Eight of Swords
General
The Eight of Swords symbolise self-limiting beliefs, and being trapped by these beliefs. This card is about being stuck and sometimes about controlling relationship dynamics (this could be parent-child, boss-employee, lovers or friends). In traditional tarot, the Eight of Swords depicts a woman tied up and blindfolded and the eight swords look like a jail cell around her. But there are plenty of open spaces for her to escape from, this is something the woman is unable to see. If only she could take her blind fold off, she would be able to see that she’s free and can walk out of this whole situation.
Upright
In the upright position, the Eight of Swords talks about feeling trapped. This could lead to victimising oneself because in your mind, you feel that there is no way out and no escape, and this leaves you feeling helpless. These are all in the mind, and these self limiting beliefs are beliefs that one can overcome. In love, this could mean feeling trapped in a relationship or feeling suffocated and smothered. This could also sometimes mean that one or both parties may feel that there is no other way to fix the relationship, and feeling defeated. Usually these self limiting beliefs take many forms. In career and finances, this could represent a fear of changing jobs or career. And being overly dependent on certain people or things for job security. This could mean that there is anxiety over money.
Reversed
In the reversed position, the Eight of Swords often means breaking free from these self limiting beliefs. It’s about growing and learning to take back your power. In love, this could mean that you are breaking free from restrictive thoughts and patterns. This is about changing the way both parties view and act in a relationship. This could also mean taking the lead and taking a more active role in maintaining and building a relationship with someone. In career and finances, this could mean that you are breaking free from the current job or gaining a new perspective over this current job. This could mean that you are breaking free from the struggle and anxiety.
