18. May 2026
Mirrors and Spirits - Reflections Between Worlds
Things Real Witches Believed Series
by Faelorin
For centuries, mirrors were believed to be far more than decorative objects.
In many ancient traditions, they were considered thresholds - silent portals resting between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Long before modern superstition, people covered mirrors after death, avoided staring into them by candlelight, and believed reflections could reveal hidden truths not visible to the naked eye.
Real witchcraft was often deeply connected to symbolism, psychology, intuition, and unseen energies. Mirrors became sacred because they reflected not only appearance… but identity, emotion, and spirit.
Why Mirrors Were Covered After Death
One of the oldest beliefs surrounding mirrors comes from mourning rituals throughout Europe.
When someone passed away, mirrors in the home were often covered with black cloth. It was believed that an uncovered mirror could:
- trap the soul of the deceased
- attract wandering spirits
- create a doorway for negative energy
- confuse the departing spirit during transition
This tradition appeared across multiple cultures independently, which is partly why it remains so fascinating today.
Even now, many people instinctively feel uneasy around mirrors in dark rooms or during emotionally heavy moments.
Scrying - The Art of Seeing Beyond
Some witches and mystics used mirrors intentionally for divination.
Known as scrying, practitioners would gaze softly into reflective surfaces to enter meditative states and receive symbolic visions, impressions, or intuitive insight.
Black mirrors became especially popular because darkness removed ordinary distraction and encouraged the subconscious mind to speak more freely.
Contrary to dramatic portrayals in film, historical scrying was usually quiet, slow, and deeply contemplative.
It was less about summoning spirits… and more about listening to intuition.
Mirrors in Modern Spiritual Practice
Today, mirrors still appear in many spiritual spaces:
- altar décor
- protection rituals
- reflection meditations
- moon rituals
- manifestation work
Some practitioners believe mirrors amplify intention. Others use them symbolically for self-awareness and shadow work.
Whether taken literally or psychologically, mirrors continue to hold powerful emotional significance.
Perhaps because they force us to confront the one thing most people avoid:
ourselves.
Faelorin's Crystals for Protection would work well here.
A Faelorin Reflection
At Faelorin, we believe the most meaningful rituals are often the quietest ones.
A mirror lit by candlelight.
A silent room.
Rain against the windows.
A moment of reflection beneath the moon.
Not fantasy.
Not performance.
Simply stillness… and the ancient human desire to understand what lies beneath the surface.