Tarot Card Symbolism: The Eight of Swords Reversed

For those who choose to read any cards appear upside in a Tarot spread as reversed, the Eight of Swords in its reversed position is a card that indicates a light at the end of the tunnel. Restrictions will lift, but depression, diffficulties, and maybe a battle or two will have to be struggled through first. There may be illness, accidents, a prison sentence, or even a death in your circle, but you will eventually emerge from the darkness into the light.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Eight of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Eight of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the eighth card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Seven of Swords. It is the embodiment of fear and restraint, and a of seemingly impossible situation.

The Symbolism of the Eight of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a woman who is both tied and blindfolded. Unlike the Two of Swords, this woman has very obviously not willingly entered into this situation. She is surrounded by a cage made up of eight swords; this cage appears inescapable. The woman is obviously afraid to move, and perhaps afraid to stay where she is.

She can see no way out of her present situation without experiencing pain. As she is unwilling to do this, she stays exactly where she is, paralyzed by her own fear.

The General Interpretation of the Eight of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a situation where the individual is afraid move, afraid to act. This is because, if they move, they’ll be cut to pieces by the cage of swords. However, staying put is not an option either, for this only prolongs the agony.

This card, the Eight of Swords, is the very representation of a position "between a rock and a hard place." Of all the cards of the Tarot, this is the one that describes an impossible situation, where there is no good or right choice. It may be that the individual must choose between the lesser of two evils.

The Inner Meaning of the Eight of Swords in Tarot

The Eight of Swords is the image of being held prisoner by overwhelming fear. It is important to realize that the ropes that bind and the blindfold are not truly imposed by some outside force. Instead, they represent one’s own fear. It is this fear that keeps the individual still and immobile.

The longer an individual stays in this situation, the worse it becomes, the more restrained the individual is, and the harder it is to break free. This is the card that represents those times when one is in a situation where they are afraid to speak or act, but by not speaking or acting they only constrain themselves further.

This card is a message to the individual who draws it. It suggests that one must have the strength to endure the cuts, or they will remain within the cage forever. They must act or speak, for the longer they let the situation continue, the worse it will become.

The Nine of Swords follows this card.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Seven of Swords Reversed

If you read upside down Tarot cards as reversed, then the Seven of Swords in its reversed position has two distinct meanings. The first is to look out for thieves. This thief is not necessarily a stranger. It could be that someone close to you wants to take something that you value, so keep your eyes open.

Secondly, you'll want to watch your finances and beware of a potential legal problem. Seek legal or financial advice before taking any important steps in these areas. You will greatly benefit from professional advice.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Seven of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Seven of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the seventh card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Six of Swords. It is the embodiment of greed and thoughtless behavior.

The Symbolism of the Seven of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man, likely middle-aged, who is taking very careful, stealthy steps away from a scene he is apparently leaving with great care. He is looking back to see if he has been noticed by anyone. He is obviously doing something he ought not to be doing, and is attempting to get away with it.

In his arms he carries five swords. Two more are left behind, as if he couldn’t carry them all. There are tents in the background, as if to represent a fair of some kind. The figure is sneaking away from these tents with all possible speed.

The General Interpretation of the Seven of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies undesirable impulsive behavior. The Seven of Swords is often indicative of action without thought, and with no care to the possible consequences. The individual is likely to hurt both themselves and others, and all for a moment of personal gratification.

All the time, the figure knows that he shouldn’t be doing this, and yet he continues on his dishonorable task. He is wary of being caught, and so seeks to slip away unnoticed. Whether he is caught is, in truth, not the issue. The very fact that he knows that he is in the wrong is the real point.

The Inner Meaning of the Seven of Swords in Tarot

The Seven of Swords is the image of secret plans and hidden dishonor. The individual who draws this card is likely making plans that have remained secretive. It is just as likely that the individual has not told anyone because these plans would be the subject of much criticism, as they are not entirely honorable. Since these plans are made and carried out in secret, they bring with them a deep frustration.

The Seven of Swords also implies a possible failure with this endeavor, whatever it may be. In addition to warning of failure, it can also suggest that the individual should rethink the entire idea, and perhaps find another way, a more honorable way, to achieve similar goals.

The Eight of Swords follows this card.