Eight Of Swords - Tarot Active Imagination

The Eight of Swords represents a mental state of feeling trapped and restricted,

Often due to self-imposed limitations,

Fear and negative thinking.

In this exercise,

We will use active imagination to help you break free from this pattern and gain insights into your inner world.

By confronting and transforming these limiting thoughts,

You can cultivate greater self-awareness,

Strength and clarity of mind.

To find a quiet and comfortable place where you won't be disturbed,

Take a few deep breaths.

Just allow your mind and body to relax naturally.

Just keeping your attention on the breath for the time being.

If at any point you do get distracted,

Just bring your attention back to the exercise.

Now imagine yourself standing in a barren landscape,

Blindfolded and bound by ropes.

Surrounding you are eight swords,

Buried into the earth with their blades pointing downwards.

The swords represent a pattern of thought that is holding you back,

Whilst the ropes symbolise the obstacles created by that pattern.

Ask yourself a series of questions to uncover the limiting beliefs that have led you to this situation.

And as you ask these questions,

Rather than trying to think up an answer,

Simply ask the question and just see what arises from your unconscious mind.

Why am I in this situation?

What limiting belief has led me here?

What expectations and assumptions have I been operating on?

What other situations in my life does this remind me of?

How is this now showing up as an obstacle in my life?

Notice how any answers to these questions may be linked to painful feelings and whether there is any sense of envy,

Arrogance or pride,

Or a sense of your contributions going unrecognised.

As you identify each thought pattern and make it conscious,

Visualise yourself confidently and powerfully breaking free from the ropes.

And as you do so,

Feel a sense of liberation and empowerment.

As you break free from the ropes and take off the blindfold,

You find yourself standing in an open and expansive landscape,

Symbolising the liberation that comes from breaking free of the mental patterns that once held you back.

Take a moment to absorb this newfound freedom and strength and reflect on how you can apply the insights gained to your daily life.

Just bring your attention back to the room now,

Noticing any sounds or sensations,

Taking a deep breath and opening your eyes in your own time.