The Eight of Swords is a card of restrictions and limitations. The phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place” can apply here. Whatever decision you make is not an easy one. There are issues and problems either way and this can often make it hard to decide what the right thing to do is. The restrictions in this card can be self imposed, or simply a life situation that is difficult to maneuver freely. When in the reversed position, the Eight of Swords puts its energy towards a fresh start and freedom from things that have previously held us back. New beginnings and freedom.