Welcome to Tarot Tuesday!
Each Tuesday I will be pulling a card from my grandmother’s tarot deck and writing about what the card could mean for the signs, broken up by element. The elements of the zodiac are Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces).
I may pull a card from the major arcana, representing our inner wisdom. Or I may pull a suit card, representing outside influences. I may even pull a court card signifying a specific person in your life. This card can help you set your intention for the rest of the week or it can provide a visualization of your current situation. Don’t forget to check your moon and rising signs as well as your sun sign. You can check your birth chart here.
And just to mention a funny little happenstance, I pulled a card that I have already pulled and written about. Well, actually I pulled two cards that I have written about already before pulling a third card. I’m writing about the third card I pulled today, but if you wish to read about the Eight of Pentacles card, or the King of Swords card, you can do so by following the links.
The Eight of Swords
This week I drew the Eight of Swords, the card of anxiety. In tarot, the number eight represents seizing opportunities and overcoming difficult obstacles. It can also represent the ability to learn new things.
Swords are the suit of communication. But the suit can also represent logic, focus, and fearfulness. When a sword card pops up in a reading it can represent courage or the disruption of an unfair status quo. It can also represent fears that are holding us back.
In my grandmother’s deck, the Eight of Swords is depicted as a young feminine figure with dark hair, wearing a red-orange dress. The figure is bound with a white rope and is also blindfolded. She is surrounded by eight large swords that are each stuck in the ground with their hilts sticking up. She appears to be standing in a puddle. A gray castle looms in the background.
This card’s image can seem a little unsettling at first. But it is important to note that the swords are not menacing her. Though her arms are bound and she is blindfolded, her life is not in immediate danger and she is able to walk away from the swords.
Though the card’s image may vary from deck to deck, the meaning is often the same. The Eight of Swords represents anxieties and restrictions. This card symbolizes the limitations that may be hindering us from achieving our goals. These limitations may be imposed on us by others or by our own worries. But this card tells us that these restrictions can be overcome through our own strength and determination.
This card reminds us that when one door closes, another one opens. Opportunities can arise from certain perceived setbacks.
What This Card Means For Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are ruled by their passion and drive. The Eight of Swords speaks to your need to hold onto the things that bring you joy and make you feel safe. It also speaks to your need to banish negative thoughts and anxieties.
Aries, this card wants you to heal your inner self by getting rid of any harmful thoughts or negative influences in your life. They are holding you back.
Leo, like Aries, it is important that you banish negative influences so that you can move forward with the things you wish to pursue.
Sagittarius, this card wants you to leave a certain situation where you feel trapped. Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated.
What This Card Means For Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are ruled by their dedication and desire. The Eight of Swords speaks to your desire to emotionally support and encourage those around you. It also speaks to your own need for support and encouragement.
Taurus, this card wants you to use your strength and dedication to help those in need. It is important to use your strength to help yourself as well.
Virgo, like with your fellow mutable sign, Sagittarius, you need to leave a certain situation where you feel drained or trapped. This card wants you to focus on a healthier work/life balance.
Capricorn, this card wants you to try your best to replace the negative voices in your head with affirming ones. It’s time to recite positive affirmations and hype yourself up.
What This Card Means For Air Signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra)
Air signs are ruled by their compassion and independence. This card may hold more significance for you because the Swords are the suit of air. The Eight of Swords speaks to your need to give yourself some credit and sympathy. It also speaks to your desire to pursue the life and career that you have always wanted.
Aquarius, this card wants you to take stock of where you feel financially limited. It may be time to ask for a raise or promotion.
Gemini, this card wants you to make yourself known at work. You are invaluable to your employers and colleagues and it’s time that they saw that.
Libra, this card wants you to take some personal days off work if you are able. You need to rest. Don’t make yourself sick for a job.
What This Card Means For Water Signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio)
Water signs are ruled by their empathy and imagination. The Eight of Swords speaks to your need to banish any feelings of imposter syndrome. It is time to pursue your dreams.
Pisces, this card wants you to stop making excuses. It’s time to pursue your ambitions. The sky’s the limit.
Cancer, this card wants you to spread your wings and fly. If you have been hesitant to travel, this is your sign to take the trip you have always wanted to take.
Scorpio, you were never meant to dull your shine, and this card wants you to sparkle. Don’t be afraid to express yourself.
Tune in next week for another Tuesday Tarot Pull! In the meantime, let’s honor the Eight of Swords by listening to this Stevie Wonder classic.
