Tarot Arcana Eight of Swords: Limitations

Description: A woman stands on washed-out ground, her hands and eyes tied. Eight swords are stuck into the ground around her. Behind her stands a fortress. The sky is clear.

The main meanings of the card in the upright position:

1. you are afraid of what does not really exist. You only have to open your eyes and you will see;
2. you have imprisoned yourself with your beliefs, your habits, and this captivity is in fact just an illusion created by you;
3. shows an indecisive, weak person;
4. weakness after illness;
5. you base your plans on false assumptions;
6. someone is preventing you from revealing all your qualities;
7. deliberate concealment of some personal qualities by you;
8. obstacle in decision-making;
9. an omen of failure that you can avoid if you look around.

The main meanings of the card in the inverted position:

1. now is not the time to do anything;
2. you have gotten rid of fear, of illusions that frightened you;
3. you are now closer than ever to freeing yourself from the bonds;
4. may mean failure.

A blindfolded woman with her hands tied walks through puddles: eight swords are stuck in the ground around her. Behind her is a fortress. She got out of the fortress, but she can't to take advantage of her newfound freedom: she feels like she's still a prisoner, that dangers lurk around every corner.

However, the sky on the map is clear; if you look closely, you can see that The bonds that bind a woman are weak, and she can easily get rid of them — she just has to strain herself. And there are no swords in her path — they all stand to the side.

The corresponding card of the «Aquarius Tarot» depicts a man like Laocoon, struggling with a snake entangling him.

Don't think of yourself as weak and helpless, this card says. The dangers you expect are not that great. Perhaps they don't exist at all. Throw off the shackles, feel free and boldly move forward!

Inverted, on the contrary, it does not advise doing anything yet: it is better to wait for a more favorable moment.

In the «Egyptian Tarot» the eight swords form a symbol of chaos, reminding us that someone in this situation will have to take on the role of the Warrior of the Spirit.

(E. Kolesov «Azbuka Tarot»)

DESCRIPTION: A woman stands blindfolded, surrounded by eight swords stuck in the ground. They form a kind of barrier. The ground beneath the woman's feet is soft, damp, and swampy. In the distance, the silhouette of a castle can be seen. Element: Air.

EXPLANATION: You currently feel trapped, but your bondage is of your own making, likely to last for a short time. Perhaps, captivated by your own fears, beliefs and insecurities, you are afraid to move beyond your current situation. More broadly, this card shows someone who is indecisive, who may be too weak to stand up for themselves. , or trapped in illusory thoughts that hinder personal development. Drawing this card may also indicate that you have been weakened by illness.

REVERSED CARD MEANING :You are no longer afraid. You are free from all limitations and can start all over again.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT LESSON: You are basing your plans on false assumptions, and this will prevent you from achieving your goals. your progress. Re-evaluate the situation and ask yourself why you continue to act in the same manner. You need to explore other options, but make the final decision yourself.

( N. Drewry «Tarot. Step-by-step guide to study»)

The Eight of Swords shows that we ourselves suppress some part of our personality. Often these are internal barriers or prohibitions that we usually set for ourselves, However, we prefer to find their cause in the environment. This typical «Yes, but...» position, as described by Reverend Icke: «I would love to do this and that, but...», "I would really like to have this and that- that, but..., «I would be glad to become such and such, but...». At the same time, the only obstacle on the path of our «I» to these wonderful things turns out to be only our own «but...» " This card shows us that the limitations, difficulties and prohibitions that we feel as a hindrance do not belong to the outside world, but only reflect our own fears and barriers. In any case, the Eight of Swords warns that we are suppressing something in ourselves. to yourself. Although sometimes we can only talk about a temporary refusal from something or a voluntary limitation based on completely reliable information.

WORK: Our work does not allow some sides of our personality to reveal themselves, so we have to suppress them. If we know that due to circumstances we are now forced to accept such a restriction, then we can agree with it. If the card indicates a situation that has no end, then it should be perceived as advice to urgently give yourself personal freedom, and in extreme cases, change jobs.

CONSCIOUSNESS: At this level, the card can have two meanings. It can mean the icy tyranny of reason, with the help of which we suppress the most important impulses and feelings, believing that this means «keeping our desires, desires and dreams under control.» Or — awareness of this tyranny, and thus the first step to freeing your inner prisoner.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Here, too, these are mainly barriers. We hide some sides of our personality because we are afraid to present them to our partner. Or this card describes a union in which some part of the personality does not receive — again, because we are afraid of disapproval or other negative reaction from the partner. In any case, the card recommends changing this situation as soon as possible, because suppressing some part of our «I» will sooner or later inevitably lead to the collapse of the union. However, the card can also describe the feeling of loneliness when we live without a partner. Then it means our internal unpreparedness to open up to another person, to accept in advance all the joys and sorrows associated with this, and advises to first create in ourselves all the necessary prerequisites for this, and then the meeting with him will happen by itself.

Eights in Tarot

The number «eight» is associated with Strength, the planet Mars and the astrological sign of Capricorn, whose patron is Mars. Mars, the Greek god of war, symbolizes strength, leadership, self-confidence, impulsiveness, endurance, will, executive ability, management. Capricorn is a sign known for its ambition, efficiency, organization, authority, tendency to structure, methodicalness, seriousness, persistence, practicality; a sign for which social status is of great importance.

The appearance of eights in the layout draws attention to karma, life structure, money, finances, career. Power, recognition, achievement, payment of past debts come first. You can get a big break or make a significant leap forward. If the layout is generally positive, then eights can foretell a possible win in the sweepstakes or lottery. You can expect significant changes in relationships. You can change your place of residence or otherwise change your living conditions. Perhaps you can expect a salary increase or some other significant income related to your social status. Traveling during this period of time is undesirable.

The eight (consisting of two fours) represents Yin energy and is associated with personal power, advancement, harvesting, material gains, and the decisive but tactful implementation of personal plans. Like the four, the eight is a karmic number, indicating that you reap what you sow. Like the four, the eight in a reading can indicate real estate transactions or the resolution of legal issues.

Eight of Swords Upright

Key words and phrases:Hostile environment. Lack of strength. Blocked. Bonds. Forced restrictions. Vicious cycle. Lack of assertiveness. Isolation. Fear of the unknown. Slow energy. Inability to move. Feeling trapped. Lack of freedom of thought. Being caught red-handed. Holding yourself back. Turning a blind eye. Lack of confidence preventing you from moving forward. Barrier. Communication problems. Frustration. Locked in by fear. Inability to get out of a difficult situation. Anxiety. Worry. Censorship. Emotional pain. Hard times. Accidents. Death. Misfortunes due to your own behavior. Confusion. Misunderstanding. Indecision. Paralysis. Fear of using your power. Resistance to self-assertion. Lack of self-confidence. Negative feelings that prevent productive action. Illness. I keep banging my head against the wall. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Stay away. Don’t shut me out. This too will pass. When I say no, I feel guilty.

Situation and Advice:Anyone who has seen the existential play “No Exit” will understand what this card means. The Eight of Swords represents fear, blockade, limitations that we often impose on ourselves. You feel locked in, trapped, unable to move. You may be acting like your own worst enemy because you fear the future and resist the new. You are stuck in a routine of your own making. You may be having a hard time communicating. Perhaps you feel trapped in a situation from which you feel there is no way out. You feel that circumstances are limiting you; however, the greater limitations in your life exist because you refuse to see the reality of the situation. You will have to face your fears and only then will you be able to make an important decision. Gather all your courage and tackle the problems that surround you. If you cannot figure out the situation yourself, the card indicates that now is the best time to seek advice or consultation. Sometimes the limitations indicated by the Eight of Swords are the result of an accident or death. This card often appears in a reading when someone else’s interference prevents the querent from making a decision. The querent does not recognize his or her right to think or act.

People: Those who feel cornered, limited, caught red-handed. Blind. Imprisoned. People who are limited by some kind of relationship. Those who «go round in circles».

Eight of Swords Reversed

Key words and phrases: Overcoming obstacles. Removing blocks. New beginnings. Open eyes. Lifting the veil from the face. Overcoming fear. Freedom from limitations. Liberation. Relief. Release from outside interference. Free passage. Gaining strength. Restoring the ability to move. Renewing self-confidence. Returning productivity. The self-affirmation you need. You are free to go. I know how to get out of this situation.

Situation and advice: Now you can free yourself from limitations, overcome fears and worries. The pressure that has been placed on you all this time is easing. Now you have a clearer picture of your surroundings and can deal with what is hindering your progress. Having conquered your fears, you can start all over again. There are no more obstacles, the path is clear. Now is the time to assert yourself and reject the restrictions that others impose on you. A real way out of the current situation is visible.

People: Those who have freed themselves from restrictions, have broken free, have gotten rid of the relationships that constrain freedom. Freed from imprisonment.

The meaning and inner meaning of the Eight of Swords Arcana

The meaning of the eight of swords in the upright position:

• Criticism, Unpleasant situation, Critical moment, Critical time, Decisive minute, Unhappy situation, Delicate circumstances, Crisis.
• Investigation, Discussion, Research, Reproof, Censorship, Interpretation, Epilogue, Control, Approval, Condemnation, Cassation, Sentence, Contempt.

Other meanings of the eight of swords tarot in the upright position:

• Alien influence that prevents the implementation of plans, opposition, conflicts, gossip, slander, bad news, illness, crisis, indecision, lack of freedom, fear, frustration, limitations, collapse of illusions.

The main indicator of the Tarot card Eight of Swords is blocked energy. The Client may be presented with a number of exciting opportunities and ideas, but forces beyond his control will limit his choices and actions. The collapse of plans can lead to fear and loss of faith in the possibility of achieving the goal. The best thing for the Client in this case is to come to terms with delays and patiently wait for the situation to change.

The Eight of Swords means illness, injury. Bad news, a crisis in your relationship, a conflict. Possible loss. However, the situation is temporary, and you can avoid or prevent it with your own efforts. Stand up for yourself.

Reversed Interpretation:

• Incident, Difficulty, Special Circumstance, Conjunction, Event, Accessories, Unconscious, Obstacle, Delay, Belatedness.
• Vileness.
• Challenge, Objection, Opposition, Resistance, Nagging.
• Accidental, Unforeseen, Rare Occasion, Adventure, Chance, Destiny, Fatality of Circumstance, Misfortune, Disfavor (Demotion), Failure, Symptom.

Other Meanings of the Reversed Eight of Swords tarot:

• An unexpected event, an unforeseen situation, an accident, an obstacle, a delay, isolation, a feeling of being trapped.

The reversed tarot card «Eight of Swords» speaks of a more acute feeling of being trapped and of pessimism caused by isolation from family and friends as a result of a quarrel. The client urgently needs to break out of this vicious circle and deal directly with the problems that are besieging him.

The reversed Eight of Swords means betrayal or confrontation, usually unexpected or from an unexpected side. Uncertainty.

Inner meaning

Another negative and dangerous card. This time you are warned of major and perhaps unexpected disasters, such as illness or injury. You may receive bad news or suffer a loss. You still have enemies, and they are still trying to bring you down. False friends can become your enemies.

The only advantage of the Eight of Swords tarot card is that the problems are temporary and you can avoid them completely with proper precautions. This is a warning that things may go wrong; if you look back in time, the warning may remain only a warning, but not a fulfilled fact. Carefully and urgently check your affairs and personal relationships.

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