Eight of Swords as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Swords is the card of helplessness, powerlessness, imprisonment, victimization, and feeling trapped. This card depicts a woman bound and blindfolded. Eight swords seem to be trapping her in place. However, if she took off her blindfold, she would see that she can walk away free. This is a symbol of limiting mindsets and beliefs. 

The Eight of Swords reminds us that most of our issues around feeling trapped are mental in nature. If you are feeling trapped, open your eyes and look around. There may be another way out, if you just take initiative. This can be overcome. The Eight of Swords is a reminder that our mentality in terms of how we approach our relationships will often influence the success of the relationship.

Upright Eight of Swords as a Person

If the Eight of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is bogged down by limiting beliefs. They are in denial about some aspect of their life. Instead of confronting their problems, they give into their own anxieties. This card is astrologically associated with Jupiter in Gemini. Because both Jupiter and Gemini carry masculine energies, this card is extremely active and assertive. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who overthinks to the point of neglecting reality. Gemini rules the thought process and the mind, while Jupiter exaggerates anything it touches. This person is prone to overthinking. This person’s imagination is out of control, and they make up worst case scenarios in their head. Alternatively, they could be a very attractive person who doesn’t quite realize how attractive they are! This person lives in their head more than the real world, so they may live an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle.

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who feels broken. If you care about this person, you can guide them toward healing, but it is up to them to do the healing themselves. It’s not your responsibility to heal them. They have to want to heal. Some people subconsciously enjoy playing the victim. Jupiter is all about luck, and this person needs to understand that not everything in life is based on luck. We have to pave our own path forward.

For careers, the Eight of Swords can represent someone who blames others for their own lack of initiative. For example, if this person works in the entertainment industry, they will blame industry standards for their lack of success, rather than going to more auditions or posting their own videos online. If they want to be an entrepreneur, they will complain about banks being unwilling to loan them capital, rather than looking for affordable ways to get started online. This person gets stuck in their head rather than taking action. 

The Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who makes you feel frustrated on their behalf. This may be someone you truly care about who is always self-sabotaging themselves. This is that pessimistic friend who doesn’t believe in themselves, who is always talking down on themselves, no matter how much praise you give them. Eventually, you feel tired. Unfortunately, some people just don’t want to be helped. At the end of the day, people must help themselves.

Reversed Eight of Swords as a Person

If the Eight of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person has finally realized their own potential or self-worth. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is finally open to expressing themselves and seeing their own potential. When Tarot cards that include blindfolds in their imagery are drawn in the reverse, it symbolizes those blindfolds coming off. This person may have recently discovered their own unique style. If they previously lived an unhealthy lifestyle, they may have found a new approach that works for them. This person may meditate to reduce their anxiety. 

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who has finally become self aware. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and they are open to change. In extreme cases, this may represent someone who has healed from cult indoctrination and brainwashing. They could be unlearning early childhood programming and reparenting themselves. This may represent a person who was very hurtful in the past, who is now atoning for their actions.

For careers, the Eight of Swords reversed can represent someone who assists others to awaken their potential. They could be a therapist, spiritual healer, teacher, coach, or mentor. This person could work in any industry, but their most lasting contribution is their empowerment of others. Alternatively, this card may also represent a whistleblower. This may also symbolize someone who finally summons up the courage to pursue their dreams. 

The Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel proud. You are happy for this person because they are finally going for their dreams. With their enlightenment can come your own. This person sees the truth, inspiring you to do the same. They are a positive influence. They show you that life is a journey and an opportunity for growth.  

Conclusion

For love readings, the Eight of Swords represents feeling trapped and suffocated. These feelings are often caused by our own false beliefs that hold us back. The Eight of Swords is a reminder that our attitude and approach is key to the success of the relationships we have with others. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.