Minor Arcana - the Eights

Eight of Pentacles
Eight of Cups
Eight of Wands
Eight of Swords

KEYWORDS - Eight of Pentacles

Dedication. Following your Skills and Talents. Master of your Craft. Hard Work will Pay Off. Pride in what you do. Passing on your Knowledge to Others. Perfectionism.

Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles signifies contentment with one's circumstances. It represents taking pride in one's accomplishments, regardless of whether or not they are financially rewarded for their work or craft. There is a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in knowing that you have earned the right to feel proud of what you have achieved and the effort you have put into it. This card also symbolizes hard work, reminding you not to become complacent or idle in enjoying the rewards of your labor. Your determination, dedication, skills, and expertise are currently yielding results or will do so in the near future if you continue to invest your efforts. It may also indicate a time to share your knowledge and abilities with others, whether it be mentoring the next generation or inspiring those who aspire to be like you. Success in life comes from exerting considerable effort, honing your talents, and maintaining a strong work ethic. The artisan aspect of this card highlights the importance of pursuing your natural abilities while also committing to hard work and dedication.

Eight of Pentacles Reversed

Reversed or with challenging cards around the Eight of Pentacles could indicate that you are working too hard, with workaholic tendencies. Putting your time and energy into wrong areas or that you lack the confidence to invest in your natural skills, talents or being too insular, failing to pass on your knowledge to those following in your footsteps. Fear of being overtaken.

KEYWORDS - Eight of Cups

Disappointment, Withdrawal. Retreat. A Sense of Surrender or Acceptance. Walking Away. Moving on. Abandoning a Situation. If you Let it Go and it Was Meant to Be, It will be Returned to You.

Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups symbolizes the act of walking away or giving up on something for various reasons. It suggests observing events unfold without interfering to manipulate outcomes, potentially leading to reduced stress by relieving the pressure to make a decision. This surrender could be a personal choice or prompted by circumstances that indicate reaching the limit of possibilities. Alternatively, it may signify leaving behind something that is already finished or finding the motivation for one last attempt at completion. Exhausting all options or gathering resources for a final, bold effort to achieve something are also possible interpretations. Consequently, this card now signifies completion. It's time to give up, the Eight of Cups is telling you it’s time to walk away. So, let's pick up our paws and head in a new direction. This has run its course. Something better lies ahead.

Eight of Cups Reversed

Reversed or with challenging cards around the Eight of Cups, this could indicate that you have lost the will to go on with something or that you are giving up. This can let to feeling depressed or sad, as you face the reality of needing to let something go. You might feel like running away from a situation, a problem or a relationship.

KEYWORDS - Eight of Wands

Everything is lined up and is Falling into Place. Smooth Sailing. What you need is at Hand. Movement after Stagnation. Rapid. Fast. Quick Changes. Messages. Communication.

Eight of Wands

After overcoming a roadblock or a period of stagnation, the Eight of Wands symbolizes progress and movement. Despite your readiness to take action, you have been unable to do so until now. However, with the green light ahead, it is time to drive this new idea forward. The changes that will occur can be swift and unexpected. Looking back, the delays have actually been beneficial as they have allowed you ample time for preparation and ensuring that your plans are ready to be executed as soon as the conditions are favorable. And at present, the winds are indeed in your favor. Your creativity will begin to flow once again, igniting your competitive spirit and clearing the path ahead. You will feel reinvigorated and inspired to make things happen. In the distant background lies a small house, serving as a reminder of how far you have come on this journey. Although you are nearing the end of your voyage, there is still work left to be done and you are fully prepared to embrace it. It is an empowering feeling to regain motivation and witness progress once more. Additionally, communication and messages hold significant importance during this time.

Eight of Wands REVERSED

Reversed or with challenging cards around the Eight of Wands, might indicate that things are still stalled or that you haven’t done your homework or spent time in preparation so you are not as prepared as you should be. It might be that you have become too fond of your routine or have become unmotivated.

KEYWORDS - Eight of Swords

Victim. Head in the Sand. Easier to Stick on the Blindfold. Fear. Overwhelmed. Hopeless, Helpless. Embarrassed. Avoidance or Deceiving Yourself. Self-Imposed Restrictions or Imprisonment.

Eight of Swords

When the weight of dealing with a situation, or handling anything mentally demanding becomes overwhelming, it is often easier to ignore it. The Eight of Swords symbolizes the inclination to cover our eyes or avoid facing an unpleasant choice. The card shows a fully restrained cat, symbolizing the confinement of its thoughts. These restraints serve as a physical representation of its imprisoned mind. Despite being seemingly trapped, the bindings are easily breakable, signifying that these limitations can be effortlessly surpassed with the proper mindset. This card frequently indicates worry, brought on by the fear of making a wrong decision, upsetting someone's feelings, or taking responsibility for our actions. It also highlights the victim mentality that can exacerbate the problem. The individual feels burdened, hopeless, and powerless, often facing limitations beyond their control. However, this is only a temporary state and not a permanent circumstance. Sometimes our anxiety about making a choice is worse than the actual outcome of the situation itself. Consequently, in an attempt to evade something that will eventually need addressing, we find ourselves paralyzed instead of making an intentional decision.

Eight of Swords Reversed

Reversed or with challenging cards around the Eight of Swords can turn this into a positive or a least a liberating card. Instead of being paralysed by indecision or shutting down in order to avoid something, you find the courage to break free, realising that the only thing holding you prisoner is your own mind. This can inspire the resolve to take action and ‘damn the consequences’.