We are nearing the end of the numbered cards now, so it’s kind of crunch time for your project or whatever situation you’re reading for. Some of these cards are pretty intense, and I especially like the imagery from the deck above, The Sasuraibito Tarot.
Card eight of the Major Arcana was Strength, and I think it’s good to revisit it if you pull any of the Eights of the Minor Arcana. It’s a time to be sure of your convictions, to make tough decisions, and to pursue what you truly want. Real strength takes compassion, and when reading some of these cards you must show yourself compassion, as well as others.
Eight of Wands: if you’re Autistic like me, you might enjoy this card. Do you ever get frustrated when people talk in circles, don’t tell you how it is, and you have to try to read between the lines? This card is saying ‘get to the point!’ and it’s so refreshing. This card represents swift motion, being dynamic, and cutting through the crap.
If you pull this card, consider how you communicate your ideas and passions to others. Do you ever hold back, worried about what someone might think, in case your idea isn’t good enough? This card is telling you to be confident, and just communicate clearly and honestly. It might be time to publicise your project, or take the next big step. If you are unsure of yourself, you might stumble, so don’t overthink it.
Eight of Cups: This card represents walking away from something. In the Sasuraibito card above, someone is cutting their hair. That’s something a lot of people do after a break up, so think about that kind of energy if you pull this card. One of the hardest things is leaving a situation that is stable but isn’t doing anything for you. This is an emotional card, but it can also represent leaving a job, moving home, or any other decision that is like pulling off a plaster.
This is a very free and healing card. You’re ending something because there is something better coming in the future. What might be waiting for you?
Eight of Swords: I recommend taking a look at the Rider-Waite-Smith version of this card, as it is slightly less abstract than the image above. This card represents feeling helpless and trapped by your thoughts. Maybe you’re in an unfamiliar situation and you’re having doubts. You might be placing demands on yourself that you just can’t fulfill. If you pull this card, ask yourself what you are insecure about. What are you trying not to see, what you are ashamed of even.
If this person could just get free of their bonds, they could walk away from the situation. This card represents what it can be like when you just can’t face the Eight of Cups. You’re not ready yet to leave something that isn’t working for you. Don’t be hard on yourself, take a deep breath and figure out what you can do.
Eight of Pentacles: I like that this depiction shows a monk studying hard, because it succinctly represents self-discipline. When you are concentrating on one task fully, you enter a state of flow, which can be very rewarding. There is no such thing as being naturally good at something. If you want to be talented at a particular skill, you have to work for it. Sometimes you’ll make mistakes, sometimes you’ll feel like you’re making no progress. That’s okay. If something is worth doing, you can get there.
if you pull this card, remember that when you get frustrated and want to quit something, that’s a completely normal feeling and you shouldn’t feel bad. Take time to relax, take some deep breaths and try again. I get it- I have learning difficulties, and some tasks that seem easy to others are harder for me. But I try not to compare myself to others, and keep persevering. Otherwise I’ll definitely never succeed at my goals. You can do it.
Iona Grant 