Eight of Swords Upright Meaning
Often called "The Test," the Eight of this suit usually pictures a warrior running the gauntlet, subjected to harsh examination, who finds out just how tough he or she is (or isn't) in the process. Life provides us with plenty of experiences that put us in situations of close scrutiny -- whether it's an entrance exam, a decisive job interview or even the tough conversations that follow upon a breach of trust in a close relationship.
Sometimes the challenge or obstacle course has nothing to do with other people, as when an inventor has to face the question "Does it really work?" or when the aspirant has to decide how badly he desires to go through some sort of initiation. This card shows what happens to that great idea in real time, where the rubber meets the road. The Test represents your chance to vindicate the time and energy spent in getting ready for a big moment. In most cases, you will either pass or fail, with little in the way of available middle ground.
Eight of Swords Reversed Meaning
When the Eight of Swords is reversed, there is a tendency to rationalize, justify and project blame onto others. Be sure you are not doing that. Judge yourself by the standards you hold your adversary to, before you get caught in a trap of your own making.
Focus your inner dialogue and your conversations with others on what you can do to produce positive change. Inspire others to see the high ground and join you there. You can't complain about the bad attitudes of your adversaries if you have one too.
Eight of Swords Advice Position
With the Eight of Swords in this position, you are being reminded that every setback you experience is a teacher awakening you to renewed effort. This is a learn-by-doing situation; there is no formula that guarantees outcome. You can be sure, however, that an open-minded and optimistic attitude will serve you better in the face of surprising developments.
Be willing to make the rigorous effort that is being called for now. Perform wholeheartedly, with good faith and hopefulness. As such, you'll forestall bickering and criticism, prevail against negative forces and overcome the demons of doubt and resistance. Get excited about your challenges; be confident that you have what it takes to improve the situation. If you do your internal homework, the external situation will open up for you.
Eight of Swords Love Position
With the Eight of Swords in this position, you are being investigated in some way. This rigorous scrutiny could feel a little bit like an inquisition. In one sense it's a challenge to prove that you are a master of your medium. Refuse to take any of it personally. Intellectually, you must sharpen your thinking, your sword of truth, in order to answer your possible partner or others.
As your design or idea is being questioned and dissected, you may be asked to justify each and every detail. Consider this card a reality check. Does your concept or ideal stand up well to scrutiny? If you can safely navigate this minefield you will emerge on the other side, proud of how well you maintained your integrity under duress.
Eight of Swords Career Position
With the Eight of Swords in this position, the climate in your work environment may contain criticism and doubt. Why join the negative thinking others may be indulging in? Clarify whether you are willing to sacrifice your own serenity just to keep the peace.
In instances where irrational demands are being made, you owe it to yourself to question how much you are willing to put up with. You'll need to decide whether you still find value in this work situation or whether the turbulence is just too stressful to put up with.
Eight of Swords in a Yes or No Card Reading
The Eight of Swords is a card of feeling victimized and failing to see the options that are available to you. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Eight of Swords, the answer is NO. Regroup, come to terms with recent events, and think about what's still possible.
FAQs
In its upright position, the Eight of Swords signifies a feeling of being trapped, restricted, and backed into a corner. It represents negative thoughts, self-imposed limitations, and a victim mentality. You may find yourself imprisoned by your own beliefs and unable to see the possibilities for change.
What does the Eight of Swords in the future mean? ›
All of the things that you are putting up with in the present can lead you into a position where suddenly you are kept from all the possibilities of life outside a narrow scope. Seeing the Eight of Swords in the future position warns you that current comforts may become tomorrow's ties that bind.
Is the Eight of Swords an outcome of love? ›
Love and relationship (Upright)
In reading for love and relationship, the Eight of Swords is considered inauspicious if you are in a relationship because it can indicate feeling backed into a corner or stuck in your relationship. Even if it may seem as though there is no way out, that is only how you perceive things.
What is the general of the 8 of swords? ›
The general meaning in the Eight of Swords is that of a feeling of being trapped and victimized. You may feel powerless because, in your mind, you feel that changing the situation might be beyond you.
What do Swords symbolize in Tarot? ›
The swords symbolize the intellect, and the heart, the emotions which always suffer under this treatment. The Four of Swords symbolizes avoidance. Setting problems to the side, (the swords on the wall), while one prays for deliverance. This card can also represent surrender, or in some cases, pacifism.
What does the 8th card in Tarot mean? ›
8. FORTITUDE. —Power, energy, action, courage, magnanimity; also complete success and honours. Reversed: Despotism, abuse of power, weakness, discord, sometimes even disgrace. In astrology, the Strength card is associated with the masculine, fixed-fire sign of Leo and its ruling planetary body, the Sun.
What is the 8 of swords mindset? ›
The Eight of Swords is often associated with a victim mentality. You surrendered your power to an external entity, allowing yourself to become trapped and limited in some way. You may feel that it isn't your fault – you have been placed here against your will.
What does the sword symbolize? ›
The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect. The sword is phallic, with the sheath being yonic. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry.
What zodiac is swords Tarot? ›
The air signs of the zodiac are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius; they correspond with the suite of Swords in the Tarot, which is also the suite of Spades in a deck of regular playing cards.
What is the 8 of wands love outcome? ›
When it comes to love and relationships, the Eight of Wands signifies a period of excitement and passion. If you are in a relationship, expect a surge of love, romance, and adventure. Your connection with your partner will deepen, and you may experience a holiday romance or a sudden surge of infatuation.
Honestly, if this card is coming up, it usually means it's time to let go and walk away because this will NEVER be what you want it to be. Sometimes we all caught up in the desire to stay in a relationship because we've invested so much time, patience, and emotions into the other person.
What is the lovers in love tarot? ›
When this card shows up, it means that love, trust, and happiness are in the air. Love and Relationships -When you see The Lovers card in a love reading, it means something awesome is happening in your love life. You and your partner are really connecting on a deep level. You feel a strong bond and lots of passion.
What is the spiritual meaning of the 8 of swords? ›
In a spiritual context, the Eight of Swords tells you not to allow yourself to be restricted. You may be feeling powerless when it appears, this can take the form of feeling trapped in your life or confined to a religion or spiritual path. However, this is just a matter of your perception.
What is the general meaning of the swords in Tarot? ›
The Suit of Swords Tarot card meanings are associated with action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict. Action can be constructive and/or destructive. The negative aspects of the Suit of Swords include anger, guilt, harsh judgement, a lack of compassion and verbal and mental abuse.
Is The Seven of Swords a cheating card? ›
The Seven of Swords is associated with deception and dishonesty. In a reading, it may indicate that someone is attempting to be sneaky or secretive in their actions. While it doesn't necessarily indicate cheating in a romantic relationship, it can signify a lack of trust or a hidden agenda.
What does the number 8 mean in Tarot cards? ›
Numerology and the Strength Tarot Card
The number 8 symbolizes abundant material success and the exciting start of a new chapter in life. This connection imbues the Strength Tarot Card with the energy and symbolism associated with the number 8, emphasizing strength, protection, and inner strength.
What does the Eight of Wands mean in a love reading? ›
When it comes to love and relationships, the Eight of Wands signifies a period of excitement and passion. If you are in a relationship, expect a surge of love, romance, and adventure. Your connection with your partner will deepen, and you may experience a holiday romance or a sudden surge of infatuation.
What do Swords rule in Tarot? ›
The Suit of Swords Tarot cards deal with the mental level of consciousness that is centered around the mind and the intellect. Swords mirror the quality of mind present in your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
What does the 8 of cups mean in Tarot cards? ›
This card indicates changes in affections and the breaking of irrelevant links with the past – a turning away from existing relationships and objects of affection with the intent of progressing to that which is new and deeper in meaning.
