Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords is one of the more challenging cards of the minor arcana. It can indicate feelings of being trapped, stuck, or restricted in some way. It comes up in a reading to show that you may be holding yourself back out of fear or self-doubt.

These limitations might be self-imposed, which means you could be in a position to do something about it.

The Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning: Searching for the Way Out

This card depicts a woman bound and blindfolded, standing in a circle of swords. It looks like she is trapped, but there's almost always a solution yet to be discovered. The Eight of Swords meaning is about a feeling of restriction. However, it also is here to remind us that our entrapment starts in our own minds.

If this tarot comes up in your reading, the 8 of Swords tarot card meaning tends to indicate that you might feel out of control when in reality the source of the issue can lie in your attitude. The Eight of Swords is a sign that you might not be as restricted as you think.

The Eight of Swords Love and Relationships Reading

The 8 of Swords is a sign of either being insecure or afraid in a relationship. This card is indicative that you or your partner feels stuck in the relationship, or maybe there’s tension between you.

It can even imply that one or both of you are emotionally guarded. It might be hard to express your feelings which might lead to misunderstandings and feelings of loneliness.

If you are single, the 8 of Swords love outcome can indicate that you probably are holding back because of fear of rejection or hurt from the past. A part of you wants to move on and open yourself up to a new person, but negative self-talk and limiting beliefs are holding you back—it might be time to break free.

The 8 of Swords Advice: Break Through the Restriction

The Eight of Swords advice brings this: the limitations you feel may be self-inflicted. This card calls you to examine your thoughts closer. Are you talking yourself down with negative words? Are you holding back because of fear of defeat?

The Eight of Swords asks you to confront those crippling fears. You are more powerful than you know, but you need to get ready and willing to take off the blindfold and face those fears head-on.

The 8 of the Swords Reversed: A Positive Shift

The Eight of Swords reversed shifts to a positive meaning. The feelings of being trapped wear off as you may get glimpses of how to get out of that situation. This card in reverse may mean that you are ready to confront your fears and do something about them.

This card, in its reversed state, represents the release. It’s about setting yourself free from the negative thinking. It is a powerful reminder that your life is in your control, and by changing your mindset, you can change your life.

The Eight of Swords Upright: Face Your Fears

The 8 of Swords upright means that you might feel stuck. It’s more about mental limitations rather than physical ones. This card, when it shows up in an upright, is here to let you know that you might be holding yourself back with self-doubt.

This card can also mean you feel powerless regarding a situation. The message of the card is this: you have more control than you think. The key is to recognize the limiting beliefs that holding you back.

The upright Eight of Swords asks you to take a good look at your situation and consider if there are options for you to act on.

The 8 of Swords Yes or No Question

The Eight of Swords yes or no is generally a no. This card speaks about obstacles. It suggests this is not a good time to push forward because there are emotional blocks that you first need to address.

The Eight of Swords asks you to step back and take a look at the situation. Do you have a clear view? Are fears or doubts muddying the waters? What are you not seeing? With a better perspective, you will be in a better position to act.

The 8 of Swords as Feelings of Being Trapped

The Eight of Swords as feelings is all about being trapped, confused, or unsure. When this card appears in a reading about how someone else feels about you, they may be unable to cope with their emotions. Or maybe they don’t know how to express themselves. They may be afraid to be vulnerable, believing that opening up will go wrong, so it might be a good idea to reassure them.

If the question is about your own feelings, then the Eight of Swords suggests that now is the time for you to let go of the fears that hold you hostage. Take your time, and take one step at a time—you will be able to heal.