Minor Arcana · Swords
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
- restriction
- imprisonment
- helplessness
- self-limitation
Eight of Swords upright
The Eight of Swords is the cage we mistake for a room. Look down: the blades only block the view. One honest step reveals that the walls were mostly made of story.
Eight of Swords reversed
Reversed, the Eight of Swords shows the ropes loosening. The prison is of your own making, and so is the key. Take one small, honest step.
How to read Eight of Swords
Eight of Swords belongs to the suit of Swords. The suit of air: thoughts, truth, decisions and conflict.
Eights bring movement: effort, skill and change picking up speed.
Upright, let its keywords guide the reading: restriction, imprisonment, helplessness, and self-limitation.
Reversed, the same themes are usually blocked, delayed or turned inward. Read the reversed meaning above with that in mind.
Make it yours
See your pet — or yourself — on every card
The full 78-card deck includes Eight of Swords and every other card, each made from your photo and only for you. See your first card free in about a minute.
Try a free tarot reading
Draw a card for today or lay out a full spread. It's free, with no sign-up.