How-to Guides · 7 min · 2026-07-29
Discover the profound meaning of the two Swords cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith set. From the sophisticated strategy of Seven of Swords to the self-limitation of Eight of Swords, let's learn how to read and understand the messages these cards bring.
Cheating, isolation, challenge, confidence
On the card, a man is in a military camp. He stealthily stole five swords from the enemy group preparing the meal, leaving two swords intact.
Swords 7's working formula revolves around unfavorable situations. Unlike Swords 5 (direct conflict), the man here cannot openly confront the enemy. His power is limited, so he must use sophisticated and cunning strategies to reduce his opponents' strength.
Many things worth noting here:
Strategy instead of strength: The man works alone, quietly leaving the army tents (symbolizing society and the crowd). He has no support, only his own plan.
Risk always exists: The two remaining swords on the ground are an important warning. If this were discovered, the consequences would be dire. Even if he succeeds, he cannot completely eliminate the threat.
Confidence in the midst of hardship: Despite the harsh circumstances, the expression on his face still displays determination and hope. He did not give up, still trying to find a way to survive.
Light Background: The clear yellow background of the card represents positivity and creativity. This is a reminder that even in cramped circumstances, we can still find hope.
According to Arthur Edward Waite, Swords 7 represents: - Positive side: Plans, challenges, wishes, hopes - Challenging side: Arguments, plans that might fail, things that cause anxiety
Important note: "May fail" is not "has failed". With hope and effort, success is still possible.
Swords 7 often appears when you: - Must work alone without support - Need to use strategy instead of direct force - Face situations that require ingenuity and detailed planning - Encountering fraud or having to use unofficial methods
Question to ponder: Is your current approach appropriate? What weaknesses does your plan have? Are you operating in isolation when you actually need support?
When the card is turned upside down, Waite suggests: - Honest advice, consultation, guidance - Lies or cunning plans are discovered - You're no longer alone — there are people around to give you advice In practice, begin with the position's job, then let the card image sharpen the answer. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
Self-limitation, sad news, oppression, confusion
A blindfolded and handcuffed woman stands among eight swords. At her feet is deep mud (symbolizing humiliation), and in distant places, a castle towers on a cliff (symbolizing the power that has forced her).
Swords 8 is about limitations, but not what you think. This is a card about self-limitation, and this is its most important lesson.
Card 8 and "reassessment": In the tarot deck, the number 8 is often associated with reassessment and progress: - Cup 8: Reevaluate and make progress - Money 8: Gradual progress - Club 8: Rapid progress - Swords 8: Difficulty in reassessment and progress
Important details:
Blindfold: She cannot see her surroundings. Because of her ignorance, she was scared, confused, and did not dare to walk. Not everything she imagined was realistic.
Tied: Her hands are tied, but her legs remain free. She wasn't completely stuck. There are no guards around. She can walk away at any time.
Swords: They seem to kill, but they also don't form a sealed cage. There are many ways to get out.
Mud underfoot: Represents humiliation, but it does not fix her. She can walk through.
Swords 8 says that our biggest limitation often comes from ourselves. This woman is not locked in by outside forces — she is locked in by her own fear and ignorance.
Similar in life: - You may feel oppressed, but most of this pressure comes from self-doubt - You think you can't do something, but you haven't really tried - You fear the unknown, so you stop before you even start
Swords 8's message: Please take off your blindfold. Let's see what reality is. The reality may not be quite as scary as you imagine. And once you see it, you might realize that freedom is close at hand.
According to Waite, Swords 8 represents: - Positive side: Awakening, hope begins to return - Negative side: Sad news, illness, even legal trouble
Swords 8 appears when: - You feel constrained or oppressed - You are uncertain about the future and feel confused - You are limiting yourself without realizing it - You need to be reminded that you have more power than you think
Question to ponder: Of what oppression you feel, how much of it comes from outside and how much of it comes from within yourself? If you take away fear, what are you left with? What would change if you really looked at the situation clearly?
When the card is turned upside down: - Women begin to be aware of their own ignorance - This is the starting point of awakening - She will walk, she will free herself - Real progress — the change from immobility to action
Reversals can also indicate bad news is about to pass or situations are about to improve.
Swords 7 and 8 are two cards about challenge and self-awareness. The first is about navigating difficult circumstances with strategy. The second is about promptly recognizing that we are often the agents of our own limitations. Both carry a message of hope: you can overcome it — if you're willing to take action.
Reference source: zhihu.com — Tarot Guide: Swords 7 and 8
Reading note: Check these meanings against the cards beside them before settling on one keyword. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
Source: Zhihu
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