Eight of Swords as Love Advice (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 Love Advice

If you are asking about love advice, and you draw the Eight of Swords, that means that you are advised to loosen up in your relationship. This person feels trapped. They think you are smothering them too much. Although you are willing to compromise, this person is too afraid of speaking up. Ask them about what they want and see what you can do to save your relationship.

For love, the Eight of Swords as advice means that you should be mindful of their feelings. The person you love is having a hard time standing up for themselves. They’d rather stay silent than take responsibility in case something goes wrong. They think they don’t have a choice, even though you’re willing to listen to their thoughts. Observe their actions and clarify your feelings to avoid misunderstandings.

For singles, the Eight of Swords as love advice means the person you like is scared of taking the leap. They are afraid of confrontations. They think it’s best to stay passive. Nothing can go wrong if they do nothing, right? Or so they thought. For a relationship to start, you must take them out of their shell and help them speak their truth.

For new and potential relationships, the Eight of Swords as love advice means your new partner is having communication issues with you. They are scared of things going wrong when they speak up. As a result, they have a difficult time expressing their feelings. Although they already feel suffocated in the relationship, they are unwilling to set boundaries. If you want your relationship to continue, urge your partner to be more expressive and communicative.

For existing relationships, the Eight of Swords as advice means that they see you as someone they feel trapped with. Your partner thinks you are expecting too much from them without you knowing. They wish you could read their mind so they don’t have to confront you. Even though they can quickly fix things by speaking up, they’d rather do nothing. Sit down and talk with your partner about communicating their boundaries.

If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Eight of Swords as love advice shows that your ex may be thinking of you. They are unhappy about the breakup. At the same time, they’re too scared to reach out and fix things. They pray a miracle will lead you two back to each other’s arms. Although this is a good sign of reconciliation, your past issues will return unless your ex changes their victim mindset.

Reversed Eight of Swords as Love Advice

If you are asking about love advice, and you draw the Eight of Swords reversed, that means that you are advised to accept change. This person’s perspective in life is changing. They no longer feel trapped in your relationship. They are prepared to set out boundaries and make things better. Listen to them and compromise.

For love, the Eight of Swords reversed as advice means that you should see what you can do to improve your relationship. The person you love is ready to begin a relationship with you. They no longer want to be a victim of the past. They only want a future with you. Take this as a sign to feel good about the future of your relationship.

For singles, the Eight of Swords reversed as love advice means someone’s feelings about you are about to change in a good way. The person you like may have finally realized what they truly feel about you. They are ready to take a step forward and start seeing you in a different light. This is a good sign of a new relationship.

For new and potential relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed as love advice means your new partner is now willing to compromise. Your new partner feels good about your relationship. They finally accept that they must work on it and be honest about their feelings. Unlike before, they are glad to set boundaries, especially if it improves the relationship. Take this as a sign that there are only good things ahead.

For existing relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed as advice means that they see you as someone they want to fight for. Your partner feels empowered to improve your relationship. They are no longer anxious to speak up. They are excited to see where the relationship goes once they get everything off their chest. Expect a long discussion about your relationship, and compromise.

If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Eight of Swords reversed as love advice shows that your ex has changed for the better. Their perspective of your relationship is now different in a good way. They are ready to take charge and make things better. If you’re seeking reconciliation, this can be a good sign.

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.