Pic by Kelsey Booth
We all have mirrors in our homes. Who knew that they could be haunted? Do you remember when we were kids and there was this word of mouth legend about standing in front of a mirror and repeating the name “Bloody Mary” until a vengeful spirit appeared? I did it at school in 4th grade and I swear I saw something starting to form in the mirror before I ran out of the bathroom. Anyone else?
Photo by Stefano Pollio
Mirrors have always had a mystique in the paranormal realm, often believed to be portals to other dimensions. The fascination with mirrors and their connection to the supernatural can be traced back through many cultures for centuries. This column will delve into the folklore, superstitions and explore the role and history of mirrors in the paranormal.
Throughout history, mirrors have been considered more than just reflective surfaces. The first mirrors were pools of water, as illustrated in the Greek legend of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own image and drowned while staring at himself. Interestingly, there are some scientific studies indicating that people see weird things after staring at themselves in the mirror for a while. I guess that explains the Kardashians.
In folklore and the media mirrors are associated as doorways to the spirit world. Some cultures even believe that mirrors can capture and hold spirits or serve as a doorway for entities to come into our world. This belief has led to many rituals centered around mirrors, with some even using them as tools for communication with the deceased. The idea of mirrors holding a connection to one’s soul has persisted across time and cultures.
Photo by Tuva Mathilde Løland on Unsplash
Scrying mirrors: That is not a typo. It‘s not crying, it’s scrying mirrors. The concept of scrying, or gazing into reflective surfaces to see the unknown, has deep historical roots. Mirrors have been used for scrying in various cultures, for centuries, with practitioners seeking insights into the future and glimpses of other realms and facilitating communication with spirits.
Pic from Ebay. Yes, you can go buy a scrying mirror
In some instances people have had very disturbing interactions with scrying mirrors that left them emotionally scarred for a very long time. If you get a chance, the Haunted Objects podcast featuring Greg and Dana Newkirk, has an episode, Season 1, episode 2, that discusses the history of a particular scrying mirror. Based on that episode, I have no interest in ever looking into a scrying mirror for the rest of my life. Look it up and listen. It’s a great paranormal podcast.
The legendary psychic, Nostradamus was said to have used a mirror for his psychic visions, adding to the notoriety surrounding mirrors and the supernatural.
Pic from OpenArt
Mirrors have also played a role in various cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Feng Shui, the Chinese belief of harmonizing energy in spaces, often involves the strategic positioning of mirrors to enhance a positive energy flow.
Similarly, some believe that mirrors can ward off evil spirits when they are placed facing outward, reflecting negativity away from a space. Just the other day I saw an example of that when watching a video from a local paranormal investigation group. If you watch the video, just after the 9 minute mark, during an investigation, they decided to turn a mirror to face the wall to decrease the chance of another entity entering the already haunted home.
Pic from New Scientist.com
Whether serving as portals to other dimensions, tools for divination, or sources of fear and fascination, mirrors have transcended their practical purpose to become symbols of the unknown. As we gaze into these reflective surfaces, we are reminded that the boundary between our world and the supernatural is often blurred, leaving room for wonder and awe in the face of the unexplained.
So what do you think? Are mirrors portals to the unknown? Are they dangerous when in the wrong hands? Have you ever seen something disturbing in a mirror?
Thanks for reading! ~Phil
