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 feeling trapped, restricted, or blinded to their own potential. This individual likely feels hemmed in by circumstances, real or imagined, creating a sense of helplessness. They may seem unable to envision a way forward, constrained by their own thoughts or external factors.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who appears tense or confined, often exhibiting a sense of restriction or powerlessness. Their body language may be closed off, with shoulders hunched and a downward gaze, as if carrying a heavy burden. This person’s physical appearance suggests a struggle against invisible bonds that limit their movement and freedom.

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who is overwhelmed, feeling mentally trapped, and unable to see a way out of their situation. They likely exude an aura of anxiety and frustration, trapped in a cycle of negative thinking. This mental state creates a sense of paralysis, preventing them from seeing the potential paths to liberation.

Astrologically, the Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who is likely influenced by an Air sign in a challenging aspect, suggesting mental bondage or self-imposed limitations. This astrological influence, perhaps a difficult aspect with Mercury, may contribute to their overthinking and inability to see things clearly. Their mind, usually a source of strength, becomes a prison of their own making.

For careers, the Eight of Swords can represent someone who works in a restrictive environment, feeling limited or unable to express their full potential. They may be stuck in a job that stifles their creativity or growth, feeling like they have no control over their career path. This professional stagnation mirrors their internal sense of confinement.

The Eight of Swords as a person represents someone who makes you feel the need to look beyond perceived limitations and to seek mental liberation. Their presence is a reminder of the power of perspective and the importance of breaking free from the mental chains that bind us. They embody the struggle against internal and external forces that restrict freedom and self-expression.

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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 is beginning to realize their power, seeking ways to break free from constraints. This shift signifies an awakening, a dawning awareness that they hold the key to their own liberation. They start to reject the notion of victimhood, embracing their capacity for change.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is starting to show signs of liberation, possibly appearing more relaxed and open. Their posture may become more upright, and their expressions more hopeful, reflecting an internal shift towards freedom. This change in demeanor is a visual cue to their evolving mindset, moving from confinement to liberation.

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is overcoming fear, gaining mental clarity, and recognizing their power to change their situation. They are learning to challenge their limiting beliefs, replacing them with a newfound sense of possibility and hope. This emotional transformation is marked by a growing confidence and a willingness to face their fears.

Astrologically, the Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is overcoming the challenges of an Air sign, learning to free themselves from mental blocks. The previously difficult aspects in their chart are being navigated more effectively, allowing them to use their intellectual abilities in a more positive and liberating way. They are learning to harness the power of their mind to break free from old patterns.

For careers, the Eight of Swords reversed can represent someone who is breaking free from limiting job roles, seeking opportunities for growth and self-expression. They may start to pursue career paths that align more closely with their true passions and talents, shedding the constraints of unsatisfying work. This career shift is a reflection of their overall journey towards empowerment and self-realization.

The Eight of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel encouraged about the possibilities of overcoming mental barriers and finding freedom. Their transformation is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges and to create change. They inspire a belief in the power of resilience and the potential for each individual to rewrite their story, moving from restriction to liberation.

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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.