Eight of Swords
Words describing Eight of Swords: Restriction, confinement, fear, powerlessness, isolation, entrapment, self-imposed limitations.
How to interpret Eight of Swords in tarot
Past
Six of Cups (reversed)
Present
The Hanged Man (reversed)
Future
Eight of Swords (reversed)
The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)
The Eight of Swords represents feelings of restriction, captivity, and self-imposed obstacles. The card shows a woman bound and blindfolded, surrounded by eight swords. This symbolizes that she is trapped in a situation, but it is also important to note that her limitations are largely self-imposed.
Upright Meaning
When the Eight of Swords is upright, it indicates that you may be feeling trapped or restricted in some aspect of your life. You may feel unable to move forward or address a certain challenge due to these feelings. The card encourages you to recognize that many of the obstacles you experience are self-imposed and that you have the ability to free yourself by changing your mindset and taking responsibility for your actions.
Reversed Meaning
When the Eight of Swords is reversed, it can signify that you are starting to feel less restricted and more capable of taking control of your situation. You may have realized that your previous limitations were self-imposed and that you have the power to change your life. Reversed, the card can also warn that you may still be stuck in old patterns of thinking and that it is important to continue working to free yourself from these restrictions.
Example Interpretation
If the Eight of Swords appears in a reading about your career, it could indicate that you are feeling trapped or restricted in your current position. It may be a reminder that you have the power to change your situation, but that you must change your mindset and take responsibility for your actions in order to do so. The card can also encourage you to explore new opportunities and not let fear or self-doubt hold you back from achieving your goals.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Eight of Swords is a card that often represents feelings of being trapped, restricted, or limited in some way. This archetype can be seen throughout literature and mythology, with characters being imprisoned or bound in some way, both physically and mentally. This card also speaks to the idea of self-imposed limitations and the fear of breaking free from them. It can symbolize a state of powerlessness and the struggle to break free from external constraints.
Behavioral Patterns
When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual is feeling trapped or restricted in some aspect of their life. They may be facing challenges or obstacles that seem insurmountable, leading to feelings of powerlessness and lack of control. This can also manifest in behavioral patterns such as avoidance, procrastination, or self-sabotage. The individual may be afraid to take risks or make changes because of their fear of failure or the unknown.
Integration and Shadow Work
To work with the energies of the Eight of Swords, one must first acknowledge and confront their fears and limitations. This can involve identifying the root cause of these patterns and working towards breaking free from them. Shadow work can also be beneficial, as it allows the individual to confront and integrate the parts of themselves that they may be avoiding or suppressing. This card reminds us that the only way to break free from our limitations is to face them head-on and take action towards change.