Eight of Swords

Guiding words/ideas:

Feeling one’s own thoughts turn inward and create immobility; encouragement to remove these “swords” to create mental space; spiritual and psychic immobility inhibiting being one’s full self; when mind can be open, the body and heart can follow; more space between elements is healing.

Channeled guidance:

This card, the Eight of Swords, is a challenging one. As you look at it, you might even feel a headache coming on. All of these swords pointed directly at the head of this human have a lot of intensity and energy.

The human in this card appears to be in a holding position. Their mouth is in a straight line, indicating their jaw is probably set. Their eyes are hidden behind some kind of scarf or tie. Their arms are at their sides, hands hidden either behind a blue wall or in water. And their body is partially revealed. But notably, some of their tender parts are also bound and hidden.

This card shows us how our thought processes can turn against us; how our looping patterns of judgment, fear, and paranoia can turn against us and create a feeling of isolation and immobility. This frozen feeling is spiritual and psychic, and it blocks expansion and the ability to move into one’s fullest expression.

When looking at this card, it can be helpful to pause, possibly even visualize yourself in this position, and gently remove these swords one at a time. You can even name the different thoughts you’re having or different problems you’re experiencing and gently move them further away from your head. Give your head and your precious mind some space to expand and think clearly. And when the mind can be open, the body can start to come alive. Now one can be in the present moment, work with whatever senses are available, and ideally breathe a little more easily now that there is some space.

The swords are about issues of the mind and the intellect. And so the suggestion with this card is that all of these problems are really manifestations of the mind. If you have a little space from them, you’ll be able to handle them with much more ease, generosity, and even, potentially, love.

The pink background is made of pokeberry. In highly concentrated form, it can be poisonous, but in a more diluted form, it can be medicinal. This echoes the sentiment of this card, which is that more space between elements is healing. Too much density can be toxic and harmful. So allow yourself this mental space. Gently manifest an open mind, and an open heart will surely follow.

Plant and metal guidance:

Pokeberry (swirling pink in background): Our energy is fast and strong. You need only a small amount to revitalize and cleanse. Too much will overload your systems.

Black walnut (dark brown swords): The strength of our magic lies in our ability to clear space and provide opportunities for recharging and resetting.

Onion skin (light orange skin): We are a reminder of the layering of experience and self. Layering provides complexity and strength, and we invite you to celebrate your unfolding as you discover yourself and your connections to other beings.

Avocado (dark orange hair): We relate to the heart and core of all beings, and thus share energies of love, sense of purpose and deep connection.

Acorn cap (light grey clothing and scarf): Like a gentle pat on the head, we offer up slow-moving energy to open the senses and awaken the mind.

Logwood (dark blue at bottom of card): Our color connects outwardly but its source lies deep within. We help you reach inside yourself to find strength and beauty.