VIII
Eight of Swords
Symbols in the artwork
A person with their eyes covered by a cloth and draped in cloth over the body and arms stands barefoot between shallow water and stones. Eight swords are standing in groups of four on either side. In front, there is space between the water and stones, and in the distance, there is a castle, a mountain, and a bright light. The covered eyes and draped cloth suggest a situation where it is difficult to know necessary information and movement is not free. This does not mean that the space in front allows for an easy escape. Please read the image as a place where you can examine what paths are actually possible. It is not a scene predicting confinement.
Sources and interpretation
Referenced the temporary confinement/restriction of the original and the modern sense of constraint/helplessness. The reversed original deals with difficulty/opposition, which differs from the modern sense of liberation/new perspective.
Written with reference to Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and modern interpretations.
A. E. Waite's original text · Tina Gong / Labyrinthos modern interpretation
Upright
Restriction and limitation · Helplessness · Unseen options
Before blaming yourself for feeling overwhelmed, examine what is causing the difficulty.
Core meaning
Eight of Swords symbolizes the feeling of restriction, limitation, and helplessness when one feels unable to choose. While fear can narrow one's vision, there are also real constraints, so one should not attribute all difficulties to one's own mind.
The image of the eyes covered among the eight swords makes one reconsider if the choices currently visible are all there are. Even if space is visible in front, it does not mean one must move immediately. First, you might need information and help to figure out what paths are possible. Rather than trying to make a big decision alone, try talking about the situation specifically with someone trustworthy. It's also fine to look into it together, starting with just one question.
What to keep in mind
You don't have to attribute all difficult situations to a problem with your mindset. There may be things that cannot be changed by willpower alone. Examine both what is truly blocked and what help is needed.
One small step today
Choose one stuck issue. Write down what is hard to change, what is still unknown, and what help is needed, and ask one direct question.
A question to consider
What makes it difficult to choose? Are there methods that have not yet been explored?
A thought for today
Even if you cannot change the situation all at once, you can start by finding the necessary information and help.
Reversed
Awareness of limitations · Recovery of choice · Continuing fear
If you see something new you can try, start with a little while also examining the remaining difficulties.
Core meaning
The reversed Eight of Swords follows the modern interpretation of realizing limitations and regaining choice. Conversely, there can also be a continuation of fear and helplessness, so one cannot say that freedom has been gained just from the card.
You might be unable to admit your current difficulties because of the pressure to escape quickly. You don't have to blame yourself for finding it hard to start. Also, not everything that can be changed must be taken responsibility for alone. Adjust the pace and amount, and look at even one small thing you can choose while receiving necessary help.
What to keep in mind
Just because a way is visible, it doesn't mean you have to solve all problems alone. Failing to change is not the same as being unable to change. Check together the remaining difficulties and the areas where help is needed.
One small step today
Write down one new thing you can try and one still difficult point. Check for necessary help, and also decide when you will review it after trying.
A question to consider
What has actually changed? What more help is needed to try next?
A thought for today
It's okay to find what you can choose little by little, and to share the remaining burden together.
Tarot offers a way to reflect on yourself through its symbols. Read it as a point of reference, not a certain prediction of the future or another person's feelings.