Dear Caroline: I have read how important mirrors are in feng shui. How would you suggest I use them in my house?


This is a tricky question. Mirrors are considered a water element. Water flows without restriction when it is left to its own devices. In order for water to flow in the career section, which is usually the front door, one must keep that area free of clutter and place mirrors strategically.

Most Feng Shui Masters use the magic mirror cure. My study comes from the Black Hat Sect tradition of this art of placement. Since mirrors reflect, they can be used to draw in positive forces such as water and mountain "chi" or energy or repel negative energy. Water nourishes the career 'gua'. Water lets money flow into you space, so a large mirror can be placed to reflect the dining table and double your blessing. Food nourishes our bodies and keeps us healthy to allow us to make a living. You are certainly prosperous if there is food on your table.

Annoying neighbors can be a source of drained energy. But, please be sure who is bothering whom. Who's dog is barking? Who's noise level is loudest? Before we adjust the reflective convex protective mirror, I want to make sure who is the responsible party. Also, why are you allowing this person to take so much of your time and energy.?Thoughts are powerful and blame can slow down your life's journey.

"Pushing back walls" with mirrors may be necessary to complete a "missing section" of your home. The most auspicious floor plan is a square or rectangle shaped blueprint. But odd shaped houses can be U, boot-shaped, knife-shaped, etc. Please come to see me before you draw up that dream home - it can become a nightmare if several pieces of the floor plan are missing.

Preventing surprises is another cure used for all wallunit computer bases. The design of these beautiful units are very unfriendly since they face the wall. After a long day at these stations, you feel punished as if sitting in a corner for an infraction from a six grade teacher. Desks should face towards the interior of a room for health and wealth purposes. With a properly positioned mirror work can be accomplished with less strain and stress, creating a healthy visual sense of distance so chi can circulate freely keeping the energy flowing from room to room.

Mirrors, no matter what the use, should never be hung so they "cut off the head" of the tallest member in the family. Headaches can occur from misplaced mirrors.

On occasion I have placed mirrors under beds facing downward or upward in apartments, townhouses and condos with good results, sending negative energy back to the source, freeing tenants of unwanted thoughts and feelings.

Mirror rules for bedrooms are one or less. There are many reasons, too numerous to mention, but using grandmother's old dresser can be good or bad.

Water in the presence of home, offices, businesses and restaurants draw in money. Hanging this reflective cure brings the business a money-giving chi, especially if in view of a river lake or harbor. Adding a fish tank or a fountain to certain areas of the business can supply the much needed source for a successful income. Though make sure any water source is clean & bubbling.

Mirrors can be laid flat to create a reflective water cure with fish or statues of choice sitting on the top to bring in good energy. Some homes need several mirrors to add a more relaxed and calming effect. Others maybe one. if it feels right it probably is. if not, why not treat yourself or family to a feng shui consultation?

copyright 2000, Caroline Patrick. All rights reserved.