The main meaning of The Eight of Swords, is that it is a card of entrapment. There is a of feeling or being restricted. When you see this card you will know that you are feeling stuck or trapped in the situation it represents. You might even be feeling trapped and are not even aware of it. Conflicts and the dynamics of your relationships need to be re-evaluated.
The Eight of Swords is the card of controlling relationships. Obviously, this can be romantic relationships but also parent-child and boss-employee relationships and friendships. You just don’t want to disappoint the other person. You are mentally tied to the person because you feel an obligation to them. You make decisions based on what they want, not what you want.
Often times the Eight of Swords can represent criticisms in general. You will have grand plans to improve your life or career situation because you are not living your dreams. Oftentimes, this will be because you worry about backlash from toxic people around you. Perhaps you are already going for the things you want but jealous individuals are slandering you?
There is also the possibility that you are disabled by your own lack of confidence. You suffer from chronic self-doubt and imposture syndrome; you are your own worst enemy.
Because the Eight of Swords predicts that you will be restricted in some way, this restriction can also be physical. An illness may be on the cards. Illnesses can be serious or not depending on how your spread and reading looks. In any event your health issues could hold you back from getting the things you want.
Like most Tarot cards, the Eight of Swords can appear as a positive. If this is the case, it means that your intuition is guiding you so that you do not make any rash or stupid decisions. Also, if people are slandering and gossiping about you this usually means that you have something to covet; in this context the Eight of Swords is a card of achievement.
Eight of Swords Love Tarot Meaning
Clearly, in a love reading the Eight of Swords can represent a restrictive partner and one who controls and manipulates the others. Your partner might be the controlling one but there is also the possibility that you are the one who places restrictions on your partner.
Potential partnerships do not seem likely. You will be trapped in the status you are in now forever. Are you feeling as though you just cannot progress this relationship forward no matter how hard you try? Then the Eight of Swords means that you are restricted from doing so.
(If you would like more love Tarot meanings for the Eight of Swords, check out the Love Tarot Meanings E-Book).
Eight of Swords Feelings Tarot Meaning
Are you asking your Tarot cards about your potential partner’s feelings? If the Eight of Swords appears in this type of reading beware; this means that they like to get a bit sociopathic with their partners and you could be their next target. Another possibility is that they are the one who feels restricted and does not like to be tied down.
Eight of Swords Future Tarot Meaning
When the Eight of Swords appears in the outcome or future position of a love reading, this can mean that your relationship will last for the foreseeable future, but at a cost. Being with your partner will place a chain around your neck. You may be required to look after their physical or emotional health in the future.
Alternatively, if your relationship with your lover lasts you will discover, in the future, that they want completely different things out of life. If you want to be with them, you’ll have to settle for the life they want. These things may not seem like an issue for you now, but they will be in the future.
Eight of Swords Business & Career Tarot Meaning
As discussed in the general card meaning for this card, the Eight of Swords in a career reading means that you place restrictions on yourself. You may be too self-conscious to put yourself out there. You often sabotage your own success. The Eight of Swords is telling you to stop playing the hiding game.
The Eight of Swords can also represent other people trying to tare you down and down-play your success; they may resort to slander in order to damage your reputation. If this is the case try not to listen too much to criticism. Do your thing and shine brightly anyway.
Eight of Swords Yes or No Tarot Meaning
General - Unfortunately, the Eight of Swords is usually a no for most types of questions. However, if you’re asking about whether you or someone else is likely to be disciplined, the Eight of Swords is a yes in these cases.
Do they like me? - Your lover feels as though you do not give them enough space. While yes they may like you, the answer is no because you are currently turning them off.
Am I pregnant? - If you want to be pregnant, you are not pregnant and there appears to be something which is preventing you from being so.
Is this relationship going to last? - Your relationship will last if you’re willing to give up everything you are to please your partner. If not, then no your relationship will not last.
Does the future of this look promising? - No the future of this does not look promising.
Am I going to reconcile with my ex? - Reconciliations do not seem likely.
Eight of Swords as a Positive, Strength or Advantage
When the Eight of Swords appears as a positive, strength or advantage in a Tarot reading, the Eight of Swords can predict that you do not make any rash decisions. You like to stop yourself and think things through before committing to a plan of action.
Eight of Swords as a Negative, Weakness or Blockage
In a more negative reading, the Eight of Swords can predict that you will have controlling people in your life. Those who you think care about you now will eventually place restrictions on you. It is also possible that you will try to micro manage other people with dire consequences. Or, you place too many restrictions on yourself and this is why you cannot achieve the things you want.
When the Eight of Swords appears as a negative, weakness, or blockage Tarot spread position this often means that you will experience criticism and slander. You will let other people’s past judgements of you affect your growth. Make sure that you’re making decisions for yourself, not other people.
That’s all for the Eight of Swords. In my weekly newsletter, I share Tarot tips and teach Tarot readers like you how they can connect to their angels. Join today (for free) and grab your copy of Spiritual 101:
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Illustration: In a Tarot card reading, The Eight of Swords in a spread can be a symbol of abuse and restrictions. This post includes a vintage and modern fortune telling meanings of The 8 of Swords, ideal for the advanced reader or those just learning the cards. These interpretations can be used with any of the decks (Rider Waite, Marseilles etc).
