By Isabella Vale – Founder of Tarot Masters
When I first began reading tarot, I found myself asking a question that still echoes in my practice today. Is tarot a mirror that shows us who we are right now, or is it a map that reveals where we are headed?
Over the years, my answer has evolved. The more I work with tarot and guide others through their readings, the more I realize it is not an either-or question. Tarot can be both a mirror and a map, depending on how we choose to engage with it. And this dual nature is what makes tarot such a powerful tool for personal growth.
Let me share how I see both sides of this beautiful coin.
Tarot as a Mirror: Inner Reflection and Awareness
When someone asks me how tarot works, I often begin with this idea. Tarot reflects what is going on inside of us. It helps surface emotions, thought patterns, fears, hopes, and stories we might not have put into words. Much like a mirror, it shows us what is already there.
This is where the psychology of tarot becomes fascinating. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, spoke about archetypes and the collective unconscious. He believed that symbols speak directly to our inner world. The images on tarot cards, rich with myth and metaphor, stir something deep within us. They allow us to access layers of meaning we might not be able to reach with logic alone.
When I pull cards for myself or a client and the Tower appears, for instance, it rarely surprises me. Often, I already feel the inner tension or instability. The card simply holds it up, clearly and without judgment, saying “Look. This is what is trying to be seen.”
Tarot as a mirror invites us to pause, reflect, and witness what is true right now.
Tarot as a Map: Guidance and Possibility
That said, tarot also holds the magic of potential. It can act as a guidepost, offering a path forward. When we ask future-oriented questions like “What energy is coming into my life?” or “Where should I focus next?” we are using tarot as a map.
I do believe tarot can show us the energy around a possible future, but I do not believe it tells us fixed outcomes. The future is shaped by our thoughts, choices, and actions. What tarot can do is illuminate the road ahead so we can walk it with more clarity and confidence.
The Star, in a future position, often feels like a gentle beacon. It reminds us that healing is possible and that there is a bigger picture we may not fully see yet. In this sense, tarot helps us align with hope and intention. It maps out a direction, not a destination.
The Butterfly Effect: A Tarot Paradox
One thing I find fascinating is how simply knowing a potential outcome can influence the way we act. This is what some call the butterfly effect. If a reading shows a new opportunity on the horizon, you might begin to behave differently — more open, more confident — and in doing so, you help manifest that outcome.
This creates an interesting paradox. Is the tarot predicting the future, or shaping it? The answer might be both.
The Sweet Spot: Mirror and Map Together
In my own practice, the most transformative readings happen when we hold both perspectives. First we use the cards as a mirror. What is really going on here? What am I feeling or resisting? Then, we shift to the map. What could emerge from this? What is the next best step?
This is where tarot becomes a tool not just for insight but for empowerment. We begin to see how our inner world and our outer path are deeply connected.
A Final Thought
Whether you come to tarot looking for answers or looking for self-awareness, I invite you to play with both lenses. Let the cards reflect back who you are, while also pointing gently toward who you might become.
And when in doubt, ask your heart. When you pull a card, are you seeking clarity about the now or guidance for the next step? Either way, the tarot will meet you where you are — and offer more than you imagined.
With warmth and intuition,
Isabella Vale