Some folks use them as a way to peer into the future, gazing into it much like one might gaze into a crystal ball. Others use mirrors as part of protection spells (not always a fabulous idea- there’s lots of room for karmic error there, but that’s a conversation for another post). There are countless stories of haunted mirrors that show viewers the spirits of those who have passed away, or of mirrors that act as portals, allowing spirits and various other entities to pass in and out of our world via various looking glasses set about here and there (hellooooo Bloody Mary and Candyman. Eep!).
Don’t get me wrong, they’re certainly helpful when checking for stray bits of toothpaste on the chin, the overall effect of the randomly chosen separates put together into an outfit, and for applying all manner of hair/face/body products and accessories. Peer into the mirror and it will show you... well, YOU. Unless, that is, it decides to show you something else.
We have a number of mirrors, both antique and new, in our house and, most of the time I don’t give them a second thought. Except for one. That one is the one I try not to think about at all. It’s hanging on the wall in a tucked away corner of our basement, in a space where no mirror needs to be. In all of the tours and walk throughs before (and immediately after) purchasing the house, no one ever noticed it. It wasn’t until strange noises began emitting from the furnace and we had to crawl behind that ancient beast that we even noticed the mirror in the first place. It was hanging, oddly, at what appeared to be about eye level, though I can’t be certain as I’ve never actually looked into it. I can’t. I’ve seen it from the side, I’ve glanced at it at an angle, but never, NEVER have I (or will I) stand directly in front of it.
The few folks who have been in that room and have noticed it have commented on the weird placement over the years (we’ve been in the house 10 years now). Usually it’s a “Why is there a mirror there?” or “Uh… who is using that mirror?” Most have even made their way over to take a look, but before I can stop them, something else does. Can’t explain it- there’s just something there that keeps us all away from it. Honestly, that’s fine. I am more than happy to oblige. Mirrors are… weird.