Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords is the Lord of Shortened Force and is aligned with the energy of Jupiter in Gemini. It represents over-thinking problems, being caught in a bind and difficulty in choosing the right course of action.

Jupiter represents growth and expansion, and Gemini brings different and often contradictory options and possibilities, so this card is calling you to expand your horizons by adopting new ideas and actions.

The Eight of Swords shows up in a reading when a choice is required, but neither option seems appealing to you, and yet you must choose. You have created a situation that cannot be talked out of, and usually this situation arises because you have avoided making a necessary decision earlier.

This happens with people who are too 'nice' and who don't like conflict, but in this situation, a conflict is created anyway. The thing is, the situation is not really unsolvable, it just seems to be too difficult to resolve. The woman is surrounded by swords and because of her blindfold she is unable to navigate her way to safety.

But the Swords are not threatening her directly, rather they form a barrier that she cannot negotiate because of her blindfold, or her refusal and inability to see the way around. You can now either wait until conditions improve which they will over the next eight weeks, or decide to remove your own blindfold and pick your way through the options that present themselves to you.

It is important to realise that you are not powerless, you have the choice to find a rational solution no matter how insurmountable your obstacles appear. If you are unable to solve the situation, then you may need some outside help and a different perspective.

Often we are so close to a situation, surrounded by issues and conflicts and possibilities that we cannot see a way out, and it takes someone who is on the outside of the conflict to see a clear solution. There is always another way.

"Stop thinking of limitations and start thinking of possibilities" - Terry Josephson