The sixth card in the Cave and Lantern Oracle is the Foggy Mirror. This card symbolizes when we can no longer see the true self.

The mirror can become clouded by masking to meet societal expectations or by absorbing the moods or opinions of others.

This card indicates confusion around one’s true identity. We seek to merge with others or become a fantasy self who we believe will receive more external approval than who we really are.

Adapting to others’ expectations once provided safety, but it also cut you off from yourself. Over time, the pain of separation can become even greater than feared rejection by others.

The good news is the authentic self is still there, even if it is quiet and not fully visible. The true self has gone into hiding because fear and trauma caused visibility to feel unsafe and even dangerous. Rebuilding self-trust is required in order to clear the fog.

Rather than asking, “What do others need me to be?” It is time to ask, “What do I know is true for me, even if others don’t agree?”

The healing mantra for this card is: It is safe to see myself as I truly am.