Two cards

The Eight of Swords is commonly known as the card of victimization.

This means that you are currently going through a phase where you are completely bound by your circumstances. You feel as though you are not capable of getting yourself out of the destructive phase that you are in and that in fact if you were to try, devastating repercussions would follow. You fear pain and restriction, yet that which you fear is exactly what is blocking you the most. You are going through a season where you do not trust anyone and you worse you are constantly doubting your own abilities. You are perpetuating this cycle by trying to battle more than one issue at a time and that is part of what is causing you debilitating indecision.

You need to stop thinking that your emotions make up who you are entirely. Drowning in your emotions, which are as fluid as the tides, is not an appropriate way to work on your goals. The 8 of Swords can at points be harsh to take in because there is a level of personal responsibility that you must recognize on the role that you play in your own life’s miseries. The maiden that is depicted in the card is blindfolded as well as tied up. She is surrounded by swords and for all intents and purposes is indeed stuck. However on closer inspection you can see that her binds are only loosely wrapped around her, and there is a clearing in the swords behind her which would make escape possible if only she allowed herself to try. The key to this card is the lack of the desire to try, exemplifying where you are right now. You have complete control over your circumstances at this moment but you have allowed yourself to get addicted to the way things are even though the way things are causes you to be a complete stress case.

You are absolutely consumed by a victim mentality. And up until this point it was working for you. Now you are seeing the issues that can arise from this lack of decision making and a belief in your own ineptitude. It may be a way to survive, but it is most certainly not a way to live. The only opposition that is holding you back is your mental training, the habit from the practice of victimization and a certain level of blind acceptance or even ignorance to this very fact. Perhaps this was how you were raised, or you developed a habit due to a series of negative experiences, however now the 8 of Swords is giving you a warning, letting you know that it is time to improve your circumstances, and if you choose to ignore this warning, life will get worse for you.

The way out of this cycle is to balance your mind and your spirit. Recognize that you are actually an extremely creative individual who is absolutely capable of handling their life and can have anything that they want. The mind is going to open for you to include the extensions of your personal self with a partner and children as well as the necessity to widen your circle of close friends. You must stretch passed your comfort levels. The first response that you have to new situations is to close your eyes and hide because there is so much to do. But you must meet these challenges head on should you hope to escape death by swords.

The Eight of Swords in Love

When the Eight of Swords has appeared in a reading regarding love and relationships, you will find that you feel as though you are completely stuck in your situation. This card often comes up regarding the potential end of a marriage. Usually there is a deep level of unhappiness that has been going on for a long time, but the lack of deciding to leave the marriage is what creates a situation that is not easy to simply resolve. Many in love are afraid to change their circumstances because they have grown so comfortable with the unhappiness and worse, are afraid to be alone. Question yourself at this time; are you perpetuating something that makes you unhappy so that you do not have to be alone? How are you keeping yourself in chains? How are you behaving as if you are a victim? How could you better strengthen yourself and take control of your life?

The Eight of Swords in Health

The Eight of Swords in a reading about health is referencing a hypochondriac nature. That of a person who is constantly saying they are sick enough that they actually become sick. These are the people who are overindulging in medication that is prescribed by a doctor and who have a million ailments. In essence these issues that they have are self-created and self-perpetuated, and if you find yourself stuck in this kind of situation then you are going to need to learn how to live without believing that you are just a sick person.

Consider learning how to break the habit of indulging in these medicines so that you can perpetuate your own health. Some medications are important to survival, this is true, but some take medication just to dull out life. If this is you, seek substance abuse health. The Eight of Swords makes this recommendation so that you can gain control over your life before matters get worse.

The Eight of Swords in Work and Wealth

When the Eight of Swords shows up in a work and wealth reading, there is a feeling of being victimized by coworkers or supervisors. You feel as though you are entitled to have more than what you have received thus far. Sometimes you are being overlooked for promotions because there is nowhere to go in your position or money issues with the company. Other times you are being looked over because you are not working hard enough. When the Eight of Swords is influencing a work reading, the latter is more probable. If you are struggling in your work environment, consider how much time you actually spend working and see if there is a gap or you are taking too many breaks and the like. See how you can become a better employee.

The Eight of Swords in Outcome / Future Position

The eight of swords in an outcome/future position is connected to our own limitations in life. In a positive spread, the outcome can indicate that their have been emotional upheaval and that you will not give up and that you need to face the truth of the matter. There is also a focus on over-analyzing elements and this becomes a cycle of problems. In the future, it is likely that you still will not see things that you don’t wish to see. If she actually could see what has happened in the past there is no reason for her to continue. In terms of an analogy, it is telling you to open your eyes in the future to all the things that tried to hold you back.

Reversed Eight of Swords in a reading

The 8 of Swords reversed is blessing you with the energy of freedom. You have done the work to improve your circumstances and you are now able to take off the blindfold of victimization and you can see clearly what is going on around you. Now you can truly use all of the creative energy that you have inside of you, freely. You are able to focus on wonderful ideas that set you apart from everyone else. You are no longer backed in a corner, so make sure not to fall back in old habits. You also might be so excited by your new found freedom that you may preach too strongly this message to others and this could prove to alienate yourself. Expressing gratitude and thankfulness for your healing is one thing, trying to recruit others against their will is something else. Keep this in mind. 

Upright Eight of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Limited by obstacles
• Mental barriers
• Feeling trapped
• Wrongly accused
• Seeking for freedom
• Confusion and anger
• Feeling lost

Reversed Eight of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Inner strength
• Awaiting salvation
• Escaping problems
• Being the victim
• Feeling comfortable
• Carelessness
• Avoiding issues

When the King of Wands has visited your reading, you are being reminded to not limit yourself.

It is important to be adaptable and versatile. Now is the time to act spontaneously, give yourself time to be like the Chameleon and change your colors to match your environment. Do not change yourself so much that you lose the connection to your inner self, but allow yourself some change so that you can learn that strength is being flexible and mutable. This card is symbolic of security and strength as well as personal commitment to spiritual growth. The King of Wands is blessing you with a visionary sight, which is energetic and random. Much like taking a course in Improvisational Theater now is the time to act in whatever way brings forth fiery passion from within. No rehearsal necessary. One must develop the sense of intuitive strength and the King of Wands, having mastered this art is here in your reading to help you graduate. Do not hold yourself back. If you have something to say, then say it and if you have been long wondering when you should take that job or take on a creative oriented career, now is an excellent time to do so.

In the Rider-Waite deck, one cannot ignore the presence of this fiery king. Salamanders and Lions surround him, representing the element of fire. Being the Ruler of the Suit of Wands he has the magic of the Magician at his disposal and brings forth the elementals to assist him at any time. The King of Wands is extremely generous and abundant even in his impulsivity; he will help you develop the leadership qualities that you need to move forward in the direction of your desires. This card can at points represent a man, blonde, with blue or hazel eyes usually married. If this is your representative card, then the King of Wands is telling you that you are a courageous, strong, passionate and loyal person who thrives in the traditional ways of life. He exemplifies adventure even in routine. Change while still keeping a level of stability.

He represents healthy, non-destructive growth and he is here to teach you how to honor the change in others, in life and in yourself. Sometimes his character is strong enough that he is capable of dominating others by his willpower so there may be an overbearing person in your life that this card is attempting to represent. If it is representing you then there is a clarity available that speaks to you learning how to believe in your own righteousness. Others will listen because often, you are right. Do not take others for granted; however, make sure to listen in case someone else has an idea better than yours. Life is all about the give and the take and the King of Wands expresses this to you now. You know what is right and what is wrong, and you know how to be naturally honest without being too pressing. The King of Wands is intuitive as well as fiery, introspective as well as funny. He is a vibrant father figure and a helpful spiritual advisor. Perpetuate masterfulness of the creative energy bestowed upon you by this King and you will go far.

The King of Wands reminds you that you have someone in your life that you emulate, someone that taught you what you know or someone that you look up to for having an exceptional sense of inner strength. Seek this person out and ask them for help on how to improve your own sense of self.

The King of Wands in Love

When you are single, the King of Wands is telling you to embrace your own inner strength so that you can be more interesting and vital to the people you are trying to attract. Consider this the time for you to be more forward then you might normally be. The King of Wands says to keep a lookout for someone who is either older or just more experienced with a leadership personality as this would be an excellent match for you. Whatever you have going on in your life right now, he is telling you that you are walking through a transit where you could express more of your more ‘wilder’ qualities if you would allow yourself to. The improvisational, all-knowing and intensely intuitive nature of this card will push you on your way to having dynamic experiences. Drop the fear and let yourself be free to be who you are, and others will appreciate your presence.

The King of Wands in Health

The King of Wands, when represented in a Health reading, expresses that now is the time to appreciate all that is good and vibrant in your body. You have allowed yourself to become too dormant, either because of pain or a fear of hurting yourself after healing from a disease or an injury. But this is the time for you to embrace the forward motion that is churning up within you. There is no need to worry about injuring yourself further, it is important that you build up your strength again so as to avoid future injuries. Physical activity is an excellent way to get through stressful situations. Take advantage of this transit by getting yourself out to breathe some fresh air.

The King of Wands in Work and Wealth

When your reading is about work and wealth, the King of Wands is on your side to make sure that you get as much abundance as is humanly possible in the moment. He tells you to invest, but to look out for ways that you can randomly make money. Keep in mind this Card’s improvisational style. You must be willing to make money at the drop of the hat by participating in random waves of interest and then ride that wave all the way to the end. In work the king of wands represents going for it. He represents that you are not going to sit back and let things fall into place. What is interesting is that this king is the finale of the suit of wands. In work this can mean you are going to achieve everything you desired. This card can also indicate that you may be able to take advice from someone that is experienced. Wands represent ambition, planning, driving and taking responsibility.  In readings, the king of wands also represents a business or self-employment. This card in work, career or business resonates to not give up. If things fail to learn from them and move on. 

Reversed Meaning - Kings of Wands

The King of Wands only ever comes up in the reversed position when you are waiting too passively for life to happen to you. This is the point in your life where you must reconsider your priorities and commitments and if they are not absolutely bringing you what you want with precision then you must cut ties all together and use the creative power of the King to bring more opportunities your way. Remember that there are those that are not always who they appear to be but you must accept that possibility in all forms of life. Do not allow them to blow you off course. Seek internal guidance through utilizing your intuition and you will go far.

King of Wands Reversed Meaning - Love And Romance

The King of Wands reversed makes him arrogant, doctoral, and insists on his authority in life. This is a fire sign for a man and can suggest that his presence is overbearing. Under this all there is an emperor who can show both vanity, ego, and bluster. There might be someone that is making unwise decisions and this is why he has appeared in the love reversed spread. If you push things too much it can mean you will lose your temper with him. He can sometimes be rather aggressive and does not know the limits.

The King of Wands Card Keywords Upright

• Opportunist
• Developing projects
• Implementing ideas
• Boosting creativity
• Boosting current skills
• Learning new things
• Gathering experience
• Natural charmer
• Attractive appearance
• Using self-expression
• Sharing thoughts
• Exploring options
• Setting up goals

The King of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

• Leadership
• Dominance
• Hard decision
• Gaining admiration
• Gaining respect
• Being sympathetic
• Hating ordinary
• Good reputation
• Confronting opponents
• Acting courageous
• Born to stand out
• Loved by many
• Riding solo