Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords, in a tarot reading, represents a sense of confinement and helplessness. This card encourages you to identify the mental barriers holding you back and to find the inner strength to break free and move forward.

The Eight of Swords Tarot Card Description

The Eight of Swords depicts a sense of feeling trapped or restricted, often by our own thoughts and perceptions. These limitations can be real or imagined, and sometimes we may avoid confronting them, keeping ourselves stuck in the same position. This card reminds us that while boundaries can protect us, they can also isolate us.

Keywords

• Upright: Restriction, confinement, boundaries

• Reversed: Freedom, release, breaking free

Celestial Influence

• Planet/Zodiac: Gemini

• Card Number and Arcana: VIII (Minor Arcana)

• Element: Air

• Crystal: Clear quartz brings clarity and helps with overcoming self-imposed limitations

The Eight of Swords Upright

Upright, the Eight of Swords suggests you may feel confined by psychological defenses or strict boundaries. While these can provide a sense of safety, they might also leave you feeling isolated or disconnected from those who genuinely want to get close to you.

Remember, you don’t always need to know your destination to take the first step. Trust the tools around you; the swords are there to protect you. Move mindfully, and you might realize you are not as trapped as you may feel.

The Eight of Swords Reversed

Reversed, the Eight of Swords speaks of breaking free from the confines of fear and self-doubt. It’s about releasing the mental barriers that have held you back and embracing a newfound sense of freedom.

In reverse, the Eight of Swords encourages you to take action and to recognize that you have the power to liberate yourself from any restrictive situations, big or small.

Mantra: I hold space for, and then release, my fears.

References

Tarot | wikipedia.org

The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org

The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite

The Big Book of Tarot: How to Interpret the Cards and Work with Tarot Spreads for Personal Growth | Joan Bunning

Disclaimer

The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.