Which Mirrors
for Witch’s Mirrors?
There are many kinds of mirrors, so how will you possibly know where to begin looking for your own witch’s mirror? What attributes does each kind of mirror have? Which mirror works best for the kind of magic you will be doing? Never fear: this chapter is your jumping-off point! Let’s take a look at the different kinds of witch’s mirrors and enchanted looking glasses and learn the reasons for different kinds of mirrors and how the size, shape, and even the curve of the mirror’s surface indicates the best magical use for each.
You can buy mirrors and enchant them for your magical purpose, you can make your own, or you can add your own crafty and artistically witchy elements to a storebought mirror, making it unique. Whether you want your mirror to be a hands-on project from start to finish or you prefer to purchase a gorgeous mirror and enchant it for your purpose, you need to know about the different kinds of mirrors and what magical powers they possess.
Silver Mirror, Black Mirror
The two most common colors you’ll see of glass witch’s mirrors are black and silver. Both types of mirror are made out of glass, with the difference being the kind of coating on the back of the mirror.
Silver Mirrors
While modern silver mirrors don’t have actual silver in the reflective coating like some antique ones do, the modern counterparts are still referred to as silver, and the coating on the back of the glass is called “silvering” as a reference to the original method of making glass mirrors with shiny, reflective silver or mercury backs.
Silver mirrors, whether antique or modern, are associated with the full moon, the Mother Goddess, sunlit water, beauty, and self-esteem. A silver mirror is typically used for magic to multiply, reflect, send energy, protect, beautify, and more. Silver mirrors can reflect or draw in positive or negative energy, depending on how you choose to enchant it with your own magical intention.
Black Mirrors
Black mirrors are exactly what they sound like: a clear glass surface with the back coated in black instead of silver. A black mirror offers an entirely different kind of reflective surface than a silver mirror does. You wouldn’t want to try to fix your eyeliner in the reflection of a black mirror—you’d likely poke yourself right in the eye! Nope, it’s not that kind of mirror.
What kind of mirror is it, you ask? A black mirror is a primal thing harkening back to the ancient obsidian mirrors, full of deep mystery, and the darkened pools where the Greeks talked to spirits. Black mirrors are designed to mimic those reflecting pools of old, which were the first mirrors. When modern landscapers set up artificial reflecting pools, the inside is usually black, as this creates a more natural-looking pool with lovely, deep reflections.
The most common use for a black mirror is scrying, but it can also be used for viewing past lives, astral travel, contacting spirits, or remote viewing. The mirror can be set up on a stand or easel facing the viewer, or it can be laid flat on the workspace as a reminder of its watery counterpart. Fancy black mirrors are available in most metaphysical shops and online. A black mirror is also pretty simple to create yourself, as I’ll discuss in chapter 6.
Using the psychomanteum technique, both black scrying mirrors and silver mirrors can be used to communicate with those who have passed on to the next world.
reflections of
real witches:
Charlynn Walls
Using a Witch’s Scrying Mirror
The witch’s mirror is an invaluable tool that is versatile in how a person can adapt it to their own personal use. My personal preference is to utilize my own for scrying or for meditative work during the dark of the moon, which is a good time to reveal what is hidden from view or explore what is just below the surface of our conscious self.
In order to see what is obscured from my sight, I set up my altar in a way that is conducive to a meditative state of mind. I want to be as comfortable as possible in order to easily slip into the proper frame of mind. I set up the mirror so that it is comfortably at eye level. I also set out a journal and pen so I can record anything that I glimpse in the reflection of my mirror.
Burning a bit of sandalwood is beneficial to help me focus and create the magickal mindset. I also get a black candle to set off to the side, where I can just catch a glimpse of it. I then try to look past that point into the center of the mirror. The slight flicker of the candlelight and wisps of smoke reflected in the surface of the mirror often help produce some of the more recognizable images that I can then begin to decipher and record for future interpretation.
The mirror is an instrument that is often underutilized, but it is one that can be very powerful when used correctly. In it we access our higher self to divine what is to come or to contemplate situations that need more consideration. Its use allows us to see beyond what is available to our ordinary senses.
Charlynn Walls
Writes for Llewellyn annuals and teaches workshops on a variety of topics • www.sageofferings.net
Images in the Mirror May Be
Closer Than They Appear
A mirror’s shape can have quite a bit of bearing on its best purpose for magical use. While there is some leeway for personal taste and availability, it’s important to know the basics. Each shape has a magical correspondence, so if you know that before you choose a mirror, you can take advantage of the shape of the mirror you already own or choose the best mirror for the witchy job.
Round and Oval
Oneness is the key word to remember when using a mirror that is round or oval, the shapes some of the oldest mirrors took. A round- or oval-shaped mirror is generally associated with the eye, even if the oval is up and down. This shape can also be associated with the circle of life, cycles, and unity. A round mirror can represent love. The shape of the mirror represented in the Venus symbol is round, and a round mirror can also remind us of the sun, the moon, or a watchful eye looking out for us. It can also be symbolic of a never-ending ring, representing commitment. A round mirror is an expression of the magic circle.
It’s been suggested that the ankh, the Egyptian symbol for life, looks very much like a round- or oval-shaped hand mirror. The long name for mirror in the ancient Egyptian language is ankh-en-maa-her, which, according to mirror historian Mark Pendergrast, may be roughly translated as “life force for seeing the face.” That doesn’t seem like a coincidence.
A round or oval mirror is great for scrying and meditation; as a magical protection amulet to deflect the evil eye, watch for threats, and bestow blessings; for communication with a lover; for creating harmony in the home; for beauty magic; for spirit communication; and for self-improvement magic.
mirror lore
The Chinese longevity symbol on a mirror in a gold frame serves as protection from accidents and promotes a long life.
Square and Rectangle
Balance is the strength of a square- or rectangular-shaped mirror. A mirror with right angles, such as a square- or rectangle-shaped mirror, is a mirror that puts you in a position of control over situations. Squares and rectangles are a shape of authority, representing the human ability to build and forge society through architecture. Working with a mirror made of right angles can allow you to remain grounded and solid, keeping your magical workings firmly in check. It’s a reliable, strong earthy shape for control over any situation. A square mirror can be easily aligned with the four elements and cardinal directions in the traditions of modern witchcraft.
Place a square- or rectangle-shaped mirror in the house to firmly expel any energies not in accord with your greater good; to raise your self esteem; for manifesting; for stability; for legal matters; to communicate with a friend; or for magic to help strengthen communities such as families or covens.
Octagon
Extra power is the benefit that an octagon-shaped mirror offers. Commonly seen in the art of feng shui, the octogon’s eight sides represent the four cardinal directions plus the four secondary directions, much like a compass rosette star. An octagonal mirror can attract and expand energy and power. Beyond the feng shui applications, an octagon-shaped mirror can represent the Wheel of the Year, as the eight sides are equal to the eight witch’s sabbats. Another symbolic use would be stopping energies you don’t want—after all, an octagonal mirror is the same shape as a stop sign.
Magic uses for an octagon-shaped mirror include stopping negative energy, bringing harmony, and boosting power. The octagon shape offers strength, balances karma, creates stability, and boosts health, prosperity, and goodwill.
Concave vs. Convex
The shape a mirror is cut in is one thing, but there are also some mirrors that have a curve to their surfaces; we call that curve either convex or concave. Think of a round bowl. If you set it on the table and look inside the bowl, you’re looking at a concave surface. (I use the word “cave” to help me remember the difference. It goes inward, like a cave.) Now, if you turn the bowl over on the table so that the rim is flat on the table and you’re looking at the bottom of the bowl, you’re looking at a convex surface. (Just remember, if your cereal gets spilled upside down, you’ll be vexed.)
That’s how I remember the difference between concave and convex. Read on for the magical uses of these specific types of curved mirrors.
Concave Mirrors
A concave mirror draws light, images, and energy inward. Its reflective surface is bent to pull in light, reflections, and therefore energy. A concave mirror is the kind of mirror that we see used for telescopes, as they bend the light inward. Makeup and shaving mirrors are sometimes concave; objects in these mirrors are actually farther away than they appear to be but everything seems closer in the reflection, which makes the work of putting on your makeup or shaving more precise. But these are practical implications of concave mirrors—what about the metaphysical properties?
A silver concave mirror is great for drawing in any kind of energy. You can enchant a special kind of concave magical mirror that you can use for absorbing and trapping negative energies or entities. You can use this kind of mirror to absorb and neutralize harmful energies sent your way. You can also use a silver concave mirror to draw in and magnify positive energy. For instance, if you own one of those round two-way lighted makeup mirrors, when you’re not using it, flip the concave side toward the wall, where you’ve placed a picture of something you want to draw into your life. That’s quick and easy mirror magic—powerfully simple.
Some black mirrors used for scrying are concave. Because of the curved shape, the black of the mirror reflects more of itself in the surface, creating a very deep black mirror for concentrating on while scrying, astral traveling, or communicating with spirits. As you gaze into a concave black mirror, it pulls your gaze further inward, toward itself, creating an enveloping experience and allowing your gaze to penetrate the veil between the worlds.
Concave absorbs
Convex repels
Convex Mirrors
A convex mirror pushes light, images, and energy outward at a greater rate than a flat mirror. Its reflective surface is bent to expand the view, light, and therefore energy. Examples of these kinds of curved mirrors are the mirrors sometimes used at the end of a driveway to see traffic if it’s on a dangerous intersection; also, you sometimes see them in shops because with a wider view, they help with security. If there’s a mirror on your car that has the label “objects in the mirror are closer than they appear,” then that mirror is slightly convex so that you can get a wider view of the road, but it makes the cars look like they are a little farther away than they actually are. Some trucks have a round and even more convex mirror attached to the side mirror to help them get a wider view so they can see behind them and avoid accidents.
Knowing convex mirrors’ everyday use might point to their magical use. A silver convex mirror is a wonderful tool for deflecting negative energies. Think of the shape of it: it’s like a shiny shield for deflecting metaphysical arrows. My favorite type of convex witch’s mirror is the oeil de sorcière (sorcerer’s eye or witch’s eye). These are lovely decorative pieces that are great for halting hexes, negative magic, or harmful energy of any kind in its tracks. It also represents an eye, but not just any eye: the reflective eye of a higher power or deity looking out for you. This kind of mirror can act as a warning, offering magical awareness of your surroundings and the incoming energies. It’s a magical security system that, depending on your intentions, either reverses or returns attacks from whence they came or sends them into the universe to be neutralized. The convex mirror is a great choice for a magical mirror to watch over your finances; after all, they were sometimes called “banker’s eye” due to their security uses, as they keep an eye on your fortune, in addition to having been originally considered status symbols.
I have seen a few black scrying mirrors that are convex, although traditionally most curved black mirrors tend to be concave. The reason for this is that a convex mirror tends to reflect more of the room around you, so it may cause distraction. That being said, many people love scrying in a crystal or even obsidian sphere with an outwardly curving surface, so if you prefer, you can certainly use a convex black scrying mirror, but before you do, consider the magical purposes of the shapes of mirrors.
mirror lore
Never hang a mirror so that the reflection cuts the top of your head off or you’ll get headaches.
Bagua Mirror
Bagua mirrors are little mirrors used in feng shui that pack a powerful punch. While octagon-shaped and curved witch’s mirrors are fine to enchant and use inside the home, bagua mirrors specifically made for feng shui are strictly for outdoor use. A bagua mirror is usually a round mirror set within an octagon-shaped frame with special symbols all around it, and it doesn’t know how to use its inside voice. In feng shui the energies that convex baguas are meant to cure are called either “poison arrow” or “shar” energy, which refers to harmful energies such as those that might emanate from nightmare neighbors, a busy road, or inauspicious building nearby. Concave bagua mirrors can be used to draw in energy from positive, uplifting views or neutralize passively negative energy such as a badly placed tree.
These very specific kinds of mirrors are meant only for use outside the home, unless prescribed by a feng shui expert. They are energy powerhouses; using one of these inside your home would be like spraying industrial outdoor insecticide in your kitchen because you saw an ant! (Really! Just don’t do it.) You can also cause more harm than good if you use the wrong bagua mirror in the wrong placement; feng shui is pretty complex. Consult a good feng shui book—or, better yet, an expert—before deciding on the placement of a bagua mirror, just to be sure.
My Favorite Mirror
One of the most magical mirrors in my life is a concave mirror inside a telescope that is roughly the size of a small hot-water heater. Remember when those two astronomers discovered Comet Hale-Bopp in 1995? Well, if you’re as geeky as I am, you might; welcome to the club! I’m talking about a telescope much like the ones they used to see that comet two years before it was visible in our skies.
That mirror—my favorite magic mirror in the whole world—was hand-ground by my grandfather, who in his day was one of the most sought-after craftsman of telescope mirrors in the country. Mirrors he crafted reflect the heavens through telescopes in every county in the US, and he once even received a request from NASA.
Grandpa was also a Freemason of a high degree; having a mystical side as well, I suspect that when he looked through his telescopes he saw more than floating rocks and burning gasses in space. It’s likely he imagined the deeper mysteries of the universe reflected in that mirror.
When I look through the telescope he built that my mother, sister, and I inherited from him, I can see the rings of Saturn, Venus herself, and the spiraling masses of distant galaxies, and I also can see the spirit of my grandfather. That mirror is a perfect example of the dichotomy of the magic mirror: it looks both inward and outward, infinitely. Now I use very different methods than he did to make and use mirrors for witchcraft, but I still love using his mirror to see the universe. I think he would smile at the thought of my witchy mirrors.
Everyday Mirrors Are Magic Too
You probably have tons of mirrors all over your home. What about the mirror over your bathroom sink, the big mirror behind the dining room table, or the compact mirror in your purse—can those be witch’s mirrors? You bet they can! Mirrors are really pretty common items; in today’s world you can get a simple mirror for magical use pretty much anywhere. The household mirrors that we all own are generally made of glass with aluminum on the back.
Aluminum may not seem very magical since we use it to cover leftover meatloaf or drink canned soft drinks out of, but it’s a very magical metal. The most abundant metal on earth, aluminum is a metal traditionally used for magical psychic protection and travel magic, and it is believed to boost mental abilities. Aluminum is associated with the planet Mercury. It’s an element that reflects and repels any unwanted energies, creating great magical protection. Aluminum also balances body energies. Knowing that, the household mirror suddenly seems much more magical, doesn’t it?
As an example of the power of aluminum and a few makeshift witch’s mirrors, here’s a story. Once when I was involved with a coven, one of our members had a neighbor who had a bad habit of leering at her over the fence and being a general creepy nuisance; she felt uncomfortable in her own backyard. We were at her house for a coven gathering when she mentioned it, and we all decided something must be done right there on the spot. After the initial jokes about calling out our flying monkeys or giving him a pentagram-shaped rash, it was decided that some impromptu mirror magic was in order. The best thing she had on hand were a few miniature aluminum pie pans. Perfect! We all put our heads together and whipped up a quick spell to enchant the pie pans to bounce those creepy vibes back over the fence where they belonged—only what he sent, with no harm to him intended.
Did it work? After the first week, she reported that he suddenly quit his lurking behavior and she noticed that the backyard felt much safer and more comfortable. Whatever intentions he was sending over that fence must not have been good because when they were being reflected back at him, it was enough to keep his attention on his own side of the fence. Those were simply aluminum pie pans until our coven of protective witches got our hands on them.
Can you enchant a regular old household mirror for your magical purpose? You absolutely can. A mirror that’s an antique, purchased from any shop, or one that already exists in your home also can become a witch’s mirror.
The Scoop on Mirror Washes
and Fluid Condensers
This is a topic that could make your head spin if you let it, but I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here’s the no-nonsense lowdown on charging a witch’s mirror by using either a mirror wash or the seemingly elusive and sometimes confusing formula known as a fluid condenser. For our purposes, both are made using infusions, which is very much like a tea: simply put herbs in boiled water. But there are differences in the two (don’t worry—I’ll explain).
A mirror wash is a magical infusion of herbs that have been steeped in hot water. Generally, leaves and flowers can be placed into a jar or cup and you can pour boiling water over them, allowing them to steep, much like a tea. If you have roots or bark you may prefer to actually boil them in the water for a few minutes, since they’re tougher, in order to release the essence of the plant into the water. Either way, you strain it after it’s cool. I like to mix mine with vinegar, but lots of witches make washes of just herbs and water that work wonderfully. I personally like to add the vinegar because the combination of water and vinegar is the perfect substance for cleaning all kinds of glass, so my mirrors are both empowered and smudge free—ever the kitchen witch, I guess!
When you use a mirror wash, you apply the infusion of those herbs directly onto your mirror, and the vibrations of the herbs can adjust the vibrations of the mirror and help program it to your specific magical purpose. The herbs can be added to boiling water, like a tea, and then strained, leaving that lovely herby magic in the liquid; if you wish, add vinegar after the infusion cools. Mirror washes can be stored in pretty wine bottles or even plastic or glass spray bottles. It is then applied to the mirror’s front or back in the same way that you would wash a mirror: apply the liquid and rub it in with a soft cloth or paper towel while repeating a magical charm to activate it. You can also include a few drops of gem elixirs as part of a mirror wash. A mirror wash is pretty easy to make, requires very few special skills, and most of the ingredients are readily available.
Fluid condensers are another way to magically charge a mirror that we especially see used for black scrying mirrors but could be used for silver mirrors as well. A fluid condenser is a little fancier than a wash and usually includes more exotic ingredients such as gold, silver, and sometimes bodily fluids of the person who created it. Condensers are a bit more challenging to make. They are usually made from infusions that are boiled and then strained and boiled again to reduce and concentrate the liquid. Then the mixture is added to some kind of clear alcohol such as vodka.
What’s all the fuss about fluid condensers? Part of what people find hard to wrap their heads around is the name—fluid condenser—which doesn’t mean what it sounds like it means. Fluid condensers don’t have to be in the form of a liquid, but they often are. Just to add to the confusion, there are also solid fluid condensers that are actually powders but are still referred to as fluid condensers, thus leading to befuddlement and hair pulling by many of us modern witches. Is it fluid? Is it solid? What?!
Don’t worry—I did some digging and I’m here to clarify, once and for all, what it all means. The term “fluid” in this context doesn’t mean liquid; it actually refers to magical and spiritual energy and power that “flows like fluid” between the everyday world and the spiritual realm. The term “condenser” describes the process of condensing the liquid, as well as the fact that it’s also an old term from the 1800s used to describe what we now call a capacitor, which basically stores energy. Occultists from Victorian times often compared electrical and magnetic energy with spiritual energy in their writings, so it makes sense that they would call this special kind of application a fluid condenser because it’s a mixture that acts as a capacitor, storing spirit or aether energy. (Aha!)
In the 1800s Paschal Beverly Randolph used fluid condensers for his famous magic mirrors, and those ideas were very successfully expanded upon later by Franz Bardon in the 1950s. Bardon published some very accessible works on the subject and included instructions for making and working with fluid condensers for mirrors and other purposes. Many occultists since have created formulas for condensers. Simple fluid condensers can be made of just one plant and metal tincture; some people add a drop of blood or other bodily fluids, but only if the condenser will be used by the person who made it. A popular multipurpose condenser is made with chamomile, as described by both Franz Bardon and Sybil Leek. They also both published formulas for specific elemental energies of earth, air, fire, water, and akasha (spirit), as well as condensers charged with planetary energy. The basic method is to boil equal parts of plant material and water for thirty minutes, cool, filter, and then boil again to concentrate the liquid. Some formulas add alcohol once it’s cooled. If you try the ones I’ve included in this book and want to make more, I highly recommend the book Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon for great classic formulas for fluid condensers.
To sum up: mirror washes are liquid herbal infusions boiled or steeped once and used alone or mixed with vinegar. Mirror washes are generally magically charged with a specific purpose, such as love, prosperity, healing, or protection. Fluid condensers are herbal infusions boiled twice and sometimes mixed with alcohol, and they may include metals or exotic ingredients. Fluid condensers can also be in forms that are not liquid, such as powders or vapors. Fluid condensers are usually aligned magically with planets or elemental powers such as Venus, Mars, air, fire, water, or earth rather than specific magical intentions.
Which is better for enchanting your witch’s mirror, condensers or washes? It’s really all about the energy you, as a witch, put into it. What’s your style? As far as the two methods, it’s a matter of whichever one is your magical cup of tea. Take a look at the formulas for both in chapter 7; you might even like to experiment with both washes and condensers.
Frames, Stands, and Hangers
Some mirrors need to be in frames; it’s the best way to display a mirror on the wall in your home or office. If you have a mirror that needs a frame, there are many options. Some people prefer something brand-new from a department store or specialty frame shop where you can find any style you like. As an artist I happen to know brand-new frames and professional framing can be pretty pricey, but if you have the resources, go for it. If you’re on a tighter budget, though, there are many good frames of all shapes and sizes to be found in secondhand stores. I once had a one-woman show in a local gallery with my art in discount frames that I painted so they would all match. I’m a witchy artist with an eye for a bargain, so I’m not above looking in unusual places for magical supplies.
Don’t limit yourself to empty frames while thrifting, either; most of the framed art you’ll find at secondhand stores are just low-quality commercial prints that you can toss without remorse and keep the frame for your mirror. Look for frames that can be easily opened from the back and resealed; also be sure it’s made using quality construction. Look for real wood and metal, and steer clear from plastic frames, which can break easily and put your mirror at risk. The key to thrifting a frame for your witch’s mirror—or any magical tool, for that matter—is to carefully clean it first physically, then cleanse any vibes from the previous owner or that ugly orange-and-purple flower print that was in it. Do this by using an herbal wash (such as the new mirror purifier in chapter 7), sprinkling it with salt or herbs, passing it through smudge stick or incense smoke, or doing a combination of these techniques. I find an antique frame for a witch’s mirror to be positively charming.
It’s important to make sure you hang your framed mirror securely. If it’s heavy, be sure to find a wall stud to put your nail into. You can also use one of those super strong Hercules Hooks or any of the other brands of similar hooks to make sure your mirror doesn’t fall and break.
If you need to add a hanger to the back of the frame, I strongly recommend using two small eye hooks and gallery wire (yep, I grew up in art galleries). You can pick up both of these items at the hardware store, and they’re very strong and easy to use. Measure down from the top of the frame about one-third of the length down; the eye hooks just screw into the back of the frame, a little bit in from the edge. Cut the gallery wire longer than you think you need and run it through both eye hooks, making sure that the middle of the wire, when pulled up to the top of the frame, will come about an inch or two below the top of the frame. Just twist the end of the wire around itself tightly like a twist tie for bread. You can add a bit of masking tape to the wire ends so they don’t scratch your wall.
For some kinds of witch’s mirrors, you might prefer some kind of a stand. Small tabletop easels found in craft stores work great. They come in all kinds of materials—metal, wood, even resin. These easels are very useful for scrying mirrors and can be just the thing for propping up a mirror on a table, altar, or other workspace so that you can sit comfortably while attempting to scry. If you find an easel you want to use, you can always add your own touch to make it magical: use paint, attach beads or charms with wire, burn magical designs in wood—let your imagination run wild.
Some kinds of mirrored items to be used for magic can be displayed on hangers. You can hang a mirrored ball, ornament, or suncatcher in a window using a hook over the window or a suction cup. Another great way to display a witch’s mirrored item or ornament that can be hung is by using a wire ornament stand—the kind you find during the holidays for displaying special ornaments. The nice thing about these stands is that you can then place a hanging mirrored item anywhere you please. I once lucked out and found a round, flat piece of glass with a hole at the top that was meant to be turned into a suncatcher. I made it into a black scrying mirror and hung it from a brass wire ornament hanger. Always be on the lookout; you never know what you’ll find!
Useful Tips: How to Store, Protect, and Recharge Your Witch’s Mirror
Some mirrors will be kept on the wall, keeping a watchful eye, filling your home with blessings, or reminding you of your beautiful and amazing inner witch. Mirrors in frames that you intend to keep out need only to be hung securely in order to protect them.
There are some witch’s mirrors, however, that you only bring out for occasional use. These mirrors are obviously going to need to have some kind of protection while they’re not in use. Many people prefer to keep scrying mirrors out of the sunlight; at the very least, it’s smart to keep your mirrors protected from scratches or breaking, gods forbid! Boxes, satin or velvet bags, or even a fancy scarf can help you protect your magic mirror when not in use.
If you have a box that your mirror will fit in, consider lining the box with some thick quilt batting covered with velvet or satin to keep it from getting banged around in the box. You can use a wooden box if you like, or even one of those fancy decorative chipboard boxes we see in all the craft stores. If you don’t want to go to all the trouble of adding a liner or it won’t work well for the box you have, you can fill the box with shredded paper and sandwich it in between. If you must, bubble wrap is a perfectly good choice; the kind with the gigantic bubbles the size of a half dollar works best for flat breakables. My husband, Dan, and I package and ship breakables all over the world. When using regular packing supplies such as paper or bubble wrap, I like to put the mirror in a drawstring bag or wrap it in a silk scarf or some other nice fabric first, then use packing supplies; this keeps the mirror sacred and not in direct contact with your packaging.
Another thing you might consider making room for in the box is a tightly sealed bottle of your specific herb wash or condenser if you’ve made one for that particular mirror. Then if you feel it needs to be recharged, you don’t have to go digging around—you’ll have it right at your fingertips. The best time to recharge your mirror is during the same part of the lunar cycle as when you first charged it. Try to store liquids upright; if that’s not an option, seal the bottle in a no-leak zipper bag for safety.
mirror lore
If you have to return home because you forgot something, before you leave the house again, make a face or stick out your tongue in a mirror to frighten away any evil spirits on the other side.
reflections of
real witches:
Calantirniel
My Personal Experience
with Mirrors and Magic
For scrying, I have found that a darker surface works better for me—I have even used an unlit iPad in a pinch! Just use a bit of vinegar in water and carefully wipe the surface before using with a candle for light in a darkened room. However, for a deeper session, whether alone or in a group, I prefer to have a 9-inch round dark scrying mirror that is kept in a dark bag and only has seen moonlight and candlelight since it was consecrated for scrying use only. I had a friend make one for me years ago that I still use (she used black felt and round clear glass loaded with intention, and even made astrological glyphs for me alone). People who have better clairvoyant skills do much better with my mirror than even I do—they are usually dominant in the water element. Since I am an astrologer, I actually tune in on symbols and really “know” messages better than actually seeing people or what will happen (called claircognizance), and if I need timing, I then reach for my pendulum, as dowsing is more of my natural gift than mirror work.
That being said, I have used mirrors in spellwork in three ways: to either repel or send back energy, to magnify results, and to create a shield or an illusion that is usually put in place for protection more than anything else. In the 1990s when I had very little money, the computer stores always had AOL or Earthlink disks for free to access dial-up Internet. Those CDs were perfect to use! After I cleaned them, I even programmed a use for the hole in the middle, which was to allow the good, pure, loving light energies into whatever work I was doing.
Spirits like to hide in all things shiny, especially smooth surfaces, so mirrors are their first choice, and they use them as portals for travel to other dimensions too. To cut the psychic/astral “chatter” and close inappropriate portals, I clean all mirrors, windows, and shiny surfaces with a dampened cloth in vinegar water (1 tablespoon any kind of vinegar to 16 ounces water, distilled or spring is best; a pinch of salt will help also) and clean with the intention of clearing the portals I wish to close or eliminate; if done well, you won’t have to repeat that too often. Holy water, cascaria, or smudging with white desert sage or palo santo helps too. Adding flower essences to the cleansing water can also help. I have friends who use essential oils with menthol on cotton balls (camphor, mints, eucalyptus, etc.) or even cut an onion and place a piece in each corner to absorb negativity (mulch the onion after a day or two). You may create a boundary for the contact(s) you do want when you are ready by then using mugwort leaves, making a strong tea or tincture in water to wipe onto the mirror, as well as your third eye; take some internally (without sweetener is best) to further enhance your vision. There are other dreaming and vision herbs, but mugwort is usually most accessible and best. You may have access to moxa sticks to use as smudge, which is how acupuncturists use mugwort.
Happy scrying!
Calantirniel
Professional author, astrologer, herbalist, tarot card reader, dowser, energy healer, ULC reverend, flower essence creator/practitioner, and co-founder of Tië eldaliéva • www.AstroHerbalist.com, www.ElvenSpirituality.com