Your Daily Reading:
Eight of Swords
This card depicts a Catch-22 scenario in which no positive conclusion is conceivable. To make changes, you may have to harm someone by telling the truth. Even if you try your hardest, you may feel that you can't express what's on your mind, no matter how much you want to.
Some aspects of life are beyond your control, and the Eight of Swords is a sign of captivity, implying that something is actively holding you back. This may range from a personal issue such as a terrible employer to a broad one such as international politics. In any event, you're going to feel restricted and hesitant at every step, and you're likely to be frustrated and anxious. The best course of action is to focus on the one thing you have control over - yourself. Patience is required in this scenario, and you must be ready to move if the situation changes.
If you've never been blinded, it's difficult to imagine what it's like to abruptly lose your sight. Many individuals who haven't gone through it rush to assumptions, thinking it won't be difficult to remove the bandage from your eyes or walk about without seeing. When blindfolded, most individuals automatically extend their hands in front of them. They scan the area for walls, doors, and objects to avoid colliding with anything hard or dangerous. But what if you can't move because your hands are tied? You suddenly feel completely powerless - you have no way of knowing where you are or how to move about securely. You're in a bind.
A huge, towering metropolis on top of a hill or mountain can be seen in the distance, along with a broad, open valley riddled with puddles and pieces of water. We see a woman in front of us who has her eyes blindfolded and is encircled by swords planted in the ground. The woman is likewise tied, preventing her from moving her arms. She can't see, but she knows she's in danger... yet she can't even reach out to feel where the blades are hidden. There are certainly methods for her to flee, but due to her blindness and tied arms, there is no way for her to do so securely.
The card of being imprisoned and powerless is represented by this card. Although this card has many finer elements, the overall message is one of helplessness. This may also indicate that you believe you have grown reliant on others and are presently unable to act alone. With helplessness comes a sense of despair - after all, changing your circumstances when you are unable to assist yourself may be tough.
'Stuck' is a State of Mind
This card may also indicate that you are currently in a terrible position but are reluctant to leave because you are worried that things will only get worse. People who are scared to aspire and dream because their aspirations and ambitions have been destroyed in the past are common in our culture. So they remain in a location they detest, doing activities they despise, and perhaps even being among sick people.
Finally, this card may indicate that you are uncertain about your position. The woman in the image may not realize she is surrounded by swords at all; she may mistakenly believe she is standing in the middle of an empty field. She has no means of knowing for sure where she is, so she may make some educated guesses. This card may be indicating that you have preconceived notions about your circumstance, but the reality is very different.
Are you curious about the meaning of the Eight of Swords? Here are some questions to ask yourself to figure it out. Have you lately felt entrapped? Why? What is the source of your sense of helplessness? Do you have a good understanding of your issue or are you unsure? Always remember that you have alternatives and that even being tied does not take away your power - the female has options, they're just not simple ones.
What Eight of Swords Means for You Today
The Eight of Swords has appeared today to urge you to take some time to stop thinking or at least slow your thought process. The swords surrounding the woman represent the thoughts that are keeping her trapped and blinded to the truth of her circumstances. If you feel like your mind is racing and you can't slow down, take ten to fifteen minutes today to sit with your eyes closed and focus on just one thing. Whether it is your breathing or the sound of a fan in the room, focusing on something that is happening in the present moment will help you get out of your head so you can see things a little more clearly.