What are Bagua Mirrors? How to Hang It for Good Feng Shui

Are you familiar with bagua mirrors and their meaning in feng shui? Bagua mirrors are powerful tools used to deflect negative energy and enhance the flow of positive energy in your environment.

The ancient practice of feng shui is based on the belief that the way we arrange our surroundings can affect our well-being, success, and overall happiness. By using bagua mirrors, you can create a harmonious balance of energy in your home or workspace. In this article, we will explore the different types of bagua mirrors and how to use them to achieve good feng shui.

What is a Bagua mirror?

An essential tool in the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, a Bagua mirror, also known as Pa Kua, is a powerful symbol and protector, possessing the unique ability to ward off negative energies and attract harmonious qi, or life energy, into your dwelling.

The Bagua mirror comprises eight trigrams, or Bagua, each of which represents a different facet of life as per the I Ching, the ancient Chinese book of wisdom.  Arranged around a circular mirror, these trigrams form an octagon, symbolizing the unity of Heaven, Earth and all living beings.

At the heart of the mirror is the Taiji symbol (often known in the West as the Yin Yang symbol), which embodies the balance of dual forces – the light, aggressive, and masculine Yang and the dark, receptive, and feminine Yin. This harmonious dance of opposing yet interconnected forces imparts a sense of equilibrium, fostering a healthy flow of energy in one’s living environment.

The Bagua mirror comes in three variations: the Convex Bagua mirror, the Concave Bagua mirror, and the Flat Bagua mirror. Each serves a different purpose, meticulously crafted to suit varying scenarios.

1. Convex Bagua mirror: Curved outward like a shield, this mirror is designed to deflect potent harmful energies, also known as “Sha Chi” or killing energy. Use this mirror when your home faces an oppressive structure or negative feature, such as a cemetery or a towering building.
2. Concave Bagua mirror: Shaped inward, this mirror absorbs and neutralizes negative energies, making it ideal for situations where the Sha Chi is not overly strong but still needs addressing.
3. Flat Bagua mirror: Balancing the properties of the other two, this mirror both wards off and neutralizes negative energies. It’s an adaptable tool, suitable for general protection when there’s no specific threat.

One of the cornerstones of Feng Shui is to respect the balance of energy and to avoid causing harm. The Bagua mirror should be used judiciously. A word of caution, though:  never use a Bagua mirror inside your home. Its energy is too strong and can cause imbalance. Instead, place it outside, above the front door, facing the source of negative energy.

Origin of Bagua mirrors

Bagua mirrors are rooted deep in the heart of Chinese culture and Feng Shui, an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. As a potent symbol and a protective cure, its origins intertwine with the development of the I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, one of the oldest of the Chinese classics.

The I Ching is based on the philosophy of yin and yang, the dynamic balance of opposites, and the theory of the five elements. These fundamental principles gave birth to the concept of the eight trigrams, or Bagua, which are central to the Bagua mirror.  Each trigram is a unique combination of three lines, either broken or unbroken, representing yin (broken) or yang (unbroken). The eight trigrams depict the primal powers of the Universe: Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire, Mountain, Wind, Lake, and Thunder.

Bagua mirrors emerged as an integral part of Feng Shui practice, serving as a protective tool against harmful qi, or energy. Over centuries, these mirrors were commonly placed on the exteriors of homes and buildings to deflect negative energies and ensure a harmonious environment. It was believed that the Bagua mirror, with its potent arrangement of trigrams, could balance and transform energy, safeguarding the inhabitants from harmful forces.

The advent of the Bagua mirror is credited to the Later Heaven Sequence, an arrangement of the trigrams attributed to King Wen of Zhou, who played a significant role in the development of the I Ching. The Later Heaven Sequence reflects the cycles of the seasons, the elements, and different aspects of human life, bringing them together in a harmonious balance. This sequence forms the design seen on the Bagua mirror today.

Over the years, the Bagua mirror has remained a steadfast symbol of protection and balance in Feng Shui. Its creation, rooted in ancient wisdom and understanding of the universe’s laws, testifies to humanity’s eternal quest for harmony and equilibrium within their surroundings. As a reminder of the ever-present yin and yang in every aspect of life, the Bagua mirror continues to serve as a tool that promotes harmony and wards off negative energies in our contemporary world.

Uses of Bagua mirrors in feng shui

In the realm of Feng Shui, the Bagua mirror holds a place of great importance. As a tool steeped in history and spirituality, its role is multifold, from warding off inauspicious energies to inviting positive qi into a space. Here, we elucidate the various uses of the Bagua mirror in Feng Shui practice:

1. Protection from negative energies: The primary role of a Bagua mirror is to safeguard a space from harmful or negative energies, also known as ‘Sha Chi’. This could be arising from harsh environmental elements, such as a sharp-cornered building pointing towards your home, a tree directly in line with your front door, or even a road heading straight towards your property. A Bagua mirror can deflect these harmful energies, protecting the sanctity of your dwelling.
2. Balancing energy: With its composition reflecting the principle of yin and yang, a Bagua mirror serves to balance the energies in one’s environment. By ensuring the equilibrium of yin and yang, it creates a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere, conducive to prosperity and well-being.
3. Enhancing positive Qi: Along with its protective role, the Bagua mirror also aids in enhancing the flow of auspicious energy or ‘Sheng Chi’.  By creating a balance and shielding against negativity, it encourages the flow of positive energy, enriching the space with vitality and dynamism.
4. Neutralizing threats: The Concave Bagua mirror specifically is used to neutralize the effect of mild threats. In instances where the negative energy is not overtly powerful, this mirror can absorb and mitigate the effects, thereby reducing its impact on the inhabitants.
5. Amplifying protection: In the case of robust harmful energy, the Convex Bagua mirror is the tool of choice. Its outward-curving surface works to deflect strong negative energies away from your home, amplifying protection against any potent threats.
6. Symbolizing unity: The Bagua mirror embodies unity, with the trigrams representing different elements of life. This symbolization helps in manifesting unity and togetherness in a family or a team, fostering positive relationships.

A word of caution: While Bagua mirrors are powerful tools, they should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a Feng Shui expert. Improper use can lead to an imbalance of energy. They are typically used outside of the house, never inside, as their powerful energy can be too strong and disruptive indoors. As with all Feng Shui cures, the key lies in understanding, respect, and appropriate application.

How to hang Bagua mirrors for good feng shui

To hang bagua mirrors for good feng shui in the house, you should follow these guidelines:

• Identify the areas that require bagua mirrors: Bagua mirrors are usually used to deflect negative energy or “Sha Qi” that may be directed towards your home. These areas may include sharp corners or angles pointing towards your house, or any nearby sources of negative energy such as an electrical tower or a cemetery.
• Choose the appropriate type of bagua mirror: There are two types of bagua mirrors, the concave and convex mirrors. The concave mirror is used to attract positive energy, while the convex mirror is used to deflect negative energy. Select the appropriate type based on your needs.
• Hang the bagua mirror in the right location: Bagua mirrors are traditionally hung outside of the house, above the main entrance door. The mirror should be placed with the appropriate side facing outwards, either concave or convex, depending on its purpose. Avoid hanging bagua mirrors inside the house, as they are believed to reflect energy back into the house.
• Keep the bagua mirror clean and well-maintained: To ensure the bagua mirror functions properly, it should be kept clean and free from dust or debris. Check the mirror periodically to make sure it is still intact and functioning as intended.

1. Hang a convex bagua mirror in front of the house

The convex bagua mirror is an object that helps to reflect sources of killing intent directed towards the house. Specifically, it can help solve feng shui problems such as:

• Electricity poles, light poles, signs, etc. pointed towards the house
• Sharp iron objects, such as iron bars or corrugated iron roofs, directed at the house
• Straight roads leading directly to the gate
• Feng shui items that are too strong, such as Pi Xiu, Lion, etc. projecting into the house

When hanging a convex mirror, it is important to remember to never hang it inside the house. Only hang the mirror in front of the door, with the curve facing outwards to disperse any bad energy flows out of the house. This is very beneficial for feng shui.

2. Hang a concave bagua mirror in front of the house

On the other hand, the concave bagua mirror represents absorption and accumulation. If auspicious objects are too far from the front of the house or there is a lack of air flow in any part of the home, hanging a concave mirror can help attract positive energy.

For instance, if the main door faces the elevator or stairs leading downward, the air flow in the house may be disrupted. To remedy this, a concave mirror should be hung in front of the door to attract wealth. Remember that the use of bagua mirrors is just one aspect of feng shui, and it is important to take a holistic approach to creating good energy in your home.

Things to avoid when hanging Bagua mirrors

With the above knowledge, you may already understand why many families hang bagua mirrors in front of their homes and can distinguish the meaning and function of each type of mirror. Here is a summary of things to avoid when hanging bagua mirrors to ensure good feng shui:

• Avoid hanging bagua mirrors inside the house: Bagua mirrors are traditionally used outside the house to deflect negative energy. Hanging them inside the house can reflect the energy back into the house, causing problems instead of solving them.
• Do not hang a bagua mirror facing your neighbor’s house: This can create negative energy and conflict between neighbors.
• Do not hang a bagua mirror upside down: This can cause the mirror to reflect negative energy back into the house.
• Avoid hanging a bagua mirror in a cluttered or dirty area: This can block the flow of energy and prevent the mirror from functioning properly.
• Do not hang a bagua mirror in a location that receives direct sunlight: This can cause the mirror to overheat and lose its effectiveness.
• Avoid hanging bagua mirrors with images of tigers holding weapons or gods riding on tigers holding sharp weapons because they have very strong killing energy. This will attract evil spirits to your house with such overwhelming force that the mirror cannot withstand. Additionally, it will generate negative energy and affect the opposite house.
• Only one bagua mirror should be hung in each direction, and no more than three mirrors should be hung in one house. Overusing bagua mirrors in the house not only does not bring good fortune but also invites troubles, violating the principles of feng shui.
• The homeowner should not use break mirrors because they will create strange, distorted, and terrifying images.

Following these guidelines will ensure that your bagua mirror is properly placed, creating good feng shui and avoiding any negative consequences.

Where to buy authentic Bagua mirror?

Buying an authentic Bagua mirror, a quintessential Feng Shui tool, requires careful consideration and the right sources. These mirrors should be sourced from trusted vendors who understand the depth and intricacies of Feng Shui, ensuring the mirror’s quality and accurate representation of the trigrams.

1. Feng shui specialty stores: Across many cities around the world, you can find shops dedicated to selling Feng Shui items. They often offer a range of quality Bagua mirrors and have knowledgeable staff who can assist with your purchase. It’s best to choose a store that comes recommended by a trusted source or has excellent reviews.
2. Online marketplaces: With the advancement of e-commerce, several online platforms sell Feng Shui products, including Bagua mirrors. Reputable platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy have numerous sellers that offer these items. Check the seller’s ratings and reviews to ensure authenticity. Remember to read the product descriptions carefully to confirm you’re getting the right type of Bagua mirror for your needs.
3. Feng shui consultants: Many Feng Shui practitioners also sell Feng Shui tools. These consultants often provide the most authentic and high-quality products, coupled with professional advice on how to use them. You might pay a bit more, but the cost can be worth the additional advice and guidance.
4. Eastern artifacts stores: Stores specializing in Eastern artifacts and cultural items often carry a range of Feng Shui tools, including Bagua mirrors. The benefit of purchasing from these stores is that they often source their items directly from Eastern countries, ensuring a degree of authenticity.
5. Online feng shui stores: There are various online stores dedicated solely to Feng Shui items. Websites like Feng Shui Best Buy, The Feng Shui Store, and Feng Shui Megamall offer a plethora of Feng Shui tools, including Bagua mirrors.
6. Asian markets: If you live near a city with a Chinatown or an Asian market, you can often find a shop that sells Feng Shui tools, including Bagua mirrors.

When purchasing a Bagua mirror, ensure it is from a reputable source, and it aligns with the principles of Feng Shui. Authenticity, in this context, means more than just the physical quality of the product –  it also refers to the integrity of the Bagua design and the intention behind its creation and sale. Respect for the wisdom of Feng Shui is an essential aspect of selecting and using these powerful tools.

Although the bagua mirror neutralizes bad energy, it should not be overused. If your home already follows feng shui principles and has no issues, you don’t need to hang a mirror in front of your door. Feng shui experts compare this to “embroidering flowers on brocade,” which has no effect and may disrupt the energy flow in the house.

In Eastern philosophy, “too much will backfire,” which means that one should know when to stop and not be too greedy. Even with many auspicious feng shui items, prosperity cannot be sustained if overused. These are some experiences when hanging mirrors in front of the house, and the correct and reasonable arrangement of the bagua mirror is crucial. Visit LotusBuddhas for more useful feng shui-themed articles.