8 of Swords

Correspondences

Element: Air

Timing: May 21 – May 31. Jupiter in Gemini

Numerology: 8 – Manifestation, practicality, skill, absolute decisions, business, the ego.

Card Counting Value: 8

Keywords

Interference; sheer bad luck; being held back; mental blockages; unforeseen obstructions; fulfilling obligations; self-sabotage; fear of failure; holding yourself back; quitting before you fail.

Reversed: being released from obligations; taking steps to empowerment; overcoming fear.

Discussion

The 8 of Swords is often seen in a negative light, many tarot decks depict this card with dark and brooding colours and stormy skies, but there is another side to this card that the Golden Dawn saw that isn’t talked of much and that is of single-minded focus. In its right proportion it can be a good thing, but taken too far and it can become all encompassing – hence the bondage, the blindfolds, the self-sabotage and a very heavy price to pay in your own isolation. This isn’t always an external force but often an inner one. What does this card say to you? Is it sheer bad luck, being trapped, imprisoned or marooned?

The 8 of Swords Across Tarot Elements

Daily Taroscope November 18, 2011 – Restrictions