Eight of Swords
Constriction
“Fear is the mind-killer.”
Dune
Eight of Swords at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Eight of Swords shows restriction strengthened by fear, incomplete information and a belief that no movement is possible.
| Upright | recognising a mental trap, temporary restriction, asking for perspective, naming powerlessness, cautious movement |
|---|---|
| Reversed | deeper entrapment, panic, self-defeating beliefs, refusing help, unforeseen trouble |
| Linked card | The Devil |
| Soundtrack | Islands by The xx Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Recognising a mental trap
- Temporary restriction
- Asking for perspective
- Naming powerlessness
- Cautious movement
- Understanding internalised limits
- Waiting for safer conditions
- Separating fact from fear
- Seeking assistance
- Noticing an available exit
Reversed meanings
- Deeper entrapment
- Panic
- Self-defeating beliefs
- Refusing help
- Unforeseen trouble
- Blame without action
- Paralysis
- Treachery
- A restriction lifting
- Taking the first difficult step
Eight of Swords in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Communication: Understanding internalised limits. Reversed: Blame without action. |
| Career | Work: Waiting for safer conditions; separating fact from fear. Warning: Paralysis. |
| Money | Financial theme: Seeking assistance. Warning: A restriction lifting. |
| Feelings | Upright: Asking for perspective. Reversed: Self-defeating beliefs. |
| Advice | Prioritise: Noticing an available exit. Watch for: Taking the first difficult step. |
| Outcome | Potential: Cautious movement. Obstacle: Unforeseen trouble. |
| Yes or no | No while the present assumptions remain untested. |
Symbols in Eight of Swords
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The blindfold | Perception is limited, though not permanently removed. |
| The loose bindings | The prison may be less absolute than it feels. |
| The surrounding swords | Thoughts, judgements or rules define the apparent boundary. |
| The distant castle | Authority and safety exist elsewhere but are not immediately accessible. |
A. E. Waite's original description
A woman, bound and hoodwinked, with the swords of the card about her. Yet it is rather a card of temporary durance than of irretrievable bondage.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
Bad news, violent chagrin, crisis, censure, power in trammels, conflict, calumny; also sickness.
Reversed:
Disquiet, difficulty, opposition, accident, treachery; what is unforeseen; fatality.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Seven of Swords
- Next card: Nine of Swords
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
