Noir
This is one of my favorite cards in the Minor Arcana – I find it to be both evocative and powerful. I think Bursten did a very good in the interpretation of this card, especially the idea of the bubble looking fragile and crystalline, but still holding the figure trapped. This echoes the situation of the Fool in the Devil card, though here the issues seems more rooted in illusion or being trapped within ego structures rather than being caged by pain, addiction, and fear.
Other commentators on the Tarot, such as Crowley, Arrien, Geer, and Haindl, bring the idea of obstruction and interference to the Eight of Swords. In the Haindl deck, this card is linked to Hexagram 21, which Richard Wilhelm calls “Biting Through.” He writes, “When an obstacle to union arises, energetic biting through brings success.” The hexagram speaks of successfully overcoming obstacles through balancing clarity and power with gentleness and respect. It is interesting to see that the woman in the card is well positioned to “bite through” her cage, if only she were able to find the strength or insight to do so.
Unlike the RWS symbology, the woman in this card is not blindfolded, but I feel that this card is still linked to the Two of Swords. My sense is that what may have started out as an exploration or a short-term defense mechanism like denial has become a more advanced pathology, as symbolized by the fact that the woman is now encased and the bubble or sphere is crystallizing on the bottom. If the whole sphere crystallizes, there may be no way to “pop” or “bite through” and the figure could be trapped forever, which is not uncommon. There is much more a sense of being trapped and restricted, as well as a sense that the figure cannot free herself and she is waiting for someone to rescue her. The more serious concern is that she is actually mesmerized by her reflection in the bubble, caught like those souls in Plato’s cave who cannot escape their fascination with the shadows on the cave wall. This card points to the root of many causes of political and religious strife throughout the world.
To me, Jupiter in Gemini speaks to being gifted but indecisive. There is an expanded ability to communicate and to take in large amounts of information. However, this can then create idiosyncratic mental structures which the person cannot escape.
Reversing the card may speak to taking steps toward liberation or the opportunity to do so. But it could also be a warning not to interfere in a particular situation. What do you think?
Other commentators on the Tarot, such as Crowley, Arrien, Geer, and Haindl, bring the idea of obstruction and interference to the Eight of Swords. In the Haindl deck, this card is linked to Hexagram 21, which Richard Wilhelm calls “Biting Through.” He writes, “When an obstacle to union arises, energetic biting through brings success.” The hexagram speaks of successfully overcoming obstacles through balancing clarity and power with gentleness and respect. It is interesting to see that the woman in the card is well positioned to “bite through” her cage, if only she were able to find the strength or insight to do so.
Unlike the RWS symbology, the woman in this card is not blindfolded, but I feel that this card is still linked to the Two of Swords. My sense is that what may have started out as an exploration or a short-term defense mechanism like denial has become a more advanced pathology, as symbolized by the fact that the woman is now encased and the bubble or sphere is crystallizing on the bottom. If the whole sphere crystallizes, there may be no way to “pop” or “bite through” and the figure could be trapped forever, which is not uncommon. There is much more a sense of being trapped and restricted, as well as a sense that the figure cannot free herself and she is waiting for someone to rescue her. The more serious concern is that she is actually mesmerized by her reflection in the bubble, caught like those souls in Plato’s cave who cannot escape their fascination with the shadows on the cave wall. This card points to the root of many causes of political and religious strife throughout the world.
To me, Jupiter in Gemini speaks to being gifted but indecisive. There is an expanded ability to communicate and to take in large amounts of information. However, this can then create idiosyncratic mental structures which the person cannot escape.
Reversing the card may speak to taking steps toward liberation or the opportunity to do so. But it could also be a warning not to interfere in a particular situation. What do you think?
