Eight of Swords as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Eight of Swords, it means that feelings of entrapment or self-imposed limitations may be hindering your progress. This card symbolizes a situation where you may feel trapped or restricted, but it’s important to remember that these barriers are often of your own making. Identifying these self-imposed boundaries and working towards overcoming them will be key to moving forward.

The Eight of Swords as an obstacle or challenge can represent the need to break free from mental constraints and overcome self-doubt to move forward. This card suggests that your mindset and internal dialogue may be contributing to a feeling of being stuck or powerless. Actively challenging these negative thoughts and seeking ways to build confidence can help you navigate through this challenging phase.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Eight of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that one or both parties may be struggling with feelings of insecurity or self-imposed limitations that could negatively affect the relationship. This card warns of potential issues related to self-doubt or fear of vulnerability that could hinder the growth of a new relationship. Open communication about these concerns and mutual reassurance can help in overcoming these obstacles.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Eight of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that emotional or mental restrictions may be preventing open communication and emotional growth within the partnership. This card suggests that personal insecurities or unfounded fears may be inhibiting open and honest dialogue, which is crucial for a healthy relationship. Identifying these issues and working on them together can promote understanding and emotional growth.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that lingering feelings of entrapment or self-doubt may be impeding your ability to heal and move on from the past relationship. This card symbolizes being caught up in past emotions and possibly blaming oneself excessively for the relationship’s end. Acknowledging these feelings and working towards self-forgiveness and acceptance will be important in moving forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that self-imposed limitations or a lack of confidence may be preventing you from reaching your full potential and achieving success. This card cautions that self-doubt or fear of failure may be blocking your path to professional growth. Identifying and addressing these internal barriers will be crucial for your career advancement and financial success.

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Reversed Eight of Swords as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Eight of Swords reversed, it means that newfound freedom from previously perceived limitations or self-doubt may be on the horizon. This card suggests a turning point, where the self-imposed restrictions that have been holding you back are beginning to dissolve. As you free yourself from these mental constraints, you’ll find new possibilities opening up and progress becoming more attainable.

The Eight of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent the process of overcoming mental barriers and gaining the confidence needed to move forward. This card signifies a shift in perspective, where you recognize that the barriers you thought were holding you back were largely self-created. By confronting and overcoming these mental blocks, you can unlock a newfound sense of self-assurance and capability.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Eight of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that overcoming personal insecurities and limitations may pave the way for a healthier, more fulfilling connection. This card suggests that by facing and resolving these personal issues, you can develop a stronger sense of self-worth and openness, crucial elements for establishing a solid foundation for a new relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Eight of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that breaking free from emotional constraints can lead to improved communication and a stronger bond within the partnership. This card points to the potential for transformation, where overcoming personal insecurities can remove barriers to open and honest communication, thereby deepening the bond and understanding within the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that gaining freedom from past limitations and self-doubt can help you find closure and move on to healthier relationships. This card suggests that by freeing yourself from self-imposed limitations tied to the past relationship, you can learn from the experience and develop healthier relationship patterns moving forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that overcoming self-imposed limitations and developing self-confidence can lead to increased opportunities and success in the workplace. This card indicates that by releasing yourself from mental constraints and self-doubt, you can open yourself up to new possibilities, take risks, and ultimately achieve greater success in your professional life.

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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.