Question about mirrors

If you broke a mirror and managed to look into it, then you should wash it before reading the "Our Father", "Theotokos Virgin, rejoice ..."

Mirrors are also windows into the supernatural world. If you are looking in beware for something may be looking back.

I totally agree with Merlin on this one. I'm not one big on superstitions surrounding mirrors, but I don't keep many of them in my home because I've had bad experiences with them becoming windows for spirits. I always bless any mirrors that are in my home to try and prevent them from doing that. It doesn't always work tho, and some things do still sneak through.

My daughter at the age of four had a "friend" in the bathroom mirror who she said looked like her. I thought nothing of it, just a child's imagination (and she has a big one) until the "friend" started telling her violent things and I caught her speaking profanity while looking into the bathroom mirror (when she never swears and actually acts as the swear word police around here). Then I asked her what the difference was between her "friend" and her and she told me her "friend" had black eyes. Bingo. My husband and I performed a banishment and the next day my daughter came to me in tears telling me her "friend" was gone. No worries, she quickly moved on.

There was a mirror in my childhood home that I used to stare into and see spirits in the room behind me. I also used to use my shut off television screen in my room to see them because they tended to hide when I would look directly at them. It's easier to see them in complete detail through reflective surfaces for me, although I see them regardless.

I've witnessed a few evocations that incorporated a full length mirror to be used as a portal. But the mirror was heavily cleared afterwards to prevent it from becoming a constant gateway. I have personally used a personal mirror (meant to be placed in a purse) which I have consecrated for only magick use. I face it outward as a tool to reflect harmful energy in ritual when needed.

Malady, I don't know exactly what you are using this mirror for. That may help us to answer your question.

on top of all that, just be careful for the old saying about bad luck. im a firm beleiver in it. also, thanks to marfa for building upon my saying that a mirror holds a soul back. I was not aware of how to release the ghost before.

Various things, really. I was curious about it in general if there were more specifications that the books I had simply didn't include.

I have always been terrified to look into the mirror in the dark. Even in candlelight, i'm scared to watch my own reflection. Anyone else with similar fears?
Is it easier to see things in mirrors in darker surroundings?

The earliest explanation of the mystical properties of the mirror belongs to Paracelsus, who believed the mirror tunnel that connects the material and subtle worlds. Through the mirror subtle energies come to us. Undoubtedly, this energy is very strongly affects the psyche of people, causing hallucinations and phantoms. Based on the assumption of Paracelsus, the doctors of former times used the properties of mirrors for the hypnotic sessions and all sorts of suggestions.

Corax, you just fear what you may see. I always had a different philosophy. Ignorance does not protect us from what we do not not know or do not see, so I would rather face things head on, rather than shut my eyes and hope for the best. But facing something head on is not the same as asking for trouble.

It isn't a very good idea to look into a mirror in complete darkness. Some light should be present, even a single candle. In the darkness, the lowest of spirits can be seen, ones that are not usually capable of being noticed or having the capablity of contacting us in any way unless invited in some manner to communicate. Those aren't usually very nice ones. Acknowledging them can bring them closer to us. It's best to ignore them and keep a night light on ;-)

Back to the original question: the best types of mirrors for magic are round, small like hand mirrors, and frameless. I think that's what you're talking about when you say mirrors that are propped up like pictures. That said, a practitioner can use any type of mirror if s/he uses it with purpose. I probably would not want to use something like a compact or makeup mirror, but any other type I would be fine with using. Remember that magic is a very personal art. It all depends on what you are comfortable with, and what feels right for you :)

Thanks a bunch everyone!