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The Eight of Swords card shows that we do not allow an important part of our being to live. In this sense, it often expresses inhibitions and prohibitions that are almost always self-induced, but which we prefer to project to our environment. The typical "Yes, but ..." attitude, which Reverend Ike writes in his famous speech: "I'd like to do this or that, but ...", "I'd love to be this or that, but ..." if this or that could be mine, but ... "In all cases we have only our own" but "idea and what we want to do, own or become. The card calls for recognition that restrictions, hardships and prohibitions do not originate from the outside world but reflect our own internal fears and inhibitions. The Eight of Swords in any case means that we are pushing something of value. Of course, temporary cancellation or reasonable restrictions may also apply.

EIGHT OF SWORDS : INTERFERENCE

The four Eights are attributed to Hod. Being in the same plane as the Sevens on the Tree of Life, but on the other side, the same inherent defects as are found in the Sevens will apply.

Yet one may perhaps urge this alleviation, that the Eights come as (in a sense) a remedy for the error of the Sevens. The mischief has been done; and there is now a reaction against it. One may, therefore, expect to find that, while there is no possibility of perfection in the cards of this number, they are free from such essential and original errors as in the Lower case.

The Eight of Swords is called Interference. At first sight, it would seem easy to confuse it with the Eight of Cups; but the idea is, in reality, quite different. The card is attributed to Jupiter and Gemini; accordingly, there is no weighing down of the will by internal or external stress. It is simply the error of being good- natured when good-nature is disastrous. Gemini is an airy sign, an intellectual sign; Jupiter is geniality and optimism. This will not do in the world of Swords; if one must hit at all, a knock-out blow is best. But there is another element in this card; that of unexpected (the Eights, being at heart Mercurial, are always that) interference, sheer unforeseen bad luck. Trivial incidents have often altered the destiny of empires, brought to naught “the best laid plans of mice and men”.

The number Eight, Hod, here signifies lack of persistence in matters of the intellect and of contest. Good fortune, however, attends even these weakened efforts, thanks to the influence of Jupiter in Gemini, ruling the Decan. Yet the Will is constantly thwarted by accidental interference.

The centre of the card is occupied by two long Swords pointed downward. These are crossed by six small swords, three on each side. They remind one of weapons peculiar to their countries or their cults; we see here the Kriss, the Kukri, the Scramasax, the Dagger, the Machete and the Yataghan.

THE EIGHT OF SWORDS - INTERFERENCE

Astrology: Jupiter in the 1. decan of Gemini Tree of Life: Hod through Air

With the Eight of Swords, the suit enters Hod, the realm of intellect and logic, and one should think how happy the Swords must be now that they are 'amongst fellows'. But Hod is more the structure of mind, while the Swords are the freedom of mind - conflicts are pre-programmed. 

Further, the Eight of Swords reveal the nature of the suit regarding its tendency of analysing and considering everything, digging out a counter-argument for any argument there is, quickly recognizing any limitation and conclusion that in the end means the interference in the own reasoning. Only blessing stupidity can be selfsecure enough to believe that the own thought is the only truth - the Swords cannot. 

In another aspect, the Eight of Swords can talk of the restlessness of mind, of thoughts bursting out uncontrolled and unproductive, of nervous brooding and confused rumination.

Drive: Restlessness of mind, endless analyzing 

Light: Realization of causality, acception of limitation and relativity 

Shadow: Confusion, aimless pondering, compulsive brooding

THE EIGHT OF SWORDS - Intervention - Saturn 4th House - Obstruction

Keywords: Jupiter in Gemini, problems with endurance, suffering from tearing, decision making difficulties

Advice: Leave it for a while, let things go their own way. As long as you have doubts about these decisions, do not engage in anything new! Jupiter is a messenger of an unexpected change in the right direction. The seemingly insoluble problem now offers its own solution.

Question: What alternatives are you tensioning with now?

Suggestion: Relax and let it happen. Drag additional tabs for possible alternatives.

Revelation: I relax and trust in Life.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 39. Chien (The Obstacle, Obstruction)

Mythology: The Disabled (Danae)

Keywords: internal inhibitions and prohibitions, taboos

You cannot refresh by whipping the air. Only one thing at a time.

EIGHT OF SWORDS

General Meaning

Often called "The Test," the Eight of this suit usually pictures a warrior running the gauntlet, subjected to harsh examination, who finds out just how tough he or she is (or isn't) in the process. Life provides us with plenty of experiences that put us in situations of close scrutiny — whether it's an entrance exam, a decisive job interview or even the tough conversations that follow upon a breach of trust in a close relationship.

Sometimes the challenge or obstacle course has nothing to do with other people, as when an inventor has to face the question "Does it really work?" or when the aspirant has to decide how badly he desires to go through some sort of initiation. This card shows what happens to that great idea in real time, where the rubber meets the road. The Test represents your chance to vindicate the time and energy spent in getting ready for a big moment. In most cases, you will either pass or fail, with little in the way of available middle ground.

In the Reversed Position

When the Eight of Swords is reversed, there is a tendency to rationalize, justify and project blame onto others. Be sure you are not doing that. Judge yourself by the standards you hold your adversary to, before you get caught in a trap of your own making.

Focus your inner dialogue and your conversations with others on what you can do to produce positive change. Inspire others to see the high ground and join you there. You can't complain about the bad attitudes of your adversaries if you have one too.

In the Advice Positon

With the Eight of Swords in this position, you are being reminded that every setback you experience is a teacher awakening you to renewed effort. This is a learn-by-doing situation; there is no formula that guarantees outcome. You can be sure, however, that an open-minded and optimistic attitude will serve you better in the face of surprising developments.

Be willing to make the rigorous effort that is being called for now. Perform wholeheartedly, with good faith and hopefulness. As such, you'll forestall bickering and criticism, prevail against negative forces and overcome the demons of doubt and resistance. Get excited about your challenges; be confident that you have what it takes to improve the situation. If you do your internal homework, the external situation will open up for you.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.