TarotCraft Lesson 204.08: The 8 of Swords

The 8 of Swords Tarot Card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

When the 8 of Swords appears, difficulties might be present or indicated but are likely to be short-lived. Mental stress and overthinking are at play. You may think this is a problem you can't possibly extricate yourself from, but you actually can. You don't need a rescuer. The situation may seem impossible to resolve and is causing anguish, but this card tells us that "this too, shall pass". 

​Image Description

A blindfolded figure wears a red dress and brown shoes. They are bound loosely with a white ribbon from just above the elbows to the hip. Their arms are restricted, but their feet are free. There are three swords on one side and five on the other, tips driven into the ground. The figure stands on muddy ground, and behind them is a castle on top of a hill. Other than the red dress, the colours in the card are grey and pale. The sky is grey and overcast.
 
Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: No
 
Amplified by: The Lovers
Amplifier for: The Lovers
 
Zodiac/Element: Jupiter in Gemini
Dates: 21 May to 31 May
 
Traditional Name: Shortened Force
Traditional Meaning: Bad news, violent chagrin, crisis, censure, power in trammels, conflict, calumny; also sickness. Reversed: Disquiet, difficulty, opposition, accident, treachery; what is unforeseen; fatality.
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

When this card appears, difficulties might be present or indicated but are likely to be short-lived.  Mental stress and overthinking are at play. You may think this is a problem you can't possibly extricate yourself from, but you actually can. You don't need a rescuer. The situation may seem impossible to resolve and is causing anguish, but this card tells us that "this too, shall pass". 
 
Physical death but would need to be in a spread with some combination of cards such as Death, 10 of Swords, Judgement etc. 
 
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

External forces are working against you, which may trigger thoughts of weakness and victimisation. It can indicate unwanted news, conflict or sickness, depending on the surrounding cards and the question asked. 
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge

Gift 
 
The Gift of the 8 of Swords is found when you cease fighting against yourself and others. Stop putting up resistance. Allow yourself to soften and be ok with the uncertainty of the moment. 
 
Invitation
 
The Invitation of the 8 of Swords is to exercise patience and forbearance. There is nothing you can do – your hands are tied. 'It's not yet time to move forward. 
 
Challenge 
 
The Challenge of the 8 of Swords is to snap yourself out of indecision. Almost any decision taken now is better than none.   
Go to next Lesson 204.09 The 9 of Swords
 
Go to previous Lesson 204.07 The 7 of Swords