Eight of Swords Tarot Card: Symbolism of Imprisonment and Freedom

The eight of Swords tarot card meaning is the picture of being trapped, tied, and imprisoned in one’s mind. The card generally represents falling into traps in situations, either because of circumstances or because one has developed such fear in himself. A person with boundaries will never be able to escape. The figure on the card is customarily a figure blindfolded with swords surrounding it, signifying entrapment and powerlessness.

In life, however, these entrapments are not usually as enormous as they are perceived. The 8 of swords meaning is that perception is all in seeing obstacles. A shift in attitude can make one see solutions that were not visible before. Aware of this, one can overcome all challenges of life, be it emotional balance, relationships, or career development.

Eight of Swords Meaning and Symbolism

The eight of Swords tarot symbolizes mental blockages and intellectual restrictions. It mirrors the impact of fear, doubt, and overthinking in decision-making. The blindfolded, bound character on the card symbolizes the state of helplessness in which individuals are trapped but are not masters of their destinies. Swords on the individual signify restricting thoughts, external pressures, or limiting beliefs that are trapping one.

The card is a warning against negative thinking. It calls upon the individual to ask if the limitations one perceives are in the world or the self. The eight of swords feelings are agitation, discontent, and confusion. Realizing these feelings is the beginning of regaining control. When the card is present in a reading, it is calling upon inquiry, questioning beyond self for guidance, and discovering proper channels of moving beyond limitation.

Standing Eight of Swords: Trapped and Overwhelmed

The eight of swords upright is a distressing period during which the mind is a prison. It is a sign that there is an absence of decision-making for fear of making the wrong decision or doubt about what is to be done. It occurs primarily when one gets himself into an unpleasant situation where he does not seem to have an escape. It’s a sign that the ability to transform situations lies in one’s hand.

Some common interpretations of the eight of Swords tarot card meaning are:

• Being trapped in a situation due to mental or emotional stagnation
• Being immobilized by fear and self-doubt about not being able to do something
• External pressures being imposed on you, and being trapped due to them
• Being compelled to move back and look at the issue objectively

This card compels one to break self-imposed limitations and look beyond oneself for the solution. The limitations are usually not as unconquerable as they seem to be. Awareness of mental blocks and looking beyond yield new solutions.

Reversed Eight of Swords: Liberating Oneself from Limitations

The 8 of swords reversed is liberation because the individual begins to free himself from limiting situations and thoughts. It is an indication of growing awareness of one’s power and of the potential to defend oneself. When it appears, it generally indicates a change of heart that will result in freedom of the individual.

The overall themes of the 8 of swords reversed are:

• Putting an end to self-doubt and fear
• Vision and perception of new possibilities
• Freedom from unwanted thoughts
• Movement toward the action of self and career evolution

In some cases, this card will symbolize outer rescue or inner faith. The once trapped will find they are free to alter their situation at any time they choose. To be free, however, requires an effort, some reflection, and a sacrifice on one’s behalf.

Eight of Swords Practical Applications in Readings

The eight of swords career reading generally indicates career problems due to insecurity or fear of loss. The subject may be stuck in a dissatisfying career and be too fearful to seek elsewhere for fear of insecurity. The card indicates that opportunity must be sought out and there must be space for change. Sometimes apparent lack of opportunity is attitude and not reality.

The 8 of swords love meaning is more along the lines of interference or blockage in emotional communication. The lovers are bound up, each for having genuine feelings. Genuine communication and love habit pattern recognition need to occur. The eight of swords love relationship is a signal of not being open or trusting enough. Open individual minds and open communication need to reign for us to move forward.

For personal development, the card asks us to challenge negative assumptions. Focus on one’s possibilities and potential rather than obstacles could lead to tremendous breakthroughs. The 8 of swords reversed love meaning is liberation from past suffering and embracing emotional growth.