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A woman stands bound and blindfolded, surrounded by eight swords planted in marshy ground. A castle stands on a distant hill. Eight of Swords
Swords

Eight of Swords

restrictionfeeling trappedself-limiting beliefs

You may feel stuck, yet the bindings are looser than they seem. Question the thoughts that keep you in place.

Love Fear may be limiting love. Look for small ways to open up.

Snowball (guelder rose) · Greenaway 1884: "Bound."
Symbols in the glass
  • Blindfold limited perspective
  • Loose bindings restrictions that can be undone
  • Swords around her fears and limiting thoughts
  • Distant castle a way out that exists

A woman stands bound and blindfolded, surrounded by eight swords planted in marshy ground. A castle stands on a distant hill.

Deeper lore
Element
Air
Astrology
Jupiter in Gemini (decan 0-10°)
Dates
21 May to 31 May
Golden Dawn title
Lord of Shortened Force
Number
Eight, movement blocked: the mind caught in its own restrictions.
Names
Eight of Swords · Huit d'Épées · 宝剑八
Waite, 1911

Waite: "bad news, violent chagrin, crisis, censure, power in trammels, conflict". Reversed: "disquiet, difficulty, opposition ... what is unforeseen".

Which belief is keeping you where you are?

Ask Iris about this card

For reflection and entertainment. Meanings follow the Smith-Waite tradition.