Eight of Swords card

Dead end.

Supporting / Blocking Tarot Card

support

The card represents a blockage resulting from the previous Seven of Swords card, which is present in the here and now. The querent is unable to act because they are restricted and bound. They allow their emotions to lead before logic, thus preventing them from implementing their plans regarding the question at hand.

Relationships

Career

Finances

Relationships

Career

Finances

The Meaning of The Card

Eight of Swords: Chains and Barriers. This card represents a state of blockage resulting from allowing emotions to control one’s actions rather than operating from a place of logic. The chains and barriers that confine the individual could be contracts, secrets, relationships, marriage, or job commitments. To achieve balance and completeness, these constraints need to be addressed or broken.

Eight of Swords card: The Meaning of The Symbols

Card Symbols	Symbol Meaning
Gray Background	The gray background symbolizes the search for balance, compromise, contraction, detachment, and protection.
Blindfolded Eyes	Eyes symbolize judgment and awareness; they represent how a person views their life. The blindfolded eyes suggest the need for a change in perspective, a shift in viewpoint, a refusal to accept facts, and a closing off from the world.
Bound Woman	The woman symbolizes passivity, sensitivity, intuition, and the ability to give. She represents blockages, lack of movement, and fear. The bindings around the woman prevent movement.
Sword	Represented by the element of air, which symbolizes cold logic. The sword’s strike is quick, sharp, cold, and calculated, just like thoughts originating from the intellect. It symbolizes authority, justice, power, strength, and the separation of good from evil.
Fence of Swords	The fence formed by the swords around the woman symbolizes barriers or obstacles in a person’s life, making it difficult to take the necessary steps to free themselves.
Castle	Security, protection, authority.
Orange Garment	Represents the emotional world, sexuality, flexibility, vitality, and creativity. It symbolizes balance between the physical and spiritual body. Abundance, fertility, love, creativity, and inspiration. Orange also expresses a tendency toward the arts and represents feminine intuition.
Puddles	The puddle where the woman stands symbolizes small delays, disappointments, and experiences that hinder personal growth. Unstable ground, discomfort.
Bindings	The bindings prevent the orange energy from manifesting. The bindings around the woman restrict movement.

Mythology

In the critical moment in the temple, when his mother is alone, Orestes raises his sword but fails to kill her. She tries to appeal to his emotions, but to no avail; Orestes does not lower his sword and does not free her from the threat. She then calls upon the Furies and, in their name, vows that they will pursue him until the day of his death. The card represents situations in life where one must act coldly without emotion, even though the situation is challenging and emotionally charged. The person is required to act rationally, but their emotions bind them and prevent them from taking action.

Representation of the Card in a Reading

In a reading, the Eight of Swords combines spirituality with practical ability. The individual has undergone a process of development and has reached a stage where they need to take one step forward to move to the next phase of their journey. This is a phase of ending and beginning, a process of transition and change. After taking that step, the person will achieve balance and harmony in their life. The chains, fears, and anxieties prevent the individual from taking the crucial step that will bring them to equilibrium.