Eight of Swords
Eight of Swords, minor arcana. restriction, feeling trapped, self-imposed limits, helplessness.
A blindfolded woman is loosely bound and ringed by eight upright swords on wet ground, with a castle in the distance. The bonds are not tight, and the way out is clear.
Upright
- restriction
- feeling trapped
- self-imposed limits
- helplessness
A blindfolded woman is loosely bound and ringed by eight upright swords on wet ground, with a castle in the distance. The bonds are not tight, and the way out is clear.
Reversed
- freedom
- release
- new perspective
- taking control
Seeing that the limits were self-made. Reversed, the card marks release and the first steps out.
Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.
Astrology and numerology
In the Golden Dawn scheme that most modern decks follow, each numbered minor card from two to ten is given a planet in a sign. For Eight of Swords it is Jupiter in Gemini. The suit's element, air, comes from Swords.
Its number reduces to 8, which numerology associates with power, authority, material success. See every card that reduces to 8.
Yes or no
In yes or no tarot, Eight of Swords counts as a no when upright, and as a yes when reversed. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.
Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.