Mirrors are one of those things in Feng Shui that have the ability to create unbelievable confusion. Ask any practitioner or hobbyist what they know about using mirrors and you will likely get a myriad of answers, mostly contradictory.
In BTB Feng Shui mirrors are used in many different ways. Here are a few suggestions:
• Mirrors can be used to reflect the outdoors into the home. For example it might bring the image of sunlight, water, or a beautiful vista into the home.
• Mirrors can symbolically 'move' a poorly placed room, such as a master bedroom or a kitchen that is too close to the front of the house.
• Mirrors can draw things in, make things disappear and deflect negative Ch'i.
• Mirrors create space where it is tight. Creating the illusion of more space can help us to feel more open to possibilities.
And a few myths:
• Myth #1, mirrors should never be used in the bedroom. While I know that this is commonly taught in some schools, Professor Lin did not espouse this idea and, in fact, often used mirrors for specific cures in the bedroom. My rule of thumb, if you sleep well, the mirror is probably fine, if you don't, try removing it or covering it at night
• Myth #2, a mirror at the front door will bounce all of the Ch'i back outdoors, robbing the home of vital energy. If you look at a mirror what do you see? You see a reflection of whatever is in front of it, a virtual recreation of whatever it is reflecting. Therefore, if the mirror is reflecting the outdoors, you are symbolically bringing the outdoors in through the reflected image. Sometimes a mirror at the front door is exactly what is needed.
And some general rules:
If a mirror will regularly reflect the image of the people in a space it must reflect as much of them as possible, and must never cut off the image of someone's head.
Care should be taken when using mirrors that are 'broken' into panels, are mosaic, or are distorted. These mirrors can distort our own self image, both literally and figuratively.
Pay attention to what your mirror is reflecting. You don't want to double the clutter or bring the messy yard next door into your living room.
I have heard it said that mirrors are Feng Shui aspirin, since it seems like they are used for any problem. While they are a common 'cure' for many Feng Shui ailments they should be used with care and attention, as well as strong intention.
Just something to reflect upon.
Namaste