Eight of Swords Keywords
Restriction, trapped, confused, helpless/helplessness, powerless/powerlessness, isolation, mental block, limitation, fear
Eight of Swords Numerology
8
Eight of Swords Astrology Zodiac
Air: Gemini
Eight of Swords Tarot Suit
Minor Arcana, Suit of Swords
Journal Prompts for Eight of Swords Tarot Card
– Am I truly powerless or am I holding myself back due to fear, limiting beliefs, etc?
– What fears or beliefs are keeping me stuck?
– What small step can I take today to begin freeing myself from this situation?
Eight of Cups Swords Meaning
The Eight of Swords portrays a blindfolded woman bound and surrounded by eight swords: three to her right, five to her left. She stands on uneven ground with puddles all around, symbolizing instability; while the swords form a loose, unrestricted enclosure—not a true prison. Her feet are free and unbound–perhaps she can walk away.
This imagery reflects mental entrapment, self-imposed limitations, and a sense of helplessness. The card often suggests that you may feel trapped by circumstances, fears, or doubts, yet the solution lies within your reach if you choose to change perspective.
*Card description based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck
Eight of Swords Upright
The Eight of Swords is a card that symbolizes restriction, entrapment and feeling stuck, often due to one’s own mindset and/or fears. In the Rider Waite tarot deck, the general meaning of the image showing a blindfolded and bound woman surrounded by swords represents mental imprisonment and self-imposed limitations.
Although the situation may seem dire, the card reminds us that the walls we perceive are not always real; many of them are built from fear, doubt, and insecurity. The Eight of Swords urges introspection and it encourages breaking free from negative thought patterns to find clarity and empowerment.
Generally speaking, the Upright Eight of Swords suggests that you may feel trapped, paralyzed by indecision and/or overwhelmed by circumstances. However, it also implies that much of this entrapment is mental rather than physical. The card calls for self-examination—ask yourself: Are you truly powerless or are you holding yourself back due to fear and/or limiting beliefs? The Eight of Swords invites you to remove the blindfold and see the reality of your situation clearly. With awareness and courage, you can begin to find your way out of what feels like a no-win scenario as you find the power to change.
In a love and relationships tarot reading, the Eight of Swords can indicate feeling stuck or emotionally restricted. You may be in a relationship where communication is lacking, or where fear of conflict or rejection prevents you from expressing your true feelings. If you are single, you might feel unworthy of love and/or hesitant to put yourself out there due to past emotional wounds.
This card asks you to examine the internal barriers that are preventing you from forming or deepening a connection. The key to improving your love life lies in breaking down those inner walls and allowing space for vulnerability to guide you.
In a career context, the Eight of Swords suggests feeling trapped in a job or career path. You may believe you have no other options, but this card cautions that your perception might not reflect reality. Self-doubt and/or fear of failure could be blocking you from seeking new opportunities and/or asserting yourself in the workplace. It is important to step back, reassess your situation and consider whether or not the restrictions are truly external or if they stem from a lack of confidence. This card in a career tarot reading urges you to take the first steps toward freeing yourself from professional stagnation.
When it comes to finances, the Eight of Swords meaning shows a feeling overwhelmed or powerless about money matters. You might be avoiding important decisions, afraid to confront debt and/or uncertain about how to improve your financial situation.
The Eight of Swords card appearing in a financial tarot spread suggests that while your concerns may be valid, fear is clouding your ability to see practical solutions. By facing the facts and taking incremental steps, you can begin to regain control over your finances. The upright meaning of this card encourages clarity, responsibility and the courage to seek help and/or make changes when necessary.
Eight of Swords Reversed
The reversed Eight of Swords represents release, clarity, and the gradual overcoming of mental or emotional restrictions. Unlike the upright version, which symbolizes entrapment and self-imposed limitations, the reversal signals a breakthrough—a loosening of the binds that once held you back. This card suggests a shift in mindset where fear, doubt and confusion begin to lift, allowing for renewed confidence and freedom of choice. It is about reclaiming personal power and realizing that you are not as stuck as you once believed.
The Eight of Swords reversed signifies a period of awakening and liberation. After a time of feeling trapped, powerless and/or unsure, you are now beginning to see your situation more clearly. You may be recognizing how your own thoughts or decisions contributed to your sense of restriction—and more importantly, you are now ready to change them.
This card marks the start of regaining control over your life. It can also indicate that external pressures are easing or that you are finally ready to challenge outdated beliefs and limitations. Empowerment, clarity, and personal accountability are at the heart of this reversal.
In love and relationships, the Eight of Swords reversed meaning often points to healing and emotional growth. If you have felt stuck in an unhealthy dynamic and/or unable to express yourself, this card appearing in a love tarot reading indicates you’re beginning to find your voice. You may be freeing yourself from a toxic or emotionally confining relationship, or choosing to communicate more openly with a partner.
For singles, this card suggests a newfound willingness to open your heart and release past trauma that may have been holding you back from love. Emotional liberation and self-worth are strong themes in this area when this card appears reversed.
In a career reading, the reversed Eight of Swords indicates that you are starting to see opportunities where you once saw only limitations. Perhaps you have realized that you’re not as stuck in your current job as you thought, or you’re finding the courage to pursue a new path.
This card suggests mental breakthroughs—such as realizing your value, identifying career options and/or beginning to speak up for yourself at work. While challenges may still exist, your mindset is shifting toward problem-solving and empowerment. The fog is lifting, and you are beginning to take control of your professional journey.
Financially, the Eight of Swords reversed signifies a release from fear or denial around money matters. You may have faced financial confusion, debt and/or anxiety in the past, but now you are becoming more proactive and solution-focused. This card suggests that you’re ready to take responsibility, create a plan and/or ask for help if needed.
The Eight of Swords shows that it is a good time to reevaluate your financial habits and start building a more stable foundation. The sense of being trapped by money issues is beginning to ease, and with practical steps, you can work your way toward financial freedom and peace of mind.
