Mirror Mirror...

Mirror Mirror...

In class today, we watched a lovely presentation over Snow White. Something that stuck out to me during the presentation was the part about the “Magic Mirror.” We talked a little about how mirrors have relations to certain divination practices, but I feel like there are a lot of random superstitions surrounding mirrors and wanted to dive deeper into that.

One well-known superstition is the belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. This idea dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where people thought the gods observed them through reflective surfaces. Breaking a mirror was seen as an offense to the gods, who would curse the offender with misfortune lasting seven years—the time believed to be required for the body and soul to renew themselves (University of South Carolina). It’s remarkable that this superstition has endured for so long, and I find it fascinating how often mysticism intertwines with religious beliefs, as we have discussed in class a few times.

With Halloween approaching, I can’t ignore the legend of Bloody Mary. I’ve been wary of this story since childhood and have always avoided trying the ritual myself. It reminds me of the Ouija board—probably harmless, but not something I’m willing to risk. The origins of the Bloody Mary tale vary, though many versions link it to Mary I of England, infamous for her brutal persecution of Protestants and known as “Bloody Mary.” Psychologists offer a possible scientific explanation, noting that staring at one’s reflection in dim lighting can distort the mind’s perception, making the viewer believe they see a monstrous face. Knowing both the historical context and psychological basis makes this legend all the more unsettling to me, so I will definitely continue to avoid this ritual.

Although mirrors can carry these dark associations, they also play a role in positive spiritual practices. For example, mirrors are believed to aid in connecting with higher realms, providing guidance from spirit guides. Mirrors are also used in manifestation rituals, as focusing on one's desires through a mirror is thought to amplify intentions. Overall, mirrors are clearly versatile and spiritually significant tools, with both positive and negative associations.

References:

https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2021/06/06_conversation_broken_mirror.php#:~:text=But%20it%20was%20Roman%20artisans,luck%20on%20anyone%20so%20careless.

https://allthatsinteresting.com/bloody-mary

https://people.howstuffworks.com/bloody-mary-legend.htm