The Meaning of the Eight of Swords in the Tarot Card System

The 8 (Eight) of Swords

General Meaning

Inability to influence the situation, the need to wait, lack of self-belief, fear, lack of freedom, submission to the will of others, conflicts, the collapse of plans and illusions, illness, bad news, unfavorable circumstances. The Eight of Swords indicates that you do not make decisions independently and are always doubting something. The card describes the factors that created the current situation. It points to helplessness, restrictions, a dead end, and the difficulties and complications that arise in pursuing your goals. This card can also serve as a warning that unforeseen circumstances will be impossible to avoid.

Enjoying the content? ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Click here to support the blog →

Meaning in Situations

In certain circumstances the Eight of Swords can signify fear, a limitation, or a blockage that a person has imposed on themselves through their own negative thoughts. Sometimes it seems to you that you are caught in a trap and can see no way out. You feel an overwhelming fear of the future or of change, and because of it you have become your own enemy. Most likely, you are having communication problems right now. The current situation restricts your freedom of action and thought, but all of this has happened because you are afraid to look the truth in the eye. If you have an important decision to make, you must first deal with all of your fears.

Restrictions, rigidity. Getting into a difficult situation with no way out, or where the way out is not obvious. The classic imagery of the card symbolizes Masonic initiation.

Work

No development, or only very slight development; no opportunity to expand or change. Small income or even losses.

Health

A state of health that does not allow a person to feel free (dependence on medication, such as insulin). Serious chronic illnesses.

Relationships

Mutual dependence, or the dependence of one partner on the other. A rigid framework of relationships, an orthodox family.

Personality Type

Shy, stiff, modest, full of complexes. Afraid to take a single extra step.

Advice and Warning

Advises acting gradually and looking for a way out of the situation. Warns that inaction can be dangerous.

Yes or No

"No." A way out is hard to find, but you must keep looking. A period of inaction and unfreedom.

Tarot Card Practices

6.05€ incl. VAT

Tarot Journal "Card of the Day" Note Pages

15.00€ incl. VAT

Tarot Coloring Book "The Major Arcana"

Reversed Meaning

A time has come when you can finally breathe freely and shed the restrictions that tormented you for so long. You have at last overcome your agonizing fears and anxiety. If you felt pressure on yourself, it is now beginning to ease. You will finally get a clear picture of what surrounds you, and now you can see what is hindering your further spiritual or career growth.

A hopeless situation. A panicked urge to break free, a constant strain of effort to improve the situation (not the timid steps of the upright position, but genuine exertion).

Reversed Meaning: Work

A business with no prospects. Working under someone else's authority.

Reversed Meaning: Health

A desperate and unsuccessful fight for one's health. Infertility.

Reversed Meaning: Relationships

A very complicated and difficult relationship. No way to break free from dependence or a subordinate position (they will find you, catch you, and bring you back).

Reversed Meaning: Personality Type

Someone fighting with their last ounce of strength, refusing to give up to the very end.

Reversed Meaning: Advice and Warning

Advises fighting with all your might — try to save yourself, hold on! Warns that your struggle may not bear fruit.

Reversed Meaning: Yes or No

Very little chance of finding a way out of the situation.