Eight of Swords in the Rider-Waite Tarot symbolizes restrictions and prohibitions.
Image: The card depicts a woman surrounded by eight swords stuck into the ground around her. She stands blindfolded and with her hands tied. In the distance, the horizon and water are visible. The entire scene conveys a sense of confinement and an inability to move.
General meaning: The Eight of Swords represents a feeling of restriction, limitation, and a lack of belief in one’s own abilities. It is a card that illustrates a mental trap.
Upright meaning: In an upright position, the card indicates a sense of limitation, fear, and self-doubt. It may symbolize a state in which a person feels they cannot see a way forward and are restricted in their choices.
Reversed meaning: In a reversed position, the Eight of Swords may indicate gradually overcoming limitations or breaking free from a mental trap. It may also serve as a call to reassess one’s perspective on limitations and find freedom of action.
For relationships: In relationships, this card may indicate a sense of restriction, control, or distrust. It may be a sign that one needs to reassess their relationship dynamics and free themselves from fears and doubts.
For health: In health matters, the card suggests stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic symptoms. It may serve as a reminder to pay attention to emotional well-being and manage stress effectively.
For work and career: In a professional context, the card can symbolize feeling trapped at work, fear of failure, or lack of self-confidence. It may also indicate self-imposed limitations that prevent progress.
For finances: Regarding finances, the card may suggest financial limitations or fear of losing resources. It may also serve as a warning against taking unjustified financial risks.
Meaning in the “Card of the Day” spread: In a daily spread, the Eight of Swords may indicate a day when feelings of restriction and doubt may influence decision-making.
Card advice: The advice of the Eight of Swords is to reassess personal beliefs and fears. Your limitations may be more in your mind than in reality. It also encourages paying attention to emotional well-being and finding ways to free yourself from unnecessary restrictions.