Eight of swords in the Tarot means restriction, confusion and impotence. The woman on the (classic) card is blindfolded, tightly bound and trapped in a prison formed by the surrounding swords. She doesn't know where her safety lies.
The meaning of the card Eight of Swords upright
When the Eight of Swords is upright in a Tarot reading, it means that you may already be in a situation where you have no choice and no freedom to act. You feel lost and unsupported, just like the woman shown in the card. The Eight of Swords card is representative of times when you find yourself lost and confused, with no chance of help or relief. You may feel limited by circumstances or like you're in an impossible situation. You may also have no idea how it happened and feel you have no way out. You may feel increasingly restricted, and your options seem to be dwindling. When you receive the Eight of Swords card, remember that options are always available. Solutions may not come easily, but they do exist. All that is needed to take the first step towards a solution is clarity of thought.
The meaning of the card Eight of Swords reversed
When the Eight of Swords is reversed in a Tarot reading, it's all about freedom. It can mean liberation and finally letting go or breaking free. You believe in yourself and your talents and you're ready to take on the world. And you will. In certain circumstances, it can represent extreme versions of depression and oppression.
The meaning of the Eight of Swords card in love
The Eight of Swords in a Tarot love reading is an indication that things aren't going too well. If you're single, it could mean that you're sitting back and waiting for a new partner to come along and fix everything that's wrong in your life, which, to be honest, can never happen because you need to "fix" yourself. If you're in a relationship, it could indicate that you feel trapped, oppressed or even abused.
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Check out the meaning of all the major and minor arcana of the Tarot.