Eight of Swords as a Woman (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 Woman

If the Eight of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is feeling trapped by her thoughts or circumstances, often suffering from self-imposed limitations. Her aura emits a palpable feeling of confinement, as if she’s wrapped in an invisible web she can’t escape from. Encounters with her may leave you with the sense that she is her own worst enemy, unable to see her way out of a situation, even when solutions might seem obvious to others.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a woman represents someone who is physically tense, eyes downcast, voice subdued, hands tightly clenched, and a scent like a closed room. Her posture may be rigid, almost as if she is bracing herself for disappointment or criticism. Her eyes might barely meet yours, like fragile glass afraid to break, while her voice, soft and hesitant, rarely rises above a murmur. Her scent, stagnant and musty, reinforces the feeling of enclosure and lack of fresh air.

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords as a woman represents someone who is anxious, insecure, and feeling stuck or powerless. She may constantly second-guess herself, questioning her decisions to the point of paralysis. Emotionally, she’s like a bird who has forgotten how to fly, her wings clipped by her own self-doubt and worry.

Astrologically, the Eight of Swords as a woman represents someone who is likely to have a strong Saturn or Neptune influence, possibly in signs like Capricorn or Pisces. A challenging Saturn placement could manifest as constant obstacles or delays, making her feel as if she’s constantly hitting a wall. On the other hand, a strong Neptune influence, especially in Pisces, might make her prone to escapism or delusion, trapping her in a web of unrealistic expectations or fantasies.

For careers, the Eight of Swords can represent a woman who works as an administrative assistant trapped in a toxic environment, a research analyst bogged down by data, or a social worker overwhelmed by bureaucracy. In each of these roles, she may feel like a cog in an unyielding machine, her skills and talents stifled by the limitations of her job. Overwhelmed by details, deadlines, or bureaucratic red tape, she finds herself unable to see the forest for the trees.

The Eight of Swords as a woman represents someone who makes you feel sympathetic but also a little helpless, as if you wish you could do more to free her. Interacting with her might make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, cautious not to push her further into her shell of insecurities. Yet, despite this, you may also sense a flicker of untapped potential, a muted spark that could blaze brightly if only she could find a way to liberate herself from her self-imposed restraints.

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Reversed Eight of Swords as a Woman

If the Eight of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is beginning to see a way out of her constraints, even if she hasn’t taken action yet. When you’re in her presence, you might sense a change in the air, a subtle shift from stagnation to possibility. The atmosphere around her starts to feel lighter, as if the storm clouds are beginning to part and the sun is starting to peek through.

For physical characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is relaxing her posture, lifting her gaze, freeing her clenched hands, and carrying a scent like fresh air after a rain. You’ll notice that her eyes now meet yours more readily, reflecting a growing clarity and resolve. Her hands, once tightly clenched, now appear more relaxed, open to receiving and giving. Her scent, once stagnant, is transforming, reminding you of the earthy, revitalizing smell that fills the air after a cleansing rain.

For emotional characteristics, the Eight of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is starting to regain hope and a sense of agency. Whereas she once seemed paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, she now shows signs of renewed vigor and self-assurance. Emotionally, she’s moving from a place of entrapment to a place of empowerment, as if a burden is lifting from her shoulders.

Astrologically, the Eight of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is undergoing beneficial transits or aspects to Saturn or Neptune, signaling an opportunity to break free. A harmonious Saturn transit might be helping her establish boundaries and structure, giving her the discipline needed to move forward. Similarly, a positive Neptune aspect could be stirring her imagination, enabling her to envision new possibilities and perhaps even offering a spiritual or emotional breakthrough.

For careers, the Eight of Swords reversed can represent a woman who works as a life coach, a motivational speaker, or a rehabilitation counselor. In these roles, she channels her own experiences of overcoming obstacles into helping others free themselves from their limitations. She understands the power of the mind to both imprison and liberate, making her an empathetic and effective guide.

The Eight of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who makes you feel optimistic about her future, inspiring you with her newfound hope. When you interact with her, you might feel as if you’re witnessing a beautiful transformation, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The sense of optimism she emits could serve as a mirror, reflecting back your own hopes and inspiring you to also seek a way out of any constraints you may be experiencing.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, 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.