Interpretation of Mirrors in Dreams: Symbolism and Meanings
A mirror in a dream holds various meanings, including illusion, arrogance, pride, or the representation of a woman.
Reflections and Personal Interpretation
- Black beard: Seeing a reflection of yourself with a black beard signifies honor, respect, and dignity.
- Reflection of a lookalike: Seeing someone who looks like you in a mirror represents the possibility of having a son who will follow in your footsteps and carry on your trade.
Marital and Relationship Significance
- Marriage: Looking into a mirror could symbolize the prospect of marriage or, if already married, the return of a spouse from a journey.
- Broken mirror: A broken mirror in a dream can symbolize the death of one's spouse, as partners reflect each other’s lives.
Wealth, Status, and Adversity
- Silver mirror: Looking into a silver mirror may indicate a loss of status or encountering adversity, distress, and fear.
- Golden mirror: A golden mirror represents strength in faith, prosperity after poverty, and regaining status and position.
Other Symbolic Interpretations
- Corroded mirror: Seeing a corroded mirror suggests a challenging or bad situation.
- False mirror: A spurious mirror represents calamity or great distress.
- Sick person: A sick person looking into a mirror foretells impending death.
- Woman’s reflection: If a man sees a woman’s reflection in the mirror, it indicates either having a daughter or getting married.
Travel and Pregnancy
- Looking into a mirror may also symbolize travel or pregnancy.
- If a woman looks into a mirror in her dream, it means that she will give birth to a girl, while a man looking into a mirror foretells the birth of a boy.
Psychological and Spiritual Insights
- Hallucination and craziness: Seeing someone else in your reflection suggests hallucinations, confusion, or financial loss.
- Prisoner's reflection: For a prisoner, seeing their reflection may indicate freedom or release from jail.
See Also: Basin for additional interpretations related to mirrors, reflections.
[1]Universal Landscape: Self-observation; cause and effect.
Dreaming Lens: What was the reality of the image in the mirror? Was there a disparity between the image and the object it reflected? Was the image clear? What was the integrity of the mirror (cracked, broken, or whole)? What was the style and age of the mirror?
Personal Focus: Mirrors can be confounding and confusing. Not only do they reverse everything that they reflect, but their images can give a sense of reality that they do not actually possess. They accurately reflect an image, but are not the image itself. A mirror is comparable to the basic principle of cause and effect. You can use it effectively as a tool to examine the current state of things. However, in order to change what you don’t like in the reflection, you must work on the object being reflected rather than alter the mirror itself.
Who or what is seen in a mirror in a dream represents that which the unconscious mind is seeing. Consider whether the mirror image is accurate to how you see yourself in life. Looking straight into the mirror and being comfortable with what you see says that your self-appraisal is honest and real. If what you see seems off kilter in some way, it could be an invitation to look at where you are being inauthentic. This could indicate something you are deliberately hiding from others or something more mundane, such as being more concerned with how others see or how you wish you were being in the world, as opposed to how you really are being perceived.
The condition of a mirror should also be taken into account. For instance, a cracked mirror may be helping you process a feeling of ominous bad luck due to the Old Wives’ tale common in Western culture that breaking a mirror brings dire consequences to the one who breaks it. A handheld mirror might be offering an intimate glimpse of self, one that is designed to privately monitor the image you project to the world. A full-length mirror could be pointing toward the need to see more of the whole picture of one’s current life situations. Someone else’s mirror might mean your individual sense of self is being determined at this time through someone else’s values or perceptions. A mirror can contain the magical property of showing the truth about a situation when called upon, such as the queen’s magic mirror in the story Snow White. Explore the theme of the dream for its profound truth.
[2]Insightful intellect that reflects reality.
A common allegory for self-observation. We are looking into a mirror in our dreams in order to confirm our identity. If, in a dream, we are looking into the mirror and do not see our own but somebody else’s image, it is always a sign that we are living in a fantasy world.
It is also possible to see an actual person in the mirror.
The mirror is considered an attribute of the Fool, always pointing to vanity as one of the classic seven sins. Fools have often been depicted with mirrors.
The image of a mirror in a dream is a very important event, and should be analyzed in detail.
For the Greeks, a mirror appearing in a dream meant the death of the dreamer, since what he saw in the mirror was considered a look-alike. In fairy tales, a mirror represents hidden and future events, and the image of the soul.
According to Jung, the mirror is usually considered magical; it is “a knowing mirror,” as in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Using a mirror often transforms us into a mythical state. In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, Alice enters another world through a mirror. In Cocteau’s film Orpheus, the mirror is the entrance to the underworld.
The image of a mirror also points to a tendency to inflate emotions and lose touch with our grounding.
[3]Self-images, for boon or bane, as with the story of Snow White (See Also: Fun House).
The mirror of truth that reflects genuine motivations, feelings, and fears. In ancient times, the mirror was thought to be able to reveal a soul within.
Metaphorical reflections and pondering, often of a personal nature about the essential questions of existence. There is an old fable about someone who sought the book of all knowledge and wisdom. WTien at last the book was uncovered, the person was amazed to discover it held but one page: a mirror.
The way you wish to be seen, or the way you portray yourself outwardly.
A broken or cracked mirror reveals total transformation in self-perceptions and distorted self-images. It also acts as an omen of ill fortune.
A cloudy mirror indicates unclear or uncertain outlooks, especially about yourself.
A door to other aspects of self or the Universe. People in both ancient Eastern and Western societies covered or turned mirrors after death, believing the ghost of a person could travel through the reflective surface and cause no end of trouble.
[4]Symbol of imagination and conscience. It reproduces the reflections of the visible world. Therefore, this instrument allows you to glimpse your true personality, or whatever you are hiding. Generally mirrors in the dreams demonstrate the individual’s low communication with her inner world.
If the mirror lets you see a positive image of yourself it suggests that you are satisfied with your character and current situation. Otherwise, it evidences fear of disclosing shameful desires. Finally, if you are in front of a mirror with your eyes closed it indicates that you are unwilling to face reality. Clearly alluding to narcissism, the mirror is, according to Freud, an emblem of conceit. According to the Jungian school, however, it is a symptom of introspection, a need to return to the true essence of the subject’s unconscious saving the façade that tends to be the public face.
A broken mirror is a harbinger of grief and pain. To break it with your own hands denotes inability to recognize your own mistakes.
[5]Concern over one’s image’ or how others feel about one; self examination, self love, negative only if the love is not shared with others; anxiety about changing or ageing.
Example: ‘Getting ready for a wedding in an upstairs room, feeling a bit unsure of what to wear. I look in a mirror and see I have on stockings and suspender belt with a very shon frilly petticoat. It looks very sexy. I am aware that the door is open and have an urge to close it, but then feel OK about looking sexy and people seeing me’ (Nora). Nora is looking at how she may appear to others if she allows her natural feelings to show.
Also self awareness in the sense of insight into behaviour or character traits; the mirror is similar to water and can depict looking into the unconscious to see who one is. Change face in mirror, multiple selves: becoming aware of aspects of one’s character which are usually unknown or not accepted.
[6]See Also: Reflection
1- Dreaming of a mirror suggests concern over one’s self-image. We are worried as to what others think of us, and need self-examination in order to function correctly.
There may be some anxiety over ageing or health.
2- To be looking in a mirror can signify trying to look behind us without letting others know what we are doing. We may have a concern over past behaviour. We mav also need to ‘reflect’ on something we have done or said. When the image in the mirror is distorted we are having a problem in understanding ourselves. When the mirror image speaks to us we should be listening more closely to our inner selves.
3- The mirror suggests self- realisation which reflects wisdom. As a means of understanding oneself on a deeper level, we can set up a dialogue in real life between one’s mirror image and oneself. Many of the insights gained can be quite startling.
[7]Magic, another world, self, reflection.
It is a symbol of vanity and superficiality. You may be concerned about your image and the way you present yourself to the world. Some say that if you see a clear image, you may be getting a glimpse of your true self. Broken mirrors always seem to be a sign of bad luck, or, at least, represent some distortions. On a deeper level the mirror can be considered to be a representation of the intellect.
The intellect is an instrument of navigation and is constantly persuading us to identify ourselves. When we think about this, it makes a lot of sense. Our self-identity is very much connected to the way we look (not only superficially but also characteristically as man - woman, young - old, etc). We use this self-identity, which is greatly a production of our intellect, to navigate through life.
[8]Mirrors in dreams symbolize the inner self. Here are some meanings of mirror dreams: If the mirror in your dream is clear, it is a sign you should try harder to “be yourself” with friends and romantic partners.
If the mirror is cloudy, you are sending mixed messages to those you care about.
To dream that you are being watched through a two-way mirror, suggests that you feel you are being scrutinized and criticized. Alternatively, you may be blocking or unwilling to acknowledge your unconscious emotions.
To break a mirror in your dream, suggests that you are breaking an old image of yourself. You may be putting an end to an old habit.
To see a cracked or broken mirror in your dream. represents a poor or distorted self-image. Alternatively, it suggests that you have put an end to your old habits and ways.
[9]To dream of seeing yourself in a mirror, denotes that you will meet many discouraging issues, and sickness will cause you distress and loss in fortune.
To see a broken mirror, foretells the sudden or violent death of some one related to you.
To see others in a mirror, denotes that others will act unfairly towards you to promote their own interests.
To see animals in a mirror, denotes disappointment and loss in fortune.
For a young woman to break a mirror, foretells unfortunate friendships and an unhappy marriage.
To see her lover in a mirror looking pale and careworn, denotes death or a broken engagement.
If he seems happy, a slight estrangement will arise, but it will be of short duration.
See Also: Glass.
[10]it symbolises a person’s wife.
If a person sees himself as looking into a mirror, if his wife is expecting, she will give birth to a son who will resemble him. But if she is not nor does he have a son it means he will lose his job and someone else will take his position.
If a pregnant woman sees herself looking into the mirror she will give birth to a girl who will resemble her in every way. But if she is not pregnant it means her husband will marry another woman who will occupy the same house.
If a little boys sees himself looking into a mirror, a brother resembling him will be born. And if a little girl happens to see the same dream her moth will give birth to a girl.
[11]Symbol: The mirror is a symbol of vanity but also self-knowledge. Vision: Seeing a mirror: try to become more self-aware. Looking into a mirror: the opinion you have of yourself differs totally from that of the people around you. Seeing yourself in the mirror: somebody is making you aware of a mistake; or you notice a mistake in the nick of time. Seeing a large mirror: fame or success.
A broken mirror: quarrels with other people.
Depth Psychology: The mirror is a sign of your efforts to gain more clarity. But beware: a mirror shows the reverse of the way things are in reality.
See Also: Picture.
[12](See Also: Glass).
A man who dreams of seeing a woman before a dressing table too king in a hand-mirror may be assured that the girl whom he asks to be his wife will accept him, but that she will be vain and capricious.
A woman who dreams of looking at her back with the aid of a hand-mirror will have a proposal within six months from a man whom she has never met before.
To break a mirror in a dream, means that the dream er will be disappointed in a person he or she has regarded as a friend. It also foretells an unhappy marriage and delicate children.
[13]There are two schools of thought about your dreams of a mirror. One is that if you see yourself in a mirror it foretells of a terrible illness or failure, (death of a business), and the other school of thought is, to see oneself in a mirror is a sign that you will soon be facing issues within yourself that you have been subconsciously hiding from yourself.
If the mirror is broken then will there be news of a death in the family.
[14]A mirror may reflect back to us our beautiful qualities so that we can appreciate them and embrace ourselves. It may point to an individual who is a real mirror for you and who will reflect both personality flaws and positive qualities. It may mention that it is time to look within, to appreciate your beauty, or to love yourself more.
A shattered mirror may comment that your image has been shattered.
[15]The mirror in dreams suggests self-realization, which reflects spiritual wisdom. As a means of understanding ourselves on a deeper level, we can set up a dialogue in real life between our mirror image and ourselves. Many of the insights gained can be quite startling. As a symbol in dreams it allows us to search our self-image and make whatever changes are necessary.
[16]Dreams of a mirror suggest -analysis, awareness, -consciousness, and a preoccupation with how others see you. This dream is a reality check about your public image, a lucid moment filled with insight about your patterns of behavior. Just as water can offer you a reflection into your unconscious, the mirror can reveal your unconscious patterns, fears or desires.
[17]The mirror reflects oneself from the inner depths.
If the mirror is clear, one is gazing upon one’s true self.
This may be a shocking or a pleasant experience, depending upon how many shortcomings or false images the dreamer presents in the real world.
A cracked or cloudy mirror reflects the distortions that are projected into the world.
[18]Although ancient sources disagree widely on the forecast in most mirror dreams, they practically all agree that a broken mirror signifies sad .
news and/or a troubled period ahead.
To see yourself in a mirror is a warning of deceit among your friends, and to see others reflected in a mirror portends dishonesty in your associates.
[19]1. Worry about failure of a business or health.
2. Taking a hard look at oneself to determine what, if anything, can be changed—or should be changed—about oneself, perhaps things that one has been hiding for years.
3. Searching for reality.
4. Baring one’s soul to self or to others if they are observing.
[20]Mirror dreams are usually fear projections. Looking at yourself in a mirror warns of illness or loss of personal property.
A broken mirror augurs death of a friend or relative.
To see your betrothed or marriage partner in a mirror foretells disagreements or estrangement.
[21]Material aspects: Dreaming of a mirror suggests concern over our self-image. We are worried as to what others think of us, and need self-examination in order to function correctly. There may be some anxiety over ageing or health.
[22]Self meeting self; seeing the world through your own programs and attitudes. Could also mean you are being critical of others and need to look at yourself instead.
[23]1. The Word of God;
2. Looking into self;
3. Looking back
4. Reflecting on something; 1 Cor. 13:12; James 1:23-24; (2) Prov. 27:19.
[24]interpreted upon 7 sides: woman, child, high standing, decision passing through, friend & partner, manifest matter.
[25]Betrayal by a friend.
A broken mirror signifies that you will be the one betraying a friend.
[26]Self-examination, James 1:23, or being overly self-conscious
[27]Seeing one as they really are; facing reality
[28]See Also: house, accessories metaphors
[29]See Also: Looking-glass.
[30]See Also: LOOKING-GLASS.
[31]lucky numbers: 11-20-25-32-46-47
broken: unexpected death of a relative brings friction in the family circle.
clear, a: reflects one’s inner depths uncovered to their free expression.
cloudy, a: the distortions you project onto the world are there to be viewed by you.
cracked, a: try to see yourself as others see you, flaws and al .
looking at oneself in a mirror: what appears to be reality is not the truth.
business executive: disloyal staff members worm their way into your confidence.
husband, your: wil be unfairly treated for undesirable news relating to his actions.
loved one, a: self-deception with your flighty character.
lover: sweetheart is not real y faithful; neither is your eccentric behavior.
man: take stock of yourself to notice a mistake before it happens.
married woman: are unfaithful to your husband, or wil be soon.
others: someone is making you aware of your unhappy marriage.
widow: find out your ulterior motives to match your selfish ones.
woman: are admired by men you don’t even know.
young girl: are shy about changing boyfriends.
of a: are frightened that your self-knowledge includes your own treason.
[32]