8 & 10 of swords

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

autumn star	19 Apr 2005
Hi, Over the last couple of months I have selected these two cards quite frequently. I have a general understanding of their meanings but I was wondering how other people interpreted them and what their experiences were with the cards.

contradiction	19 Apr 2005
If I were doing a two card reading for you, and pulled these two cards, I would say the the 8, was saying that there is something holding you in bondage. This is something that you can escape from, but you are allowing it to keep you from moving forward. The 10 would tell me the reason for allowing it to have this hold on you is either it is too painful to deal with, or you are afraid that it will be painful. What you don't realize though is allowing it to have this hold on you is causing you more pain than actually dealing with it. These two cards could actually describe me at this point, sad part is I know what it is, and know that I need to deal with it, but......

shandar	19 Apr 2005
I can only add to Contradiction's exposition of the 8, because he has stated the 10 so plainly. The 8/swords can also be about confusion overwhelming common sense. If I drew this card I would interpret it as Contradiction, and suggest that perhaps the person is unable to move because they holding themselves hostage because they have trouble dealing with the situation. Being dumb, blind, and in jail may be preferable at some point to being free and having nowhere to go.

autumn star	20 Apr 2005
thanks for sharing that with me :) your descriptions sound exactly like my situation ... I know what the problem is but I'm choosing to ignore it ... making myself imprisoned in the situation that I am in ...

wandking	20 Apr 2005
This discribes RWS symbolism: THE EIGHT OF SWORDS The Eight of Swords shows not only interference but also inner conflict. By gazing at the gleaming blade of truth, you may create imposing reflections. In some cases, an image like the Eight of Swords – showing a precarious picture of self-entrapment – casts back a glint of blinding fear. Covered eyes replace mental clarity and you feel unable to escape from the source of your anxiety. You may even feel restrained like the woman pictured on this card. If she tries to move away, she might cut herself on a ring of swords. The daunting array of weaponry implies twisted logic, which offers little chance for flight until you realize a sword can also become the means to break free. This eight epitomizes thoughts of restraint and despair. Often captivity is self-imposed and blindness comes from hoodwinking yourself. It is as Goethe, writes in Faust, “We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.” Perhaps you are wary of potential pain a new situation will cause or maybe simple apathy confines you. In rare instances, this eight shows actions or inactions of another person inhibiting advancement but in most cases, it is a prison built with self-restriction. Water, puddling under the woman clearly suggests emotional issues contribute to her entrapment. When the Eight of Swords falls in a spread, the purpose is not to torment you with verification of the obvious. Instead, the eight implies that you submit to emotional confinement on a basic level. This card indicates that you can escape ominous incarceration as easily as you entered the psychological trap. Close examination of symbolism on the Eight of Swords offers a clue: Obviously, unbound legs allow this figure to walk up to any sword and then sever ropes that restrain her arms. Currently, she stands still because the fear that built her imposing emotional restriction now limits options of escape. To overcome a psychological entanglement, push aside the swords of anxiety and hesitation. In numerology, eight represents the razor sharp blade of manifestation. In symbolism, fear manifests as treacherous entrapment, however, numeric properties of the eight present a fresh approach. In a story of Swords, the eighth path illuminates awareness of material endeavors. Traditionally, the eight leads to success in business. Executive qualities offer management roles in other suit stories but in this Swords saga difficulty in making reforms or changes provide an important theme for the Eight of Swords. Confusion arising from a sense of power with numeric eight, also contributes to a financial theme in this digit. If this card appears in a reading with economic overtones, it might signal bad news in business. A figure on the Eight of Swords must realize that there is power behind manifestation of eight instead of succumbing to numeric fears, which include being at the mercy of either circumstances or others less capable. Loss of prestige is another anxiety on this eighth path of the Swords story. The positive vibrations of eight include power, capability, skill and hard work. When you overcome fear, the sky becomes the limit instead of a limitation, often set by steel-gray heavens in this suit. Astrological Air signs power the Swords Suit so the skies aptly convey meanings in these cards. Gray, which is often associated with sadness, provides a backdrop for the Eight of Swords. Even in a sticky matter, the Eight of Swords offers several options of psychological release. Avenues for fleeing from an emotional entrapment might seem irrational or hidden but they offer mental openings. Tap into a dynamic energy source for this card: Although expansive Jupiter in fast thinking Gemini presents problems, this scattered intellect offers a broad perspective, which will illuminate solutions. To overcome intellectual shortsightedness, realize that fear serves as a blindfold. What you fear most might set you free. Rage, hostility or undue haste makes your condition worse by causing an even greater entanglement. Accept the rational lucidity and serenity that the Swords Suit exemplifies. Cut fear from your life using the sword of mental clarity, then move from that mud puddle of emotions to stand on solid ground. Sir Francis Bacon said, “To suffering there is a limit, to fearing there is none.”

autumn star	20 Apr 2005
Thankyou - wandking - your description was very profound and helpful to me. Your insights were very helpful Thanks again

Reed	28 Apr 2005
I'm glad I found this thread. The 8 of Swords has been haunting me for a while. You gave me a lot to think about. Thank you.

The 8 & 10 of swords thread was originally posted on 19 Apr 2005 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.