Keywords
Upright: Feeling trapped, self-imposed restriction, victim mentality, limiting beliefs.
Reversed: Breaking free, liberation, self-acceptance, finding solutions.
Tarot Card Description
The Eight of Swords shows a woman who is bound and blindfolded, surrounded by eight swords that seem to form a prison. However, her bonds are loose, and the swords do not form a complete circle, suggesting that her entrapment is partly a state of mind. She has the power to free herself, but her blindfold prevents her from seeing the way out. This card represents a victim mentality and the feeling of being trapped by one's own limiting beliefs.
Upright Meaning
The Eight of Swords upright indicates that you are feeling trapped, helpless, and restricted by your circumstances. However, this card is a powerful reminder that this feeling of being trapped is a result of your own thoughts and perspective. You are not as powerless as you believe. The "prison" is one of your own making, built from your fears and limiting beliefs. It is time to remove the blindfold, challenge your negative thoughts, and see the path to freedom that is available to you.
Upright Love Meaning
In a love reading, this card can suggest feeling trapped in a restrictive relationship. You may feel like you have no options, but this is a limiting belief. It can also indicate that your own fears and insecurities are preventing you from finding or enjoying a healthy partnership.
Upright Career Meaning
In a career context, the Eight of Swords points to feeling trapped in a dead-end job that you feel powerless to leave. Your self-limiting beliefs ("I'm not good enough for another job," "I have no other options") are keeping you stuck. It is a call to challenge those beliefs and start looking for a way out.
Upright Finances Meaning
Financially, this card can signify feeling trapped by debt or financial circumstances. You may feel like you have no control over your money. This is a sign to stop feeling like a victim and to start looking for practical solutions to improve your financial situation.
Upright Yes or No
The answer is **No**. Your current mindset of being trapped and powerless is preventing a positive outcome. You must change your perspective first.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Eight of Swords is a card of liberation. You are breaking free from your self-imposed restrictions and limiting beliefs. You are removing the blindfold and seeing your situation with new clarity. This is a time of self-acceptance and empowerment, as you realize you have the power to change your circumstances and create your own freedom. You are finding solutions and taking control of your life again.
Reversed Love Meaning
In love, the reversed Eight of Swords indicates you are breaking free from a restrictive relationship or from the limiting beliefs that have been holding you back in love. You are gaining the confidence to seek a healthier, more liberating partnership.
Reversed Career Meaning
Career-wise, this card signifies you are finally leaving a job that made you feel trapped. You are recognizing new opportunities and have the confidence to pursue a more fulfilling career path. You are no longer a victim of your professional circumstances.
Reversed Finances Meaning
Financially, the reversed Eight of Swords suggests you are taking control of your financial situation and finding solutions to your money problems. You are breaking free from debt and a scarcity mindset, moving toward financial empowerment.
Reversed Yes or No
The answer is **Yes**. You are breaking free from your restrictions and opening the path to a successful outcome.