In the Eight of Swords, a woman is tied up, blindfolded, and trapped in a prison of swords. She’s exposed the raw elements, and the comforts of home are far off in the distance. Water is puddling around her feet, representing the wallowing in her own emotions. The sky is cloudy and gray, like her present state of mind.
But if we take a closer look, it is clear that there is no sword behind her, and her ties are not bound tight. She could easily escape by changing her perspective and pulling the blindfold off of this gloomy situation.
This card represents self imposed boundaries that keep us down when we have the power to free ourselves all along. When this card comes up in a reading, the person is usually feeling like a victim, and often for very valid reasons. Bad things happen that are out of our control. It takes a deep emotional response, filled with nasty introspection and vulnerability, to pull yourself out of victim mentality and take back your power. But you can do it! You are selling yourself short.
You are able to create your own opportunities and attract good fortune with your energy. Don’t be like the Eight of Swords and trap yourself in with unhealthy boundaries and an unfailing sense of impostor syndrome. Tell that nagging voice inside your head, the one that tells you can’t do it, or you’re not good enough, or not smart enough – to shut the heck up! I find it helpful to name your inner shame voice and address it directly. I call mine Frannie because “f*** off Frannie rolls right off the tongue.
Be careful making big decisions if you draw the Eight of Swords. It can mean that your way of thinking is limited because there is a perspective that you have not yet uncovered.
The number eight is a powerful symbol of infinity. It’s related to the constant flow of energy and power. It’s shadow side is overindulging in vices. If you draw this card in reverse, give your self a drama queen check and also watch those bad habits. Are you being a little extra lately? You know your vices! Don’t let them get the best of you.
The Eight Fold Path
Eight is a significant number in the Buddhist religion. Devotees of Buddha follow him in his practice of the Eight Fold Path. These are the dimensions of life that Buddha mastered in order to reach enlightenment.
I associate all of the Eights in the tarot deck with these teachings. The best way to shake that victim hood mentality is to get right in your own inner self and find your flow.
Have you every felt like everything was just clicking right into place? Things were coming together in your life in ways that could not just be coincidence? That is because you were in a state of flow. There are all different ways to raise your vibration, improve your happiness and your energy. Buddha is the master and there is much to be learned from his teachings.
Guided Meditation
Use this ten minute guided meditation to journey into the scene of the Eight of Swords and untangle yourself from your own self limiting thoughts and patterns. Bring a blindfold with you for this practice!
