The Eight of Swords tarot card indicates that you may feel trapped in a maze of your own making. You feel helpless, hopeless, and blind to the way out. But the truth is, you have the power to free yourself if you only dare to remove the blindfold and see things clearly.
The Eight of Swords invites you to break free from your mental prison and see things from a different perspective. You have the ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes your way as long as you trust yourself and your inner guidance.
Eight of Swords Symbolism
The Eight of Swords depicts a woman who seems trapped in a cage of swords, blindfolded and bound. She stands on a marshy ground, surrounded by water. The sky is gray and stormy. What does this card mean? And what are the symbols hidden in its imagery?
The swords represent the element of air, which is associated with the mind, thoughts, and communication. The swords point downwards, suggesting they are not real threats but mental constructs that keep her in fear and doubt. They also form a barrier between her and the castle in the background, representing her goals and aspirations. However, they only partially enclose her, which means she could get out.
The blindfold and the rope symbolize her lack of vision and freedom. She cannot see her situation’s reality or the opportunities ahead. She also cannot move or act as she wishes. She is a prisoner of her own thoughts and beliefs. Looking closely, you can see that the bonds are loose, which suggests that she could easily free herself if her mind were clear.
The water on the ground represents emotions, feelings, and intuition. The water is murky and surrounds her, suggesting that she is overwhelmed by her emotions and unable to think clearly. The ground is marshy and unstable, suggesting that she also lacks a solid foundation or support in her life.
The sky is partly cloudy, suggesting confusion. However, there is also a lot of light — a sign of hope and possibility for change.
The Eight of Swords invites us to examine our own thoughts and beliefs that limit us and prevent us from achieving our goals. It reminds us that we have the power to free ourselves from our self-imposed restrictions and fears. It encourages us to trust our intuition and inner wisdom and to take action towards our dreams.
Quick Guide to Eight of Swords Tarot Card
| Keywords Upright | Trapped, Confused, Powerlessness, Victim, Limitations |
| Keywords Reversed | Liberation, Empowerment, Hope, Transformation |
| Yes or No | Maybe |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Planet | Jupiter |
| Element | Air |
Eight of Swords Upright
The Eight of Swords is one of the most challenging in the tarot deck. It shows a woman who is blindfolded and bound, surrounded by eight swords that form a cage around her. She seems trapped and helpless, unable to see a way out of her situation.
But is she? Looking closely, you will notice that the swords are not very close to her. There is some space between them, enough for her to slip through if she wants to. The ties around her are loose enough for her to slip out. The sky above her is partly sunny, indicating hope and possibility.
So what does this card mean for you? It means you may feel stuck or restricted by your circumstances, but you have more power and freedom than you realize. You may have created your own limitations by believing in negative thoughts or fears that are not based on reality. You may have let others influence your decisions or opinions, or you may have ignored your own intuition and wisdom.
The Eight of Swords invites you to break free from your mental prison and see things from a different perspective. You can overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes your way as long as you trust yourself and your inner guidance. You don’t have to stay in a situation that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable. You can choose to change your attitude, your actions, or your environment.
The Eight of Swords also reminds you that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help you. You can reach out to them for support and advice, or you can seek professional help if you need it. You don’t have to suffer in silence or isolation. You can find comfort and solace in your relationships and community.
The Eight of Swords is not a card of doom and gloom. It is a card of empowerment and liberation. It shows you that you have the potential to overcome any difficulty and achieve any goal. You just have to remove the blindfold and the ropes that are holding you back and step out of the cage that you have built for yourself. You have the power to create your own reality.
Eight of Swords Reversed
The reversed Eight of Swords can signify liberation and empowerment. It suggests you are breaking free from the mental and emotional bonds holding you back.
You may have realized that you are not as trapped as you thought and have more options and choices than you previously believed. You are ready to take action and change your situation for the better.
For example, you may have been feeling stuck in a relationship, a job, or a lifestyle that does not suit you. You may have felt helpless, hopeless, or victimized by your circumstances. But the Eight of Swords tarot card reversed shows that you have had enough of this negative mindset and are willing to take responsibility for your happiness. You may decide to end the relationship, quit the job, or make a major lifestyle change that reflects your true self. You may also seek help from others who can support you.
Alternatively, the reversed Eight of Swords can indicate that you are overcoming your fears and doubts. You may have been limiting yourself by thinking you are not good, smart, or worthy enough to pursue your dreams. But the Eight of Swords reversed encourages you to challenge these beliefs and to trust in your own abilities and potential. You may discover new talents, skills, or passions that you did not know you had. You may also find new opportunities, connections, or resources to help you achieve your goals.
The reversed Eight of Swords tarot card invites you to embrace your freedom and power. It reminds you that you are the master of your destiny and can create the reality you desire. It urges you to let go of the past and the future and to focus on the present moment.
It also asks you to be flexible and adaptable to the changes in your life. By doing so, you will be able to overcome any obstacles and challenges that come your way.
The Eight of Swords reversed is a card of hope and optimism. It shows that you are moving from darkness to light, restriction to expansion, and fear to love. It is a card of transformation and growth. It tells you anything is possible if you believe in yourself and your vision.
When Eight of Swords Shows Up in a Love Reading
The Eight of Swords often shows up when you feel trapped and confused by your circumstances. You may think that you have no options or way out of your situation, especially regarding love. But is this true, or are you limiting yourself by your own negative thoughts and beliefs?
When the Eight of Swords appears in a love reading, it invites you to look closely at your relationship and your mindset. Are you being honest with yourself and your partner? Are you communicating clearly and openly? Are you letting fear and doubt hold you back from expressing your true feelings and desires? Are you settling for less than you deserve?
The Eight of Swords reminds you that you have the power to free yourself from any situation that is not serving you. You need to remove the blindfold of illusion and see things as they are. You also need to trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice rather than letting others influence you or tell you what to do.
For example, if you are single and looking for love, the Eight of Swords may suggest that you are limiting yourself by having unrealistic expectations or standards. You may be afraid of rejection or failure, so you avoid putting yourself out there or taking risks. You may also be stuck in a pattern of attracting the wrong people or repeating the same mistakes.
The Eight of Swords asks you to challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs and open yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities. You may be surprised by what you find.
If you are in a relationship, the Eight of Swords may indicate that you feel trapped or unhappy somehow. You may feel like you have no choice but to stay in a situation that is not fulfilling or satisfying. You may also feel like you have no voice or say in the relationship and that your needs and wants are being ignored or dismissed.
The Eight of Swords urges you to speak up, assert yourself, and make changes that will improve your situation. You may need to set boundaries, express your feelings, ask for what you need, or even end the relationship if it is toxic or abusive.
The Eight of Swords challenges you to take responsibility for your own happiness and well-being. It tells you that you are not a victim of your circumstances but a creator of your reality. It encourages you to break free from any limitations or restrictions holding you back from living your best life. It also assures you that there is always a way out if you are willing to see it and take action.
When Eight of Swords Shows Up in a Career/Money/Finance Reading
The Eight of Swords often shows up when you feel trapped and limited by your circumstances, especially when it comes to your career, money, and finances. You may think you have no options or way out of your situation, but is this true, or are you limiting yourself by your own negative thoughts and beliefs?
When the Eight of Swords appears in a career, money, or finance reading, it invites you to take a closer look at your situation and your own mindset. Are you being honest with yourself and your goals? Are you pursuing your passion and purpose? Are you letting fear and doubt hold you back from taking action or making changes? Are you settling for less than you deserve?
The Eight of Swords reminds you that you have the power to free yourself from any situation that is not serving you. You need to remove the blindfold of illusion and see things as they are. You also need to trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice rather than letting others influence you or tell you what to do.
For example, suppose you are unhappy with your current job or career path. In that case, the Eight of Swords may suggest that you are limiting yourself by having unrealistic expectations or standards. You may fear failure or rejection, so you avoid applying for new opportunities or taking risks. You may also be stuck in a pattern of working hard but not getting rewarded or recognized.
The Eight of Swords asks you to challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs and open yourself up to new possibilities and opportunities. You may be surprised by what you find.
If you are struggling with money or finances, the Eight of Swords may indicate that you feel trapped or helpless. You may feel like you have no choice but to stay in a situation that is not fulfilling or satisfying. You may also feel like you have no control or say in your financial situation and that your needs and wants are being ignored or dismissed. The Eight of Swords urges you to take charge and make changes that will improve your situation. You may need to set a budget, pay off debts, ask for a raise, or seek professional advice.
The Eight of Swords challenges you to take responsibility for your own happiness and well-being. It tells you that you are not a victim of your circumstances but a creator of your reality. It encourages you to break free from any limitations or restrictions holding you back from living your best life. It also assures you that there is always a way out if you are willing to see it and take action.
When Eight of Swords Shows Up in a Health Reading
If the Eight of Swords is showing up in your health reading, you may be facing a health challenge that limits mobility, freedom, or quality of life. You may think you have no options or solutions to improve your condition. You may also be suffering from negative thoughts, fears, or doubts that prevent you from seeing the bigger picture and possibilities.
However, the Eight of Swords also reminds you that you have the power to change your situation by changing your perspective. The swords around her do not trap the woman on the card; she can free herself by removing the blindfold and the ropes that bind her. She can also use her intuition, represented by the water at her feet, to guide her to a better path. The swords are only as powerful as she believes them to be.
When the Eight of Swords shows up in a health reading, it invites you to examine your beliefs and thoughts about your health and well-being.
- Are you limiting yourself by focusing on the worst-case scenario?
- Are you letting fear or guilt stop you from seeking help or taking action?
- Are you blaming yourself or others for your situation?
- Are you ignoring your inner voice that knows what is best for you?
If so, it is time to let go of these self-imposed restrictions and open your mind to new possibilities. You have more options and resources than you think. You can seek professional advice, alternative treatments, support groups, or spiritual guidance. You can also practice positive affirmations, meditation, visualization, or gratitude to shift your mindset and attract healing energy. You can also take small steps to improve your lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising, resting, or having fun.
The Eight of Swords is not a card of doom and gloom but a card of hope and empowerment. It shows you that you are not a victim of your circumstances but a co-creator of your reality. You can overcome obstacles and achieve goals with the right attitude and action. You are not alone; the Universe and your higher self-support you. You are not trapped; you are free.
So don’t let the Eight of Swords scare you; let it inspire you. It is a wake-up call to reclaim your power and take charge of your health and happiness. It is a message of liberation and transformation. It is a sign that you can heal yourself and create a better future.
When Eight of Swords Shows Up in a Yes or No Reading
When the Eight of Swords tarot card appears in a yes or no reading, it can indicate a maybe answer. This card suggests that there is no clear yes or no answer to your question because too many factors or variables are involved. You may need more information or clarity before you can make a decision. You may also need to change your perspective or attitude before you can see the answer clearly.
Alternatively, this card can indicate a no answer. This card suggests that the answer to your question is negative or unfavorable for you at the moment. You may face obstacles or challenges that prevent you from getting what you want. You may also limit yourself by thinking negatively or pessimistically about the situation.
FAQ:
Q1. What does the Eight of Swords tarot card mean in a tarot reading?
The Eight of Swords means you feel trapped, restricted, or helpless in a situation that seems beyond your control. You may be suffering from negative thoughts, fears, or doubts that prevent you from seeing the bigger picture and the possibilities that exist for you. You may also face a crisis, a dilemma, or a drama that puts you under pressure.
However, this card also reminds you that you have the power to change your situation by changing your perspective. You can free yourself from self-imposed limitations and open your mind to new options and solutions.
Q2. What does the reversed Eight of Swords mean in a tarot reading?
The Eight of Swords reversed means releasing yourself from the trap of negative thoughts and beliefs holding you back. You are gaining a new perspective and seeing new options and solutions for your situation. You are overcoming your fears and doubts and taking action to change your reality. You are reclaiming your power and freedom and moving forward with confidence and courage.
Q3. What does the Eight of Swords mean when it appears in a reading with The Chariot tarot card?
The Eight of Swords often represents a feeling of being trapped or restricted, possibly by one’s own thoughts, beliefs, or circumstances. It can suggest that you feel stuck, powerless, or unable to see a way out of a difficult situation.
On the other hand, The Chariot is a card of action, willpower, and determination. It suggests you can take control of your situation and move forward confidently and purposefully. It represents the triumph of will over obstacles and a sense of achievement.
Together, the appearance of the Eight of Swords with The Chariot can indicate that though you are feeling trapped or restricted, you have the potential to break free from these limitations by harnessing your willpower and determination.
Q4. What are some possible affirmations for the Eight of Swords?
Some possible affirmations for the Eight of Swords are:
I am free and powerful; I can change my situation by changing my thoughts.
I have many options and solutions available to me.
I trust my intuition and inner wisdom.
I release fear and doubt and embrace courage and confidence.
Q5. How can I avoid the negative aspects of the Eight of Swords?
You can avoid the negative aspects of the Eight of Swords by being aware of your thoughts and beliefs and how they affect your reality. You can challenge and replace any negative thoughts with positive ones. You can also seek help or guidance from others who offer a different perspective or a solution. You can also take action to improve your situation, even if it is small or gradual. You can also practice gratitude for what you have and can do rather than focusing on what you lack or cannot do.
