Showing a tied and blindfolded woman, the Eight of Swords doesn’t seem to have the most positive approach in interpretation. She’s surrounded by eight swords, meaning she can’t really move. However, there’s an escape route around them.
Colors and other small elements in the card may indicate a lack of imagination and despair too. All in all, let’s see what kind of interpretations the Eight of Swords comes with, whether in an upright or reversed position.
Meaning of Upright Eight of Swords
In an upright position, the Eight of Swords is all about being trapped. However, that’s only a misconception. Sure, you feel like there’s nothing you can do about the situation you’re in. But at the end of the day, this feeling of hopelessness is what aggravates the situation.
So far, you’ve been more than happy to let others lead you in life. At this point, it’s no longer a good idea. Your life is clouded, so making decisions could lead to even worse consequences. The good news is you’ve created this trap yourself, meaning you can also break free without any external help.
Upright Eight of Swords in Love & Relationships
The same feeling occurs in love and relationship reading. Seeing this card in an upright position means you feel like you have no escape. Your relationship isn’t going anywhere. It’s dull and boring, but you just cannot leave. It feels like you have no options whatsoever.
If you made the effort to see things in an objective manner, you could see that there are a few options, but you deny yourself these solutions. To make it happen, you need to take control. If you’re passive, you’re not getting anywhere.
Being passive is also the most common interpretation if you’re single. To find love, you need to be active and search for it yourself. It won’t just hit you out of nowhere.
Upright Eight of Swords in Career
Your career is far from what you imagined years ago. You’ve gone in the wrong direction, and you feel trapped now. You can’t change it either because you need that income. There’s no backup plan, not to mention other similar positions to make a switch.
For instance, if you’d like to change your career, you’d have to educate yourself. But you have bills to pay, too. To get out of this position, you need to leave your comfort zone. Maybe trim your budget a little. Find a passion and turn it into a side business until it grows. Get a student loan. There are loads of options.
Upright Eight of Swords in Money
Looking at your bank account will most likely give you anxiety. Nothing works according to your plan, but that’s mainly your fault. Too much anxiety will only cloud your judgment, so you’re probably perceiving the situation in the wrong way.
If you need more money, you have to work more. Maybe you can monetize a talent or a business idea. The lack of creativity is usually the reason behind this issue. This means you’ll need to see the bigger image and find out what could put you back on track.
Upright Eight of Swords in Health
If you’re getting a health tarot reading, the upright Eight of Swords shows emotional and mental issues. In other words, you could suffer from depression, anxiety, agoraphobia or panic attacks, among others. Eye-related problems are also associated with the card, so seek help if you can’t figure out a solution yourself.
If you don’t suffer from any of these, the card is usually a good sign. It’s often associated with weight loss. If you’re about to start a fitness journey and lose some weight, this is a good card to see. It tells you that you’re moving in the right direction.
The Eight of Swords may have something to do with your impossibility to conceive too. If you’ve been trying lately, you might’ve noticed you’re always failing. The card shows something’s preventing you, so maybe get some medical tests done.
When it comes to someone’s feelings, the upright Eight of Swords means that your partner feels trapped. They need to escape, but they can’t.
They’re very vulnerable and while they want to escape, they feel like they can’t do it. In terms of intentions, they’ll try to hide it from you. Make sure you communicate and discuss their concerns.
People see you as someone who can trap people in. At times, you might be seen as manipulative. Besides, you probably suffocate those around you, even if you don’t realize it.
As for actions, make sure you acknowledge all the limitations and boundaries around you. You’ve set them, so you’re the only one who can break free.
Meaning of Reversed Eight of Swords
If the upright position of the Eight of Swords is usually a bad sign, the reversed position is the opposite. You want to see it in this position because it underlines maturity. You’ve overcome many obstacles to become who you are today. You’ve also learned to accept yourself for who you are.
This means your decisions are excellent. You have what it takes to move forward, so you make informed and clever choices. Your high degree of confidence means you also attract like-minded people, so you surround yourself with those who share the same values and vision.
Reversed Eight of Swords in Love & Relationships
Your romantic life puts you in an unusual position. It feels like you’ve been blindfolded for a long time and you can see the truth now. You have a clear understanding of where you are in your relationship. This means you can set proper goals to actually chase. You also see love with different eyes.
Forget about depression and anxiety because they’re no longer there.
If you’re not in a couple, the reversed Eight of Swords tells you that you’re ready to step up. Forget about waiting for love or letting others make the first steps. Your fears are no longer there, so you can take your romantic life into your own hands. Go there and find someone for yourself.
Reversed Eight of Swords in Career
Things went wrong so far in your career, causing depression and anxiety. Conflicts at work were part of the scenario on a daily basis. All these are gone now, so your life will ease a bit. Your vision is no longer affected by fears and disagreements.
In some interpretations, the card may indicate a new career, job or position. It will allow you to grow and reach your real potential.
On a more negative note, if this isn’t the case, the reversed Eight of Swords also means you’ve settled for a loss. You feel like you can’t get out of this career, so you’re struggling day by day, with no actual goals.
Keep in mind that you can still change things if you work hard enough.
Reversed Eight of Swords in Money
Your fears and anxieties about money have also faded away. Things are getting better, but the card has two extremes. You’re either doing very well or very bad. There’s no middle option here.
For example, you might be in a good place. Maybe you’ve learned some lessons in the past. You’re aware of all the options around you. But on the same note, the card may also tell you that your fears are getting worse and worse.
If you’re getting a more negative interpretation, you’ll have to face these fears. They won’t go away, but they’ll aggravate. Make sure you handle them, and your problems will slowly fade away.
Reversed Eight of Swords in Health
Like other readings, this one can also have two opposite interpretations. Again, there’s no grey area. You’re either doing very well, or you’re in poor condition.
The positive interpretation means you’re recovering from a problem. This problem is most likely mental. It could be depression or perhaps PTSD. Whatever it is, you’re recovering, so you’ll see some improvements.
But on the other hand, the card may also act like a warning. Things are likely to get even worse. Seek help from family and friends, but you should also talk to a professional.
How can you tell which interpretation is valid? Pay attention to how you feel day by day and you’ll be able to see the direction you’re moving into.
The reversed Eight of Swords could indicate a period of fertility, suitable for a pregnancy. It may also tell you that your problems aggravate. Again, a doctor could guide you accordingly.
If you ask about someone’s feelings, their perspective is likely to change. They see things clearly, so the connection will most likely improve.
That person has good intentions, too, whether they’re for themselves or for your relationship.
You’re seen as someone who empowers people, so that person believes it’s time to act, but only with you by their side.
In terms of action, the reversed Eight of Swords indicates an opportunity to escape. This is your moment to break free, regardless of what holds you back.
Numerological Meaning of Eight of Swords
Relating to the number 8, the Eight of Swords indicates awareness but also progress.
This means that seeing the card is a piece of advice. You need to harness your strengths and face challenges without looking back.
In traditional numerology, the number 8 also shows a great level of self confidence and perfect instincts. You’re in a point in life where you can progress, so make sure you follow through and go for your goals.
Astrological Meaning of Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords can be associated with Mercury. This means the interpretation is covered in confusion and dilemmas. No matter what it’s about, it shows some negative connotations, as well as limitations of mind.
When associated with Jupiter, the card indicates an overwhelming feeling. There’s plenty of stimulation, which will inevitably lead to confusion. Seeing a bigger picture is nearly impossible, so the astrological meaning has a negative aura.
Zodiac Correspondence of the Eight of Swords
Most swords relate to air signs and the Eight of Swords makes no exception either. This means it’s usually related to Libra, Gemini or Aquarius. In most interpretations, the card relates to Gemini and the characteristics of the sign.
The Gemini can make things move, but not without work. The sign is highly communicative, yet it’s shaded by Jupiter’s influence. While those represented by Gemini always look for small details, they can get overwhelmed when it comes to making decisions.
Yes or No Meaning for the Eight of Swords
If you draw the Eight of Swords in an upright position, it’s probably a good time to say no. It could be a yes, too, but it goes towards the no. The card shows that you feel powerless. It means that you’ll never be able to move on if you can’t overcome physical barriers.
You need patience before making plans.
When reversed, the card is a hopeful yes. You have the right mindset now, after handling your mental issues. You’re open minded and you’re ready for action. It’s a good sign, but you can only hope things will get better.
Key Actions for the Eight of Swords
If the Eight of Swords is drawn upright, you have to look at yourself from the outside. You have to admit that you have a problem. And this problem or limitation is caused by yourself.
You need to force yourself to see that some barriers are not as bad as you think they are. The best advice in this situation is to face your limitations with your chin up.
If you see the card reversed, it’s time for action. Believe in yourself because you have what it takes to succeed. You just need the courage to act.
In short, the reversed Eight of Swords is a positive sign that you’re moving past obstacles and becoming a stronger, freer version of yourself.
