Understanding Why Breaking a Mirror Causes Bad Luck
For centuries, there has been a prevalent superstition that breaking a mirror brings 7 years of misfortune. This belief likely originated in ancient times when mirrors were rare and expensive. They were thought to have magical qualities that captured one's soul or reflected one's inner self.
The Meaning Behind the 7 Years of Bad Luck
The number 7 has held symbolic meaning in various cultures as being mystical and spiritual. The ancient Romans believed 7 to represent perfection or completion of a cycle. This may have contributed to the idea that 7 years of bad energy could balance out after a mirror was broken.
There are a few other theories about where the 7 year timeframe originated:
- It was thought to relate to 7 years of declining luck or a negative life cycle before renewal.
- Some link it to the 7 years of plentiful harvests followed by 7 years of famine in Biblical Joseph's dream interpretation for the Pharaoh.
- In the Roman Catholic tradition, 7 years was the length of time to properly atone for one's sins.
Possible Explanations for Why Breaking Mirrors Became Bad Luck
Here are some of the compelling symbolic reasons why breaking a mirror has long been considered unfortunate:
- It was thought to damage one's soul or cause harm to one's inner self since mirrors were believed to reflect one's spiritual essence.
- A broken mirror signified the corruption of one's true self or fragmentation of one's life.
- It represented a rupture, crack or flaw in personal wholeness or unity with the spirit world.
Dispelling Negative Energy from a Shattered Mirror
If you've accidentally broken a mirror and want to counteract any perceived bad luck, there are a few remedies and rituals recommended in various folklore traditions:
Bury the Pieces Under the Moonlight
Gather up all the broken shards and fragments and bury them outside under the moonlight. This needs to be done with an air of forgiveness and care. The symbolic act signifies putting the broken pieces to rest while the moonlight provides protective and purifying energy.
Submerge in Salt Water by Flowing Creek
Collect the broken mirror pieces in a bag and submerge them overnight in a flowing creek or natural source of water. Adding salt to the water enhances purification. This allows the water to cleanse away any darkness or misfortune attached to the shattered mirror before returning the pieces to the earth.
Burn Special Herbs and Resins
Burning dried sage, frankincense or sandalwood and allowing the smoke to filter around the broken mirrors location is thought to clear away any trapped negativity. Other botanicals like rosemary, wormwood and juniper may also have cleansing and banishing effects.
Take Precautions to Prevent Future Broken Mirrors
While broken mirrors are largely considered superstitious, you can take sensible precautions to avoid experiencing another seven years of perceived back luck:
Check for Defects Before Hanging
Examine mirrors closely for any cracks, chips or weak points before displaying them. Only hang mirrors using secure hooks rated for the mirror's weight and ensure the wall area has strong studs.
Position Carefully
Avoid placing mirrors in high traffic zones where they could get accidentally knocked over or struck by opening doors. Don't position mirrors facing one another so reflections won't infinitely repeat and cause dizziness or confusion.
Use Safety Mirrors Where Relevant
Consider using acrylic mirrors or unbreakable polymer safety mirrors in children's rooms, gyms, dance studios or accident prone areas. Though more costly, their shatterproof design can provide peace of mind.
While no one fully knows how the superstition around broken mirrors originated, taking sensible precautions can help prevent having to counteract any perceived misfortune.
FAQs
How soon after breaking a mirror should I take action to reverse the bad luck?
It's best to perform rituals like burying the pieces or burning cleansing herbs as soon as possible after the break. This prevents any perceived negative energy from accumulating and causing extended misfortune.
Is just one broken shard enough to cause 7 years of bad luck?
There are differing beliefs - some think even tiny fractured pieces contain enough reflective damage to warrant counteracting rituals. Others believe the bad luck comes specifically from the broken main mirror pane. For peace of mind, gather all fragments when dispelling any darkness.
How long do the reversing rituals take to counteract the bad luck?
Results can vary based on specific rituals and personal beliefs. Burying pieces under the moon overnight is thought to provide immediate restoration while burning special herbs may require several recurring sessions before perceived equilibrium returns.
Can I just throw away the broken mirror pieces without doing rituals?
Certain traditions advise strongly against simply throwing sharp, broken glass in the garbage which can cut waste handlers. Rituals help neutralize negative energy so shards don't transfer darkness wherever they go next.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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