When attempting to learn more about and apply the principles of feng shui in their life, many people are drawn to the use of mirrors, believing that this is one of the most basic necessities of this art. However, is this really the case? Do real experts use mirrors in feng shui applications today? How exactly to they work to encourage positive energy in your home, if at all? Lets take a look at some of these thoughts before you run out and purchase a whole set of mirrors for your own home.

The Ancient Use of Mirrors in Feng Shui

Many people understand that feng shui is a harmonious balance of what it refers to as the five elements ” wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. These elements either feed one another or destroy one another; for example, wood feeds fire, but water destroys it. Water feeds wood, but metal destroys wood, and so on. There needs to be a balance between these elements for true feng shui.

In the early times, the mirrors were commonly used in Feng Shui to bring in the metal element. For example a room which had more of earth (like the earthy hues or live plants) could be balanced by introducing the metal in a convenient way.

The use of a mirror in feng shui makes sense in these kinds of spaces, making a dark room seem more sunny and bright and opening up the space since earth tones can make a room claustrophobic feeling.

Todays Use of Mirrors in Feng Shui

However, there is a big difference between this ancient practice and the modern-day use of mirrors in feng shui, and that big difference is that there is typically no real metal used in todays mirrors. Most are a form of modified plastic and other chemicals. You could rightly call them a type of placebo, just faking the introduction of the metal element.

So in this age, how should one use mirrors in feng shui? Simply put, the same way as they are used in any design or decoration scheme: to make rooms seem larger and brighter and spread light around a room, offsetting any closed in, claustrophobia inducing decor.

Mirrors in feng shui are also introduced simply for their decorative value. Feng shui holds that art should be enjoyed for its own sake rather than ascribing spiritual benefit to it. Mirrors are, in feng shui, decoration and should be enjoyed as such. They are not usually made of the metal element in our age and should not be considered as such for the purposes of feng shui.

Finally, in case you are using mirrors for Feng Shui, then please understand that you will need to include a separate metal element; however you can still use them in a dimly lit room where some light is needed or dark corners which need some light.

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