Eight of Swords as Intentions (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 Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Eight of Swords, that means this person intends to hide the fact that they’re feeling trapped in your relationship. This person is in a vulnerable spot, squeezed between wanting to move on, but feeling unable and afraid of the consequences. They know how to fix it, but they’re too afraid to go through with it.

The Eight of Swords as intentions means that they do not want to take responsibility for their actions. Feeling trapped and powerless can be the scariest part of any situation, especially when it comes to standing up for yourself. It’s understandable that they would rather take a more passive approach toward difficult conversations. However, this isn’t always possible or healthy in the long run. They would rather have people step over their boundaries instead of standing up for themselves because they don’t want to accidentally push people away.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Eight of Swords is a sign of them intending on letting you take the lead. This person is seemingly stuck in limbo, holding back from taking the reins of your budding relationship. It’s possible that something about this connection is making them feel overwhelmed and uneasy, but it seems their reluctance to open up has left them unable to voice these worries or fears.

For existing relationships, the Eight of Swords represents an intention to suppress their emotions. They aren’t being honest with you, not in the sense that they are cheating, but that they aren’t being open about how your relationship is making them feel. This relationship may be feeling stifling for one of the partners. Even though they spot this difficulty, it seems easier to stay quiet than speak up about their needs and boundaries. They need to stop seeing themselves as a victim and open up about their emotions. Encourage them to take a more active approach and let them know that there won’t be any consequences even if they do so.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Eight of Swords shows that they intend on letting life go on. They may be feeling stuck in a rut, unable to move forward or make peace with the breakup. Unfortunately, they’re too fearful of making contact and taking back control of their lives. They have tied their own hands but do not see it. 

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Eight of Swords means that this person’s intentions are to allow you to make the decision for them. They aren’t ready for further commitment, but they would rather not say anything as they don’t want to let you down. They are going to take a step back and have you make the decision for them rather than coming to one themselves.

Reversed Eight of Swords as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Eight of Swords reversed, that means this person intends on changing their life. They are ready to take the reigns and turn things around for the better. The blindfold has come off, giving them an unbiased perspective of what’s going on. Rather than feeling confined and helpless, they’re owning their capacity for change.

The Eight of Swords reversed as intentions means that they want to take an active role in your relationship. After exploring their anxieties, they’ve come out feeling liberated and empowered. With this new outlook in hand, they are ready to approach your relationship with clarity instead of apprehension.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed is a sign of them intending to actively build a new future with you. An exciting new chapter of love and connection is unfolding for them. They have bravely said goodbye to old ways that held them back or made them feel like a victim, ready to become an active participant in the journey ahead. With newfound optimism about what lies ahead with you, they are feeling full of hope and joy.

For existing relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed represents an intention to play an active role in your relationship. They were once afraid to make any decisions, but now, they’re ready to make their opinions heard. After a period of reflection, your partner has decided to take responsibility for their part in building the strong relationship you both desire. Free from worry or anxiety and brimming with enthusiasm, they have shifted into an empowered mindset — ready to unlock the potential that lies within each of you as a couple.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Eight of Swords reversed shows that they intend on letting go of the negativity that clouded their vision. After some space and time, your ex may now be able to see the relationship from a different perspective. With this unbiased approach, they were able to reflect and understand the things that were holding them back from pursuing a fruitful relationship with you. 

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Eight of Swords reversed means that this person’s intentions are to work together with you in hopes of building a better future together. They recognize the importance of this moment and want to seize it. Together, you can create a positive future. They are ready to take charge and start that conversation today. Now is the chance for both of you to find out exactly where things could go from here.

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.