Eight of Swords Tarot Card Upright, Reversed, Timing, Love Meaning, Yes/No, Advice, and more

Learn absolutely everything about Eight of Swords tarot card: the meaning, the spiritual interpretation, the love meaning, the card as advice, as a yes or no answer, the timing, the numerology... EVERYTHING!


Eight of Swords Rider Waite

Upright Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

trapped, restricted, powerless, confused, unsure, stuck

Reversed Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

freedom, open to new, breath

Eight of Swords Tarot Card Astrology, Zodiac Signs, and Planets

Jupiter

The Meaning of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

The 8 of Swords tarot card is a powerful symbol of feeling trapped, restricted, and helpless. In spiritual tarot interpretation, it represents a situation where you feel stuck and unable to move forward, even though there may be a way out. This card is often associated with mental and emotional imprisonment, rather than physical. It's a reminder that the greatest obstacles we face are often the ones we create ourselves.

It's important to remember that the 8 of Swords is not a hopeless card, and there is always a way out. However, it may require some creativity, resourcefulness, and courage to find it. This card is a call to look within and examine your own beliefs, fears, and assumptions that may be holding you back. It's an invitation to shift your perspective and see things from a different angle.

A Description of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

In the Rider Waite Tarot Deck version of the card, a blindfolded woman is standing in a marshy area with her arms tied behind her back. She is surrounded by eight swords that form a cage around her. The sky is gray and ominous, adding to the sense of isolation and entrapment.

The woman's blindfold represents the idea that she is unable to see the way out of her situation. The swords around her are a symbol of the limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that are keeping her stuck. The marshy ground represents the emotional swamp that she finds herself in, unable to move forward or find solid ground.

Mundane and Everyday Meanings of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

List of Physical Objects

  • Handcuffs
  • Blindfolds
  • Prison bars
  • Shackles
  • Isolation tanks

List of Situations the Card Could Represent

  • Feeling trapped in a dead-end job
  • Being in a toxic relationship
  • Having limited options due to financial constraints
  • Feeling paralyzed by anxiety or fear
  • Being stuck in a rut or feeling creatively blocked

Timing of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

The 8 of Swords indicates a timing of about 2 months. This specifically corresponds to a time where you might be feeling a trapped by circumstances.

Numerology of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

The number 8 is associated with power, success, and material abundance. However, in the context of the 8 of Swords, it can also represent the potential for self-sabotage and the misuse of power. The number 8 can also symbolize a need for balance and harmony, reminding us to stay grounded and centered as we navigate challenges.

When we add the numerology of the Swords suit (represented by the element of Air), we get a further layer of meaning. Air is associated with the mind, intellect, and communication, highlighting the mental aspects of feeling trapped and restricted. It's a reminder to use our thoughts and words wisely and to be mindful of the beliefs and stories we tell ourselves.

Spiritual Interpretation of Eight of Swords Tarot Card

From a spiritual perspective, the 8 of Swords is a message from the universe that it's time to release yourself from self-imposed limitations. The angels want you to know that you are capable of so much more than you believe, and they are here to support and guide you on your journey to freedom.

Take some time to reflect on what beliefs, habits, and patterns are holding you back. What is the root of your fear? Are you afraid of failure? Of judgment? Of not being good enough? Once you identify the source of your limitations, ask your angels for help in releasing them. Call upon Archangel Michael to cut any cords that are binding you and ask for the courage and strength to move forward.

Eight of Swords as an Advice Card

For Work

If you're feeling trapped in your job or career, the 8 of Swords is a call to reassess your goals and priorities. Are you pursuing a path that aligns with your true passions and values? If not, it may be time to make a change. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Remember that you have the power to create a career that is fulfilling and aligned with your purpose.

For Personal Growth

The 8 of Swords is a reminder to examine your thought patterns and beliefs. Are there any limiting beliefs that are holding you back from living your best life? Take some time to identify these beliefs and work on releasing them. Seek out support from loved ones or a therapist if needed. Remember that you are capable of creating the life you desire, and the universe is here to support you.



Further Advice from this card:
  • are you limiting yourself?
  • don't feel powerless
  • release the victim mindset

Is Eight of Swords a yes or no?

Note: Tarot Cards are never as simple as "yes" or "no". There is always a bigger context or meaning behind each card, in each situation. The following list is meant as a guideline or suggestion only.
Probably not.

Love and Relationships Interpretation of Eight of Swords Tarot Card


For Single People

  • Release limiting beliefs: The 8 of Swords can indicate that you're holding onto beliefs that are keeping you stuck in a pattern of unhealthy relationships. Take some time to examine your beliefs around love and relationships, and ask yourself if they are serving you. Call upon your angels for help in releasing any limiting beliefs that are holding you back.
  • Explore new perspectives: If you find yourself repeatedly attracting partners who are not a good match for you, it's time to explore new perspectives. Try a new dating app, take up a new hobby, or travel to a new place. This will help you expand your horizons and meet new people who share your interests and values.

For single people, the 8 of Swords can indicate a feeling of being stuck or trapped in your love life. You may be holding onto limiting beliefs or patterns that are keeping you from finding the love you desire. Take some time to reflect on what you truly want in a relationship, and release any fears or doubts that are holding you back. Trust that the universe has a plan for you, and you will find love when the time is right.

For People in Relationships and Marriages

  • Communicate openly: The 8 of Swords can indicate a lack of communication in your relationship. It's time to break free from any patterns of silence or passive-aggressiveness and communicate openly with your partner. Be honest about your feelings and needs, and listen to your partner with an open heart.
  • Release limiting patterns: If you find yourself in a toxic or unfulfilling relationship, it's time to release any limiting patterns that are keeping you stuck. This may require some deep inner work and a willingness to face your fears and doubts. Call upon your angels for help in releasing any patterns that are no longer serving you.

For people in relationships or marriages, the 8 of Swords can indicate a feeling of being stuck or restricted in the relationship. It's important to communicate openly with your partner about any fears or concerns you may have. Remember that you have the power to create a relationship that is fulfilling and aligned with your needs and desires. Don't let limiting beliefs or patterns hold you back from experiencing the love and connection you deserve.


Remember, the 8 of Swords is not a hopeless card. It's a call to examine your beliefs, shift your perspective, and find the courage to move forward. Trust that the universe has your back and that you are capable of creating the love and relationship that you desire.