Upright: interference, quick intellectual grasp needed,

Reversed: confusion, mental blocks, rigid thinking,

Message of Eight of Swords:

Think of Eights as 2x4; Twos representing balance, opposition, or dialogue combined with the foundational or stagnant or rest options of the Fours Swords (Spades, Knives, Daggers, Arrows, Clouds, Athames, etc.) represent the Air Element and are concerned with all mental pursuits, communication, decisions, ideas, rationality, comprehension, articulation, and conflicts. The Eight of Swords is known as The Lord of Shortened Force and The Spirit of Restlessness. The Waite-Smith deck shows a woman loosely bound and blindfolded partially surrounded by eight swords. However, she could get out of her bonds and past the barriers if she would remain calm, move slowly and carefully, feeling her way with her body sense. Listen to your inner self to determine what is blocking you from your purpose and desire. The vast majority of limitations are self-imposed.