Eight of Swords: Tarot Card Meaning

Eight of Swords tarot card, Rider-Waite-Smith deck

The Eight of Swords is about feeling trapped, though the restraints may be looser than they seem. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a blindfolded woman stands loosely bound, surrounded by eight upright swords, with water around her feet and a castle on a distant cliff. There is no wall. The swords form a circle that she could probably walk out of.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Eight of Swords shows that you feel stuck, powerless or limited by fear. Often the trap is made from beliefs and assumptions more than real barriers. Ask what is truly stopping you, and which options you have not tried. Taking off the blindfold, even a little, may reveal a way out.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, you are breaking free. You start to see that the limits were largely of your own making, and you begin to take back control. It can also mean the lingering fear of making a move. Take the first step, even if it is a small one, and seek support from someone who can see the situation clearly.

In love

In love, the Eight of Swords suggests feeling trapped in a relationship or pattern, or limited by fear of being hurt. Reversed, it points to freeing yourself from limiting beliefs about love.

In career

At work, it points to feeling stuck in a role or overwhelmed by problems that seem unsolvable. Reversed, it suggests finding a way out, regaining confidence and taking action.

As a yes or no answer

As a yes or no answer, the Eight of Swords leans no, because fear or limiting beliefs are holding you back. Reversed, it is also a no for now, though you are starting to see a way out.

Advice from this card

List the limits you feel, then circle the ones that are actually outside your control. Many of the rest can be tested, one step at a time.

At a glance

Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Swords
Element: air, linked with thought, truth and communication
Number theme: movement, skill and focused effort
Yes or no reading: No when upright, No when reversed

Explore more cards

Continue with Seven of Swords or Nine of Swords. You can also compare it with the Eight of Wands, Eight of Cups and Eight of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.