Superstitions have always played a big role in different cultures around the world, shaping how people see and interact with their surroundings. And while superstitious beliefs may not always be based on truth, I personally think there’s a little bit of truth in every superstition. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been made up!
If you’ve been feeling uncomfortable or restless in your bedroom, if you often have bad dreams, or are struggling to get good sleep, it might be worth taking a look at the vibe and layout of your sleeping space. Specifically, take a second to check if having a mirror facing directly across from your bed could be contributing to those issues.
Superstitions
The deal with not having mirrors face the bed goes back a long time in lots of cultures. In China, India, and Europe, they all had their own versions of it being a bad idea.
- In Europe, people used to think that mirrors are portals to other worlds. They thought if you slept in front of one, not only would you have bad dreams but maybe even wake up somewhere else!
- In China, they had a different idea. Their belief was that if you snoozed in front of a mirror, it would double all your problems. Whatever issues you had in life would be multiplied in the reflection.
- In India, people would cover up or wrap any mirrors in their homes after sunset. They were worried that leaving mirrors exposed at night could let your soul escape from your body while you’re sleeping!
Soul Capturing
Throughout history, people have believed that mirrors can actually trap souls inside them. Even in old books, mirrors were described as being like portals to other dimensions or worlds. While we may not know exactly why, it’s likely because, in the past, we didn’t fully understand how mirrors work.
Because of these beliefs, if you put a mirror in front of your bed, it could potentially cause problems while you sleep. Your soul may get caught in the mirror or disrupted as it tries to rest. This could then lead to you feeling uneasy or having bad dreams.
When we sleep, our body rests, but our soul goes elsewhere. However, if a mirror is facing your bed, it could trap your soul and take it to another place. Or it might stop your soul from being able to move freely, keeping it stuck in your body when you need to relax.
Negative Energy
When it comes to feng shui, the idea is all about balancing people and their surroundings. A big part of that is something called “qi,” which is the energy flow. Feng shui believes that if you have a mirror facing your bed, it may interfere with the circulation of good energy. That could then lead to problems with your health or relationships.
Feng shui recommends setting up your bedroom for maximum relaxation. This means using calm, cozy colors and adding nice touches like candles and comfy pillows. It’s also about arranging everything around and in front of the bed in a harmonious way.
If you put a mirror in front of your bed, that’s basically asking for trouble. It can negatively impact both the quality of your sleep and your overall vibes.
Infidelity Concerns
Having a mirror in the bedroom that shows the bed isn’t great for relationships, either! Some people think it could invite issues with cheating or other people interfering since it’s like letting outside influences into your intimate space.
Spiritually, if you and your partner can see yourselves in a mirror while in bed, it looks like there are four people there – or really, four souls sharing the same place. And that’s definitely not something you want! Who needs extra souls hanging out while you’re trying to be close with your person?
Cultural Significance
- Chinese Feng Shui: Feng shui practitioners believe that mirrors create a sense of duality, which could disrupt the calmness required in a bedroom. A mirror facing the bed is thought to amplify negative energy rather than reflecting it away.
- Indian Beliefs: In Indian culture, mirrors are sometimes covered at night or when someone is ill to prevent bad spirits from entering through them. A mirror facing the bed might be seen as an open portal for negative entities.
- European Traditions: European superstitions associate mirrors with the mystical and the unknown. Placing a mirror across from the bed might have been thought to invite unwanted energies or spirits into the sleeping space.
Why Is It Bad To Sleep In Front of A Mirror?
Mirrors act as gateways between the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing spirits to pass through while we sleep. When our consciousness is lowered during sleep, it’s thought that our souls can become detached or trapped in the mirror dimension.
Nightmares and disturbed sleep are a common complaint. Staring at your reflection right before bed may activate your mind instead of relaxing it. Then, seeing your image in the mirror while asleep can cause confusion and creepy dreams. People say they have night terrors and sleepwalks and wake up feeling unrested when a mirror is in their bedroom.
- Cover The Mirror: If moving the mirror isn’t an option, consider covering it with a cloth or curtain before bedtime. This helps neutralize the mirror’s reflecting properties while maintaining the aesthetic of the room.
- Mirror Placement: If you must have a mirror in the bedroom, ensure it’s positioned where it doesn’t directly reflect the bed. Opt for wall-mounting at an angle or on a side wall.
- Use Mirrored Furniture Thoughtfully: If your bedroom includes mirrored furniture, be mindful of their placement. Position them so that they don’t reflect the bed directly.
- Balance And Harmony: Focus on feng shui principles that encourage balance and harmony in the bedroom. Use soothing colors and comfortable bedding, and declutter the space to encourage positive energy flow.
My Advice
Mirrors in the bedroom have some downsides for sure, but they also have some benefits. If you really don’t want one in the bedroom, there are definitely other spots in the home where a mirror could be great.
The kitchen, dining room, or hallway are great options. Just make sure if it’s in the hallway that it’s not right across from the door. Placing mirrors in those kinds of areas is thought to bring good luck and attract money into the home. If you’ve got an extra mirror lying around, you might consider setting it up in one of those rooms instead of the bedroom.