Eight of Swords -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
EIGHT OF SWORDS
At a glance:
The Eight of Swords symbolizes feelings of powerlessness and entrapment, but also hints at the self-imposed nature of these constraints.
Upright Keywords:
Feeling helpless, restricted, held back, tangled
Reversed Keywords:
empowerment, new perspective, untethering
Numerology:
8 - abundance, success, and progress
Eight of Swords: Upright Meaning
The Eight of Swords depicts a woman trapped by a wall of eight swords, blindfolded and tied up. However, upon closer inspection, she could easily remove her blindfold and bindings to make her escape. This card symbolizes feelings of powerlessness and entrapment, but also hints at the self-imposed nature of these constraints. It serves as a reminder that with a shift in perspective and a reevaluation of options, one can regain control and move forward.
Numerology and Suit Meaning:
In numerology, the number 8 is associated with abundance, success, perseverance and progress. It signifies achievement and the realization of goals, often linked to financial prosperity and business acumen.
The suit of swords is connected to concepts of communication, intelligence, ideas, belief, and logic. Many cards of the suit also deal with conflict, both internal and external.
Elementally, swords are associated with air. Like thoughts and spoken words, air cannot be seen. Nevertheless, it can still be felt such as when a calming breeze blows or a roaring gale strikes. Wind can also cut through the skin similar to how our words can pierce deeper than any weapon.
Love/Relationships
The Eight of Swords love meaning suggests that you might feel stuck or powerless, but you have more influence than you realize. This card encourages you to take the first step towards positive change, whether that means initiating difficult conversations, setting boundaries, or leaving a toxic relationship. For those who feel trapped in a cycle of unhealthy patterns, it's essential to recognize your ability to change the narrative. Empower yourself to take control and seek out relationships that are supportive and nurturing. If you’re single, consider breaking free from past emotional baggage that might be holding you back from forming new connections.
Money/Career
When it comes to your career or financial situation, the Eight of Swords indicates that things may not be progressing as you hoped, leaving you feeling stuck and uncertain. This card urges you to reassess your current path and explore new options. It might be time to consider a job change, seek additional sources of income, or pursue new work projects to improve your prospects. Take proactive steps to brainstorm and implement new strategies for your career and finances. Remember, the constraints you feel are not insurmountable; with determination and creativity, you can overcome them and find a path to success.
Spiritual/Self
The Eight of Swords highlights a sense of feeling limited, often stemming from our own minds. We can become trapped by our own fears, doubts, or negative thought patterns. This card is a call to break free from these mental binds and reclaim your personal power. Surround yourself with hobbies and supportive people that will help provide clarity and shift your mindset. Recognize that your perceived limitations are often self-imposed and that you have the ability to change your perspective and open up new possibilities for growth and self-improvement.
Here are some mindset shift examples that can help free you:
Instead of saying “I can’t do this”, say “How can I do this”
Instead of saying “I always make mistakes”, say “I have the ability to learn and grow”
Instead of saying “Change is hard”, say “Change is possible”
“Remember, the constraints you feel are not insurmountable; with determination and creativity, you can overcome them and find a path to success.”
Astrology
The Suit of Swords in Tarot is intimately linked to the element of Air, representing intellect, communication, and mental clarity. This connection resonates strongly with the zodiac air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, highlighting their analytical minds, communicative skills, and intellectual pursuits. The air signs are notorious for their curiosity, adaptability, mental agility, and mastery in diplomacy. These characteristics align with the Swords' themes of objectivity, fairness, and progressive thinking. The Swords' and the Air signs are the visionaries of the Zodiac. Together, they remind us of the power of clear thinking, effective communication, and mental agility in navigating life's challenges and achieving harmony.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Eight of Swords signifies a newfound perspective and readiness to break free from old patterns. You are beginning to see your situation more clearly and are prepared to take the necessary steps to move forward. This card represents the lifting of mental fog and the release of self-imposed restrictions. Embrace this opportunity to start fresh and make empowering choices that align with your true desires. Use this clarity to take decisive action and create a more fulfilling and liberated future.
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Our compact 188-page guidebook, aptly named the Little Black Book, offers the meanings behind each Tarot allowing both beginners and experts to interpret effectively.
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Note: Illustrations are from the classic 1909 - 1910 deck that was hand-illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.
-Deck comes packaged in a sturdy, slider box.
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Deck Box
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CARD SUMMARY
With a shift in perspective and a reevaluation of options, one can regain control and move forward.
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