Mirrors are regarded as one of the most powerful and simple tools in Vastu Shastra. When used correctly, they have the ability to attract fortunes, wealth, and happiness. However, if placed in violation of Vastu guidelines, mirrors can become a magnet for misfortunes, poverty, and unhappiness. In Vastu Shastra, mirrors are believed to attract and repel positive energy while sucking up negative energies. Depending on their placement, a mirror in a home or business establishment has the capability of doubling prosperity, sending positive energies away, or sucking up negative energies.
Mirrors represent the water element, which is linked to flow, expansion, and reflection. They can boost positive energy, attract prosperity, and balance a space when placed correctly. Conversely, if mirrors are placed where the water element is weak or in an inimical zone, they can negatively impact all water-related zones, affecting health and career the most. Mirrors hold the ability to enhance energy flow, correct spatial imbalances, and reflect positive energies back into a living environment.
Ideal Directions for Mirror Placement
According to Vastu principles, specific directions support the energy of mirrors, while others create disturbances. The placement of mirrors should align with the natural flow of energy to ensure harmony and prosperity.
- North and East: These zones align with growth, prosperity, and positive energy. Placing mirrors on walls in these directions enhances these benefits. The North and East are considered ideal for mirrors, wall clocks, glass showpieces, and decorative items that reflect light.
- Water and Air Zones: Mirrors work well in these areas as they support natural energy flow.
Directions to Avoid for Mirror Placement
Certain directions are considered inimical to the water element represented by mirrors. Placing mirrors in these zones can disrupt energy balance and lead to instability.
- South: A mirror here can disrupt energy balance and lead to instability.
- Southeast (SE): Mirrors below four feet are considered fine in this zone. If placing large mirrors here, it is recommended to use red tape on the edges, a wooden frame, or red paint on the back to neutralize negative effects.
- Southwest (SW): To harmonize energy in this zone, a golden frame or yellow paint on the back of the mirror is recommended.
- West: To align with this zone’s energy, the back of the mirror should be painted white or grey.
Vastu Tips for Mirror Placement
Following specific rules ensures that mirrors contribute to positive and progressive energy within a space.
- Shape: Square or rectangular shape mirrors are considered best as they symbolize stability.
- Height: All mirrors should be placed at least 4 to 5 feet above the floor.
- Fish Aquarium: If a fish aquarium is present at home, it should be kept in the North or East direction.
Mirrors in Specific Areas of the Home
Different areas of the home serve distinct purposes and have unique energy requirements. Mirrors must be placed accordingly to avoid overstimulation or energy drainage.
Living Room
- Do: Place mirrors on the North or East wall.
- Don’t: Avoid placing mirrors behind the main seating area or facing the main door.
- Tip: A mirror reflecting greenery or a painting can uplift the room’s energy.
Bedroom
- Do: If a mirror is necessary, place it inside a wardrobe or cover it when not in use.
- Don’t: Avoid mirrors facing the bed or ceiling mirrors.
- Tip: Always keep mirrors covered at night.
- Warning: Wall-sized or ceiling mirrors in the bedroom can lead to overstimulation of mental energy, lack of focus, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Mirrors should never reflect the bed.
Bathroom
- Do: Place mirrors above the washbasin or on the North/East wall.
- Don’t: Avoid mirrors on the bathroom door or outside the bathroom facing other rooms. Avoid mirrors reflecting the toilet or clutter, as this increases negative energy.
- Tip: Proper placement prevents energy drainage.
Kitchen
- Do: Avoid mirrors in the kitchen altogether.
- Why: The kitchen represents fire (Agni), while mirrors represent water (Jal Tatva), creating a fundamental elemental conflict.
Mirrors in Cupboards and Lockers
Mirrors inside storage units also have specific Vastu applications regarding wealth and stability.
- North: A mirror inside the locker attracts wealth and prosperity.
- West: Enhances financial stability.
- Southeast (SE) or SSE: Avoid placing mirrors inside lockers located in these directions.
Common Mirror Placements to Avoid
Certain configurations of mirrors are universally regarded as harmful to the energy of a space.
- Multiple Mirrors Facing Each Other: Placing mirrors so that they reflect one another creates an infinite energy loop. This can confuse the energy flow in the home, leading to mental chaos, restlessness, and disharmony.
- Mirrors Facing the Main Door: Mirrors that reflect the main entrance are generally avoided because they are believed to push positive energy out of the home.
- Mirror Walls: Wall-sized or ceiling mirrors in study rooms or bedrooms should be avoided as they can lead to overstimulation and lack of focus.
Remedial Measures for Incorrect Mirror Placement
If mirrors are already placed in inimical zones or incorrect positions, specific remedies can be applied to neutralize negative effects rather than removing the mirror entirely.
- South Wall Mirror: If a mirror is on the South wall, the remedy involves either removing the mirror or covering it with a curtain. Placing a green plant nearby or using a wooden frame can also help neutralize negative effects.
- Southeast (SE) Large Mirrors: Use red tape on the edges, a wooden frame, or red paint on the back.
- Southwest (SW) Mirrors: Use a golden frame or yellow paint on the back.
- West Mirrors: Paint the back white or grey.
Advanced Concepts and Elemental Balance
Vastu Shastra emphasizes the balance of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. Mirrors, representing the water element (Jal Tatva), interact dynamically with these elements.
- Kitchen Conflict: The kitchen represents the fire element (Agni). Placing mirrors in the kitchen disrupts the elemental balance because water and fire are antagonistic. This is why mirrors are generally strictly avoided in cooking areas.
- Reflecting Greenery: In the living room, placing a mirror to reflect greenery or a painting is considered beneficial. This practice amplifies the positive energy of nature and adds a layer of vibrancy to the space.
- Crystal-Embedded Mirrors: Some traditions suggest mirrors embedded with crystals, such as amethyst or rose quartz, can amplify positive energies and mitigate negativity. These are often placed in areas where one seeks to enhance emotional well-being and love.
Seasonal Adjustments and Cosmic Alignment
Vastu is not static; it adapts to natural cycles. Adjusting the placement of mirrors according to seasonal changes can be beneficial. During winter, reflecting light sources to combat darkness and enhance warmth in the space is a practical application of Vastu principles.
Furthermore, the invocation of cosmic harmony is often part of Vastu practices. The mantra "Om Shree Vastu Purushaya Namah" is used to invoke the Vastu deity, inviting harmony and balance to the space.
Addressing Misconceptions
There are common misconceptions regarding mirrors in Vastu that can lead to improper usage.
- Mirrors as Pure Decoration: While mirrors add aesthetic appeal, their placement and orientation significantly impact energy flow. Recognizing this dual role is crucial for effective Vastu correction.
- All Mirrors Are the Same: The type and shape of mirrors play a vital role. As noted, square and rectangular shapes are preferred for stability, while other shapes may not provide the same grounding energy.
Summary of Mirror Attributes by Direction
To provide a clear reference for the interaction of mirrors with different zones, the following table summarizes the effects and necessary adjustments based on the source data.
| Direction | Placement Suitability | Recommended Adjustments / Specific Use |
|---|---|---|
| North | Ideal | Attracts wealth and prosperity. Good for lockers and living areas. |
| East | Ideal | Enhances growth and positive energy. Good for living areas. |
| West | Neutral / Requires Adjustment | Paint the back white or grey. Good for financial stability in lockers. |
| South | Avoid | Disrupts energy balance. If present, cover with curtain, use wooden frame, or place a green plant nearby. |
| Southeast (SE) | Caution | Mirrors below 4 feet are fine. Large mirrors need red tape, wooden frame, or red paint on back. Avoid inside lockers. |
| Southwest (SW) | Caution | Use a golden frame or yellow paint on the back to harmonize energy. |
| Kitchen | Avoid | Represents Fire (Agni), conflicting with Water (Jal) element of mirrors. |
Conclusion
Mirrors are potent tools within the science of Vastu Shastra, capable of either amplifying prosperity or attracting discord based on their placement and treatment. The fundamental principle is to align the water element of the mirror with the appropriate directional energies of the home. Placing square or rectangular mirrors on North or East walls, ensuring they are hung at least 4 to 5 feet above the floor, and using them to reflect positive imagery such as greenery are practices that support the flow of positive energy. Conversely, avoiding mirrors in the kitchen, keeping them covered in bedrooms, and preventing them from facing each other or the main entrance are critical to preventing energy disturbances. When mirrors are inadvertently misplaced, remedies such as specific paint colors on the back of the mirror, wooden frames, or the strategic placement of plants can help neutralize negative effects. By adhering to these guidelines, homeowners and business owners can utilize mirrors to create a balanced, harmonious, and prosperous environment.