Eight of Swords

CARD EXERCISE

A woman in bondage and blindfolded standing between 8 swords.

If she makes a wrong move the sharp knives will surely hurt her. 

On the background is a castle on top of the hill. 

The woman is standing near the sea. It must have been low tide but there was still water left on the sand. It can also be observed that a slow wind is blowing her hair.

Someone must have tied her although not that tight. Although she can actually loosen up the bondage, she just chose not to.

Is it because she wants to punish herself for something she thought she did? 

Or she wants to give the person the satisfaction of doing what that person wants her to be?

A feeling of hopelessness?

Submission?

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Helpless thoughts, limiting beliefs, inner critic, excuses, victim mentality

The Eight of Swords is a card of feeling trapped or limited.

When this card shows up you are probably thinking that you have no viable options available.  You may feel weakened by the circumstances in your life or by other's opinion of you.

It is quite likely that the limitations you feel are self-imposed.  You are imprisoned by your own thinking more than anything.  How you use your mind is your choice: you can use your thoughts to keep you trapped, or you can use them to cut through limitations.

Ask yourself, what you get out of remaining "stuck", and what you could gain again if you were to move forward.  Often, all that is needed to get unstuck is the courage to think in a new way.

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WHEN REVERSED

Freeing yourself, finding a solution, reclaiming personal power

When the Eight of Swords appears reversed it is time to wake up and realize how your own thoughts limit you.

You see now the power of your own thoughts.  You are ready to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself.  You have a new appreciation of your strengths.  What you used to perceive as a failure you now see as times of growth.

You may have a new burst of confidence.  You know you are powerful.  What seemed like insurmountable obstacles yesterday, looks like a profound growth experience today.  You are ready to take risks and overcome fears to get what you want.  You believe in yourself and won't let anyone discourage you with their words!

This card could also be encouraging you to help someone else see how their own thoughts limit or liberate them.