Why Place a Mirror Above the Fireplace According to Feng Shui
In feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment, placing a mirror above a fireplace is often recommended. This is because mirrors represent the water feng shui element, which can balance and complement the fire element represented by the fireplace.
According to feng shui principles, each area of the home corresponds with one of the five feng shui elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood. The fireplace embodies the fire element, which is associated with energy, passion and brightness. However, too much fire energy can cause aggression, intensity and burnout. This is why feng shui suggests placing a mirror above the fireplace, as the reflective surface symbolizes water energy. Water energy helps calm the fiery energy and creates a balancing flow. Together, water and fire produce a harmonious cycle of energy.
In this way, hanging a mirror above the mantel serves an important energetic purpose, supporting the overall feng shui goals of promoting balance, comfort and positive chi energy in the home. A mirror reflects light and energy, activating the space. This is especially beneficial for a fireplace, which can otherwise create turbulence that disturbs the ideal tranquil feng shui environment. A mirror also expands the space visually, opening it up for better energy flow. Following feng shui mirror placement principles above the fireplace can allow the area to feel more peaceful, balanced and auspicious.
Mirrors Represent the Water Element
In feng shui, the fireplace represents the fire element. Fire brings passion and warmth, but in excess it can also burn out of control. The water element balances fire and prevents it from becoming destructive. Water nourishes the fire element, letting it provide comfort without becoming overwhelming.
Mirrors are associated with the water element in feng shui. The reflective surface is calm and still like a tranquil pond. When placed above the fireplace, mirrors bring the qualities of water to balance the flames. The interplay of water and fire promotes harmony and stability. Just as water controls fire in nature, a mirror above the mantel can regulate the fire energy within a home. It encourages vitality without risk of excess.
The reflective properties of the mirror also represent water on a symbolic level. Like water, mirrors provide a clear reflection. They reveal truths and bring consciousness of oneself. In spiritual traditions across the world, water represents consciousness and insight. By thoughtfully placing a mirror above the hearth, it activates the water element to stimulate greater self-awareness and introspection.
Guidelines Based on Bagua Map
The Bagua map is a key tool used in feng shui to identify the elemental energies present in different parts of your home. To properly choose a mirror for above your fireplace, first identify the feng shui element associated with the sector or area of your home where the fireplace is located.
The Bagua map divides your floorplan into nine equal sections, with each section corresponding to one of the five feng shui elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The central ‘tai chi’ section of the map represents balance.
To find the element for your fireplace area, overlay the Bagua map onto your floorplan. Mark where the fireplace sits within the nine sectors. This will reveal its corresponding feng shui element.
Knowing the element provides guidance on the best mirror to install above the fireplace based on elemental interactions. The right mirror can activate positive chi energy by balancing the elements present.
Small Mirrors for Fire Element
In feng shui, the fire element is associated with the actual flames, heat, and light generated by the fireplace. The fire element represents passion, creativity, and feelings of joy. However, too much fire energy can also cause agitation and intensity.
Placing a small mirror above a fireplace can provide just the right gentle enhancement of fire energy in that area of your home. The reflective surface of the mirror brings in additional fire energy from the flickering flames and warm glow of the fire. A round or oval shape works best for a small fireplace mirror, as these shapes relate to the fire element.
The ideal diameter for a round fireplace mirror is 24-36 inches. Make sure the mirror is in proportion to the size of the fireplace opening. A mirror that is too large or small will look out of place. The best location is directly above the mantel or fireplace opening. Having the bottom edge of the mirror align with the top edge of the mantel provides balance.
A beautiful small mirror can make an impressive focal point above a fireplace. Allow the mirror to reflect the enticing light and movement of the fire. When you want to tone down the fire energy, simply cover or remove the mirror. This flexible feng shui enhancement with a mirror gives you control over the amount of passion and warmth infused into an area.
Mirrors for Metal Element
The metal element in feng shui is associated with white and metallic colors, rounded shapes, and energy related to creativity and children. Hanging a nicely framed mirror in the metal element sector of your home can help promote positive feng shui.
According to traditional feng shui principles, the metal element controls the energy flow between the fire and wood elements. Placing a mirror in the metal sector helps contain and balance the energy flow between the fireplace and the rest of the home’s wood element decor. The reflective qualities of a mirror enhance the metal energy.
Round mirrors work especially well for balancing the metal feng shui element near a fireplace. Seek out silver, pewter, or gold toned frames to align with the white and metallic color scheme. Add candlesticks, vases, bowls or other rounded decor items nearby to complement the shapes and finishes.
Follow your bagua map to properly situate a mirror in the children and creativity areas of your home. When positioned thoughtfully, a mirror can help nourish and circulate these vital energies.
Large Mirrors for Wood Element
The wood element in feng shui is associated with growth, expansion, creativity, and new beginnings. Having a fireplace located in a wood element sector of your home can stimulate too much energy and lead to restlessness or overexpansion.
Placing a large mirror above the fireplace in a wood element sector is an excellent feng shui cure to help counterbalance this surplus energy. The expansive size and reflective properties of the mirror serve to interrupt and slow down the constant upward movement of the wood element. This creates a stabilizing effect so growth and change happen at a steady, sustainable pace instead of spinning out of control.
The size of the mirror is important – it must be large enough to make a visual impact and clearly dominate the space above the fireplace. A wide horizontal mirror can work very well. Go as big as your space allows. The large mirror becomes a focal point anchoring the energy in the room.
Whenever feng shui principles come into conflict or things seem out of balance, finding the right mirror for your fireplace can improve the flow of chi and restore harmony. The reflective qualities of a mirror can mediate the cycles of the five feng shui elements. A properly chosen mirror stabilizes wood energy so it unfolds gracefully over time.
Neutral Energy Mirrors
In the feng shui bagua map, the earth and water areas of your home or room refer to the southwest, northeast, and north quadrants. These feng shui areas correspond to the earth and water elements.
When placing a mirror above a fireplace that’s located in the earth or water areas, it’s best to choose a mirror that creates neutral energy. The goal is to find balance and avoid amplifying the earth and water elements too much.
Some tips for neutral energy mirrors in earth and water feng shui areas:
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Round or oval mirrors work well since their shapes evoke neutrality.
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Go for medium sized mirrors, not too large or small. Overly large mirrors can energize the space too much.
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Pick plain mirrors without ornate frames. Fancy frames introduce the metal element which may disrupt the earth and water balance.
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Light earth tones and ocean blues are calming, neutral colors for mirror frames. Avoid black or red colored frames.
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If decorating the mirror, use minimal accents like a small plant or neutral colored candle. Don’t clutter the mirror.
The key is finding a mirror that doesn’t drastically charge up the earth or water energies, but instead promotes harmony and balance. Then you can allow the natural energies of the southwest, northeast or north to flow smoothly.
Avoid Inauspicious Reflections
When positioning a mirror above your fireplace, it’s important to avoid reflecting any inauspicious areas or “poison arrows” that can bring negative chi into the space. Poison arrows are straight pathways or hallways that aim directly at your front door or important rooms like the bedroom or home office. Having a mirror reflect these arrows will amplify the negative energy coming towards you.
Similarly, you’ll want to position the mirror so it doesn’t reflect back any areas associated with bad feng shui, like the bathroom door or views of cluttered or messy rooms. The bathroom and kitchen are considered “draining” spaces that can drain your energy, so reflecting them can be disruptive. You’ll also want to avoid reflecting overly bright lights, which creates too much Yang energy.
Take the time to observe what areas of your home the potential mirror placement above your fireplace would be reflecting back. Make adjustments to the height or angle as needed so the mirror avoids amplifying any inauspicious spaces, poison arrows, or overly bright lights. This will ensure the mirror can generate good chi and positive energy when placed above your mantel or fireplace.
Choosing a Fireplace Mirror
The shape and style of your fireplace mirror can impact the feng shui energy it promotes. Selecting a mirror shape based on the feng shui elements associated with different forms is recommended.
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Round or oval mirrors represent the metal element and are good choices for the west and northwest areas. They promote helpful, nourishing energy.
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Square or rectangular mirrors match the earth element in the northeast, southwest and center areas. They encourage stability and balance.
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Irregular, wavy mirrors connect to the water element in the north and east. They cultivate calm, fluid chi.
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Triangular mirrors relate to the fire element in the south, southeast and east. They generate warmth and light.
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Mirrors with angles and corners suit the wood element in the east and southeast. They stimulate active, growing energy.
Consider both feng shui and personal style when picking a fireplace mirror shape so it enhances the space as well as your decor. The right form can bring good chi and design harmony.
Personal Taste
Though using feng shui principles for hanging mirrors is important, your own style and preferences also matter when choosing a mirror for above your mantel. Consider what colors, shapes and sizes you find most appealing. A large ornate gold frame may bring the fire element, while a small simple silver frame exudes the metal element. The mirror and frame should fit your decor and reflect your tastes. Don’t be afraid to choose something different than what strict feng shui guidelines suggest if it speaks to you and your home’s aesthetic. The right balance and flow of chi energy relies partly on the occupant feeling comfortable and happy in the space. Let your inner spirit guide you to a mirror you feel naturally drawn to, while also applying good feng shui practices. With an open mind and a mirror that resonates with you, you can achieve both energy balancing and beautiful decoration above your fireplace.
