Eight Of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Swords is a card in the Suit of Swords of the Tarot that is associated with feelings of being trapped or limited in some way.

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It is represented by a woman who is blindfolded and bound, standing amidst eight swords that surround her on all sides.

This card can be interpreted in both upright and reversed positions, each with their own distinct set of keywords and meanings.

The Eight of Swords Upright Keywords:

Feeling trapped
Limitations
Helplessness
Self-imposed restrictions
Mental imprisonment
Negative thoughts
Isolation
Fear

The Eight of Swords Reversed Keywords:

Freedom
Release
Breaking free
Clarity
New perspectives
Self-empowerment
Overcoming limitations
Positive change

The Eight of Swords Tarot Card Depiction and its meaning

The image on the Eight of Swords card depicts a woman who is blindfolded and bound, standing amidst eight swords that surround her on all sides.

The swords are positioned in a way that creates a barrier around her, making it seem as though she is trapped and unable to move. However, there is a small opening in the swords that she could potentially pass through if she were to remove her blindfold and find the courage to take action.

The overall meaning of this image is that of feeling trapped or limited by external or internal factors.

The blindfold represents self-imposed limitations, while the swords represent external obstacles that are creating a sense of restriction.

However, the opening in the swords also suggests that there is a way out, and that freedom is possible with the right mindset and actions.

What does the Eight of Swords Tarot Card Mean?

In a Tarot reading, the Eight of Swords suggests that the querent may be feeling trapped or limited in some way.

This could be due to self-doubt, negative thought patterns, or external factors that are contributing to a sense of restriction.

However, this card also indicates that there is a path to freedom and a way to overcome these limitations.

By gaining new perspectives, taking action, and breaking free from negative thought patterns, the querent can release themselves from the binds that are holding them back.

The Eight of Swords Notable Keywords

8 of Swords	Keywords
Upright Keywords	Entrapment, Restriction, Powerlessness
Reversed Keywords	Self-Awareness, Freedom, Empowerment
Depiction	A woman blindfolded and bound standing in shallow water surrounded by eight swords
Yes or No	No
Numerology	8
Element	Air
Planet	Saturn
Astrological Sign	Gemini
Chakra	Third Eye
Healing Crystals	Amethyst, Lepidolite, Fluorite
Meaning	Upright: Feeling trapped and powerless, unable to see a way out. Reversed: A realization of self-imposed limitations and the need to break free from them. A newfound sense of empowerment and freedom.

The Eight of Swords Upright Meaning

The Eight of Swords is a Minor Arcana tarot card that symbolizes feeling trapped, powerless, and restricted in some way. It is typically associated with feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt, and often represents a situation where someone is limiting themselves and their potential.

Upright Keywords:

Feeling trapped
Powerlessness
Fear and anxiety
Doubt and uncertainty
Restriction and limitation

Eight of Swords Yes or No

The Upright Meaning of Feeling trapped, helplessness, self-imposed restrictions and Reversed Meaning of Breaking free, taking control, regaining power, and finding a way out makes the Eight of Swords a No

Eight of Swords Love

Feeling trapped, limited, or stuck in love, a need to break free from negative patterns and self-sabotage

Eight of Swords Feelings

Feeling trapped, self-imposed limitations, fear, victim mentality

The Eight of Swords Upright Love & Relationships Meaning

The Eight of Swords suggests that you or your partner may feel trapped or restricted in the relationship. It could indicate a fear of commitment or being afraid to express your true feelings, causing a sense of unease or discomfort in the relationship.

The Eight of Swords Upright Career Meaning

In terms of career, the Eight of Swords may suggest that you feel restricted in your current job or career path, leading to feelings of fear or doubt about your abilities.

You may feel powerless to change your situation or find a new opportunity due to external or internal factors.

The Eight of Swords Upright Finances Meaning

The Eight of Swords may indicate a feeling of financial restriction or being trapped by debt or other financial burdens. It suggests that you may feel powerless to change your financial situation, causing anxiety and uncertainty.

The Eight of Swords Upright Spirituality Meaning

The Eight of Swords can indicate feeling stuck or blocked on your spiritual path. It may suggest that you are limiting yourself due to fear or doubt and need to release these limiting beliefs to move forward in your spiritual journey.

The Eight of Swords Upright Health Meaning

The Eight of Swords can suggest that you may be feeling trapped or limited by health issues, leading to anxiety and fear about your health. It may indicate a need to take action to address these health concerns and release any limiting beliefs or fears that may be holding you back.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Meaning

When the Eight of Swords appears reversed in a reading, it suggests that the situation is not as bad as it seems.

The feelings of being trapped and helpless are starting to dissipate, and there is a sense of hope and liberation.

It signifies a breakthrough from the constraints and limitations that were holding you back. You are starting to find the courage to face your fears and confront the challenges in your life, allowing you to move forward towards a more positive future.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Love & Relationships Meaning

In the context of love and relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed can indicate that you are starting to break free from a toxic or stagnant relationship.

It suggests that you are gaining clarity and perspective, and you are beginning to see the situation for what it truly is.

This card may indicate a new phase of personal growth, where you are learning to set boundaries and take responsibility for your own happiness.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Career Meaning

When the Eight of Swords is reversed in a career reading, it suggests that you are starting to break free from a situation that was limiting your career growth.

It may indicate that you are starting to explore new opportunities and take on new challenges that were previously unavailable to you.

You are beginning to see the possibilities that exist outside of your current situation, and you are feeling more confident in your ability to take risks and make bold decisions.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Finances Meaning

In the context of finances, the Eight of Swords reversed suggests that you are starting to take control of your financial situation.

You are beginning to see the possibilities for growth and prosperity, and you are taking active steps to improve your financial situation.

This card may indicate that you are starting to break free from debt, or that you are finding new and creative ways to generate income.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Spiritual Meaning

In a spiritual context, the Eight of Swords reversed can indicate that you are starting to break free from limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns.

You are gaining a greater awareness of your spiritual nature and the possibilities for growth and transformation that exist within you.

This card suggests that you are starting to see the world in a new light, and that you are open to new experiences and perspectives.

The Eight of Swords Reversed Health Meaning

In the context of health, the Eight of Swords reversed suggests that you are starting to break free from physical and emotional limitations that were holding you back.

You may be finding new ways to manage your health and well-being, and you are feeling more empowered to take control of your health.

This card may indicate a new phase of healing and recovery, where you are learning to let go of old patterns and embrace new possibilities.

Eight of Swords Tarot Card Associations

Is The Eight of Swords a Yes or No Card?

The Eight of Swords is typically a No card, indicating that you may be feeling restricted or limited in some way and may need to release any fears or doubts to move forward.

The Eight of Swords associated Numerology number

The Eight of Swords is associated with the number 8, which represents balance and harmony. However, in the case of the Eight of Swords, this balance and harmony may be disrupted by feelings of restriction and limitation.

The Eight of Swords associated Element

The Eight of Swords is associated with the element of Air, which represents communication, mental clarity, and intellect.

However, in the case of the Eight of Swords, this element may be disrupted by feelings of anxiety and doubt.

The Eight of Swords associated Planet

The Eight of Swords is associated with the planet Jupiter, which represents expansion and growth.

However, in the case of the Eight of Swords, this expansion and growth may be restricted or limited by feelings of fear and doubt.

The Eight of Swords associated Zodiac signs

The Eight of Swords is associated with the astrological sign Gemini, which represents communication and intellectual pursuits.

However, in the case of the Eight of Swords, this sign may be disrupted by feelings of restriction and limitation.

The Eight of Swords associated Chakra

The Eight of Swords is associated with the Throat Chakra, which represents communication and self-expression. However, in the case of the Eight of Swords, this chakra may be blocked or limited by feelings of fear and doubt.

The Eight of Swords associated Healing Crystals

The Eight of Swords is associated with healing crystals such as Lapis Lazuli and Blue Lace Agate, which can help to balance and activate the Throat Chakra and promote communication and self-expression.

The Eight of Swords meaning in a Reading?

When the Eight of Swords appears upright in a Tarot reading, it often indicates a feeling of being trapped or limited by external or internal factors. This could be due to self-doubt, negative thought patterns, or a fear of taking action.

The woman in the image is blindfolded, suggesting that she may be limiting herself through her own perceptions and beliefs.

However, the eight swords around her are also a reminder that there are external factors at play that are contributing to her sense of restriction.

When the Eight of Swords appears reversed, it indicates a potential for breaking free from limitations and restrictions.

This could be through gaining new perspectives, becoming aware of negative thought patterns, or taking action to overcome fears and doubts.

The woman in the image is no longer blindfolded and is free to remove the binds that hold her. This suggests that there is a path to freedom and a way to overcome the obstacles that were previously blocking progress.

The Eight of Swords Card Combinations

The Eight of Swords can have different meanings depending on the cards it appears with in a reading. Here are a few possible combinations:

Eight of Swords and The Fool: This combination may suggest a fear of taking risks and stepping into the unknown. The Fool encourages the querent to trust their instincts and have faith in the journey ahead.
Eight of Swords and The Tower: This combination can indicate a situation of crisis or upheaval that has left the querent feeling trapped and powerless. The Tower suggests that this may be a necessary shake-up that will ultimately lead to growth and transformation.
Eight of Swords and The Star: This combination suggests a need for hope and healing in a difficult situation. The Star offers a guiding light and reminds the querent that they are not alone in their struggles.
Eight of Swords and The Emperor: This combination may suggest a situation where the querent feels trapped by authority figures or rigid structures. The Emperor can offer a sense of stability and structure, but may also indicate a need to assert oneself and challenge the status quo.
Eight of Swords and Ace of Swords: This combination may indicate a breakthrough in a situation where the querent has been feeling stuck or limited. The Ace of Swords offers clarity and a fresh perspective, allowing the querent to see a way forward.

To Conclude

The Eight of Swords suggests that you may be feeling trapped or limited in some way and need to release any fears or doubts to move forward.

It is important to remember that you have the power to break free from these limitations and create a new path forward.

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Julianne Hough

Julianne has a bachelor’s in communication and journalism working with Psychic Spirituality & Relationships. She has also practiced numerology, tarot, and other psychic arts.