The Eight of Swords tarot card is a powerful representation of self-restriction and confusion.
It reminds us that, though we may feel overwhelmed and stuck, the way out is available to us if we are willing to search for it.
Upright, this card symbolizes feeling trapped by our own illusory beliefs and mental limitations.
Reversed, it suggests that burdensome situations can be overcome with a leap of faith and a focus on creative problem-solving.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the upright and reversed meanings eight of swords meaning in terms of love, career, finances, and health.
Let’s get started!
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Description
This minor arcana card shows a woman standing blindfolded and surrounded by eight swords.
She appears to be immobilized by her fear and self-doubt, but she has the power to free herself if she chooses.
The swords represent the self limiting beliefs we impose on ourselves due to our mental blocks and fears.
It’s time to take off the blindfold and use our inner strength to break through these barriers.
The Eight of Swords encourages us to face our fears head-on and find the courage to make decisions that will help us reach our goals.
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning – Upright
When the upright Eight of Swords appears in Tarot, it represents a sense of feeling trapped or restricted by self-imposed mental barriers.
It signifies a situation where one’s thoughts or fears have led to a state of helplessness and indecision.
However, the minor arcana card also suggests that these limitations are largely illusory.
And that the path to liberation lies in recognizing personal agency and confronting challenges head-on.
It encourages breaking free from limiting beliefs, seeking clarity, and finding the inner strength to overcome obstacles.
Now we will look deeper into the eight of Swords tarot card meanings.
Upright Love
In a love tarot reading, the Upright Eight of Swords suggests feeling mentally restricted or limited within a relationship.
It can indicate overthinking, doubts, or fears that are hindering emotional connection.
It encourages open communication, addressing concerns, and breaking free from self-imposed barriers to foster a deeper, more authentic bond.
This tarot card calls for self-awareness and actively working to overcome obstacles, leading to increased intimacy and harmony in the relationship.
Upright Career
In a career tarot reading, the Eight of Swords indicates that you may feel trapped and unable to make any progress.
You may have been presented with the same opportunities over and over again, yet nothing has changed.
In this case, it’s important to remember that while it may seem like you are stuck in an impossible situation, there is a way out.
Consider seeking professional advice or finding a supportive network of peers who can provide guidance and support.
With their help, you can gain clarity on how to move forward in your career and break free from stagnation.
Upright Finances
In a financial tarot spread, the Upright Eight of Swords signifies a sense of being financially constrained or restricted by limiting beliefs.
It suggests that you might be overlooking opportunities due to fear or self-doubt.
This card encourages you to:
- reassess your mindset
- explore new avenues
- and break free from mental barriers to improve your financial situation.
By confronting challenges with confidence and seeking innovative solutions, you can overcome limitations and achieve greater financial stability and growth.
Upright Health
In a health tarot spread, the Eight of Swords is a warning sign that negative thinking and negative self talk is affecting your physical well-being.
You may find yourself constantly worrying about potential illnesses or injuries, leading to feelings of anxiety and dread.
It’s important to take steps to address this issue before it begins affecting your health further.
Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who can help you identify underlying triggers and develop coping mechanisms for stress management.
Additionally, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits can all help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
If in doubt, be sure to speak to a mental health professional.
Eight of Swords Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Eight of Swords tarot card indicates a gradual release from mental entrapment and overcoming restrictive thoughts.
The barriers that once seemed insurmountable are starting to crumble, allowing for a newfound sense of clarity, freedom, and empowerment.
This reversal suggests that you’re gaining perspective, shedding self-imposed limitations, and embracing a more optimistic outlook.
Reversed Love
Reversed in a love context, the Eight of Swords tarot card indicates a gradual release from mental and emotional restrictions in a relationship.
Especially if you have been in an unhappy or abusive relationship.
You’re gaining clarity, breaking free from doubts or insecurities, and opening up to deeper connections.
It suggests self acceptance.
This card suggests overcoming communication barriers and old patterns, allowing for improved understanding and harmony.
It signifies a positive shift toward emotional liberation, where you’re ready to embrace vulnerability.
And engage more authentically with your partner, leading to enhanced intimacy and a stronger bond.
Reversed Career
When the Eight of Swords card reversed appears, it may represent an opportunity to break free from restrictions in your career.
The reversed card suggests that you should look for ways to make changes in your work life.
Such as taking on new projects or seeking out professional development opportunities.
These changes can lead to increased satisfaction with your job and even higher wages if they are successful.
It is important to remember that taking risks will come with both rewards and potential losses.
So be sure to weigh both sides before making any decisions.
Reversed Finances
In terms of finances, the Eight of Swords suggests that you’re gaining clarity and finding ways to overcome limiting beliefs or fears about money.
This card encourages you to:
- break free from old patterns
- explore innovative opportunities
- and take proactive steps to improve your financial situation.
It signifies a positive shift towards empowerment and financial liberation, where you’re ready to confront challenges with confidence.
What’s more , this leads to increased stability and growth in your financial endeavors.
Reversed Health
A reversed Eight of Swords indicates overcoming mental health and emotional constraints that might have been hindering your well-being.
This card encourages you to take proactive steps towards better health, seek professional guidance if needed, and embrace a more positive mindset.
It signifies a positive shift towards empowerment.
Where you’re ready to overcome obstacles and focus on holistic healing, leading to improved physical and mental well-being.
Before You Go
The Eight of Swords tarot card symbolizes a lack of freedom and restriction due to an inability to see clearly or a feeling of being trapped.
Its upright meanings indicate restrictions, obstacles, and limitations in terms of love, career, finances, and health.
The reversed meanings suggest that these restrictions are beginning to dissipate and that clarity and freedom of choice are slowly emerging.
Ultimately the Eight of Swords encourages us to rise above our current situation, trust our intuition, and take action toward liberation.
Hana is a numerology, tarot and astrology expert who studied extensively in India and made some amazing connections in that time. Her goal is to teach people how to live lives of passion and purpose by utilizing numbers, tarot and the planets as a guide.