAQ
What Superstitions Involve Mirrors?
Aside from breaking a mirror, there are a few lesser known superstitions involving these magickal objects. They are not simply a one-way reflection as we have become accustomed to believe. In older times, mirrors were thought of as portals or doorways to other realms, specifically to the realm where our doppelgangers live. Mirrors are also believed to be able to trap spirits or ghosts inside them.
How are Mirrors Used in Magic?
Mirrors can be used for various purposes in your craft, such as return to sender spells, spying, divination, communicating with the deceased, and even as doorways to other realms.
What is a Black Mirror?
Black mirrors originated in Ancient Greece and were used by Seers and Oracles. These were created from black glass or minerals such as Obsidian, which gave them their dark reflective surface. While these mirrors are still around today, they are expensive. Some people make imitation black mirrors using black glass which is a cheaper alternative, and alot easier to come by. Black mirrors are used mostly for scrying and receiving messages from the beyond.
Why do Some People Cover Their Mirrors?
In some cultures, covering mirrors in the home is customary after a death in the family. This ancient superstition is believed to protect the souls of the deceased from being trapped in mirrors, keeping them stuck on the earthly plane and unable to move on. Other reasons for covering the mirrors in your home relate to sleep purposes. Many people choose to cover the mirrors and screens in their bedroom before bedtime, to ensure a peaceful sleep and prevent spiritual intrusion and nightmares.
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