8 of Swords

VIII of Swords
1st Decan of Gemini (Mercury); May 21st-30th
Ruled by: Mercury in Gemini
Constellation: Lepus
Element: Air, Mercury in Yetzirah (Formative - Vav)
Sphere: Hod (Mercury)

Keywords: Confusion, Interference, Mediocrity.

Description: Time wasted being overly preoccupied with the minor details and/or being overly analytical. Unpleasant news. Feeling self-conscious, a lack of confidence, and unable to make a move as a result. Alternatively, unproductive busyness -- doing too much with little to show for it. Gossip, arguments, pettiness, slander, talking oneself in circles, putting foot-in-mouth. Thoughts and beliefs that limit or interfere with advancement. Negative self-talk. Troubled communication with others. Psychological abuse, isolation, and/or imprisonment -- which may or may not be self-imposed. Control and criticism. Health issues. Embarrassment, frustration, repression, blame, and/or feeling disempowered. Turning a blind eye to what's right in front of you.

The 8 of Swords indicates that there is some sort of opposition (duality - Gemini) between present (and restricting) belief structures versus new ideas which are trying to land and liberate. Cognitive dissonance is heavily implied. With the 8 of Swords, this conflict is often an internal one, although it can be a result of not reinforcing one's personal boundaries with others. This may mean caring too much about what others think (people pleasing), and, consequently, trapping oneself in a mental prison to avoid confrontation or disappointing others.

The puddles of water at her feet represent emotional seepage. She is both bound and blind. Blind to the mental constructs that imprison her, but also blind to those that would set her free. There is the threat of drowning in emotion should she remain tied up for too long. This could also, however, represent sacrificing logic for the irrational -- for feeling, imagination, and creativity. Eventually, these unconscious impulses or desires will overthrow and release the waking, rational mind from its enslavement. But, at what cost?