The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- 8 of Swords & The Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms- 8 of Swords.

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The Rider-Waite-Smith- 8 of Swords and The Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms-8 of Swords, implies a certain amount of fear of change, of moving out of a binding or restricting situation. This is emphasized by the bound person on the Rider-Waite-Smith and the person enclosed in a tree trunk on the Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms- 8 of Swords card.

The RWS Tarot character is in a prison of Swords, while the Sacred Swords person is bound in a tree trunk, which represent thoughts causing a narrowness and/or restriction of mind along with shortened will power. Many of us know this as being narrow-minded or short sighted. The positive side of this is that change, no matter how resisted, will soon come. The Good Fortune of Jupiter will show up.

The Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms-8 of Swords well depicts the anxiety produced by feeling trapped, restricted, and isolated. Represented here is a feeling of helplessness shown as be trapped in a tree trunk.

What is again implied, is stop wasting time and proceed with change; your scattered efforts will not stop it, only interfere with your wholesome transition.

The 8 of Swords card shows a person believing she is trapped in a situation. This is a false assumption for she can easily shake lose the bindings or step out of the tree. Here the false personality of indoctrination and reaction to the environment has convinced her ego that she is this falsehood. We are the Creators of our motion (emotions) and not created by them.

Hence, astrological signs assigned to this card help us see even deeper into this internal conflict. The benevolent Jupiter aspect of this card (our Emperor within) is trying to get the Gemini twins of personality and ego to stop arguing and get on with the impeccability that only cooperation can supply.

The concepts of personality and ego are often confused or conflated, but they represent distinct aspects of the self, particularly in psychological and spiritual frameworks.

Personality:

Personality is the sum of an individual’s characteristics, including behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. It represents how one interacts with the world and others, shaped by experiences, environment, upbringing, and inherent traits. It is often seen as a multi-dimensional structure, encompassing factors like temperament, social skills, emotional tendencies, and preferences.

Key points:

• Expression of the Self: Personality is how you present yourself to others—how you behave in different situations and how others perceive you.
• Flexible and Changing: While core traits may remain stable over time, aspects of personality can evolve based on life experiences, personal growth, and changes in environment.
• Influenced by the External World: Personality is largely shaped by the external environment, societal norms, and interactions with others.

Ego:

In psychology, particularly in Freudian terms, the ego is one part of the psyche, distinct from the id (instinctual desires) and the superego (moral conscience). The ego mediates between these forces and helps an individual navigate reality. More broadly, the ego refers to the sense of "I" or self-identity—how one perceives oneself as separate from others.

Key points:

• Self-Identification: The ego defines how you view yourself in relation to the world, often centered around self-preservation and a need for validation.
• Mediator: In Freudian terms, the ego is a mediator between the id (instinctual desires) and the superego (moral conscience), helping balance desires with societal expectations (Egregore).
• Defensive and Protective: The ego often tries to protect the individual’s sense of self-worth and identity, sometimes through defense mechanisms like denial, projection, or rationalization.

Comparison

• Origin: Personality is a reflection of various traits and behaviors developed through interactions with the external world, while the ego stems from an internal sense of self and identity.
• Scope: Personality is broader and covers the entirety of an individual’s traits and behaviors, while the ego is a part of the personality, focusing more on self-identity and defense mechanisms.
• Flexibility: Personality can evolve and change over time, whereas the ego often resists change, as it is focused on maintaining a stable self-image.
• Spiritual Perspectives: In spiritual traditions like Buddhism or certain mystical paths, the ego is often seen as an obstacle to enlightenment, representing a false sense of separateness from the divine or from others. The dissolution or transcendence of the ego is considered essential for attaining higher consciousness. Personality, in this context, may be seen as a useful vehicle for interaction but less of an obstacle.

Conclusion

Personality encompasses the full range of behaviors, attitudes, and traits an individual exhibits, while the ego is specifically the sense of self-identity that mediates internal desires with external realities. The ego is more defensive and rigid, whereas personality is more flexible and shaped by interactions with the external world.

As stated, in astrology this card is assigned Jupiter in the house of Gemini is believed to influence various aspects of an individual's life. Here are some typical characteristics associated with Jupiter in Gemini:

1. Expansive Communication: Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth, in Gemini tends to emphasize communication and intellectual pursuits. Individuals may have a natural gift for expressing themselves verbally and might enjoy engaging in discussions, debates, or learning through communication.

2. Curiosity and Learning: Gemini is associated with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. With Jupiter in this house, there's a likelihood of a broad range of interests and a constant desire to explore and learn new things. These individuals may excel in education and might be drawn to diverse fields of study.

3. Adaptability: Gemini is known for its adaptability, and when combined with Jupiter's expansive energy, individuals with this placement may find it easy to adapt to different environments, ideas, and perspectives. They may enjoy the variety and change that life has to offer.

4. Optimism and Positivity: Jupiter is considered a planet of optimism, and in Gemini, this optimism is often channeled through intellectual pursuits. These individuals may have a positive outlook on life and a belief in the power of ideas and communication to bring about positive change.

5. Networking Skills: Gemini is a social sign, and Jupiter's influence can enhance social and networking skills. Individuals with Jupiter in Gemini may enjoy connecting with a wide range of people, forming diverse social circles, and benefiting from these connections in various aspects of their lives.

6. Potential for Scattered Energy: While the expansive energy of Jupiter is positive, in Gemini, it may lead to scattered energy at times. There could be a tendency to be interested in many things simultaneously, making it important for individuals to focus on prioritizing their pursuits.

It's important to note that the overall interpretation of Jupiter in Gemini can vary based on the entire birth chart, including the specific house placement, aspects, and other astrological factors. Individual experiences with this placement may differ.

Yet we aren't done here with the explanation of this 8 of Swords card and to further clarify this complex inner argument that often stalls any forward action is the number 8.

The number 8 holds significant meaning in both numerology and gematria, each offering a distinct perspective on its energy and symbolism. Let's explore both systems in depth.

Numerology of 8

In numerology, the number 8 is often associated with themes of power, ambition, material success, and balance. It is seen as a number of karma, authority, and financial prosperity.

Key Attributes:

1. Power and Authority: The number 8 is often linked to leadership and the ability to manage and control, particularly in worldly affairs. People or situations associated with the number 8 tend to focus on material success, career advancement, and achieving status.

2. Ambition and Materialism: In numerology, 8 embodies the drive for achievement, often through hard work, discipline, and focus on financial gains. It is a number that manifests through practicality, logic, and an unrelenting desire for accomplishment.

3. Balance and Harmony: The number 8 is visually symmetrical and represents balance between the material and spiritual realms. It symbolizes the importance of finding harmony between both worlds, suggesting that success comes when spiritual awareness is maintained while engaging with material pursuits.

4. Karma: 8 is also considered the "karmic number," meaning it reflects the law of cause and effect. In this sense, what you put out into the world, through actions or intentions, will return to you. This karmic balance reinforces the idea of responsibility and accountability in one’s actions.

5. Infinity: The shape of 8 (∞ when horizontal) is often associated with infinity, denoting a cycle of endless flow, continuity, and cosmic balance. It highlights the eternal nature of cycles, whether in life, finances, or the spiritual journey.

Challenges:

The energy of 8 can become too focused on the material world, leading to greed, rigidity, or an overwhelming attachment to power. The challenge is to maintain balance and avoid the potential pitfalls of materialism and control.

Gematria of 8

In Hebrew Gematria and Western Hermetic Qabalah the number 8 corresponds to the letter ח (Chet), which has deep spiritual significance. Let's explore both its basic and mystical characteristics.

Chet (ח):

1. Life (Chai): One of the most well-known associations of 8 in Gematria is with the Hebrew word Chai (חי), which means "life." This gives the number 8 a strong connotation with vitality, health, and the divine spark of life itself.

2. Transcendence and New Beginnings: In Jewish mysticism, the number 7 is often associated with completion (e.g., the 7 days of creation, 7 days of the week), and 8 symbolizes what goes beyond completion—transcendence. It represents a realm above the physical world, one that transcends normal limitations and moves into the metaphysical or divine sphere. For example, the Brit Milah (Jewish circumcision) occurs on the 8th day, symbolizing a covenant with God and the transcendence of physical existence.

3. Spiritual Regeneration: The number 8 in Gematria is a symbol of new beginnings and regeneration. It suggests a rebirth, renewal, or an ascension beyond the limits of the physical or temporal world. This is linked to the spiritual transformation and growth that occurs when one transcends lower forms of consciousness.

Additional Associations in Kabbalistic/Qabalistic Thought:

• Hod (Glory/Splendor): In the Tree of Life, the eighth Sephirah is Hod, representing glory, humility, and the ability to yield. This echoes the idea of balancing personal ambition (often linked with the material world in numerology) with humility and submission to a higher will.

• Connection to the Messianic Era: In certain Kabbalistic traditions, 8 is linked to the concept of Mashiach (Messiah) and the Messianic age, which is believed to transcend the cycles of the current world (represented by 7). The Messianic age is seen as a time of peace, eternal life, and divine presence.

Comparison of Numerology and Gematria Perspectives

• Material vs. Spiritual: In numerology, 8 is strongly tied to material success, power, and ambition. In gematria, however, it takes on a more spiritual dimension, symbolizing life, transcendence, and divine covenants.

• Balance: Both systems emphasize balance—whether it’s between material and spiritual worlds (numerology) or between lower and higher realities (gematria). In either case, 8 serves as a bridge between two realms, suggesting mastery of both.

• Karma and Life: In numerology, 8 is karmic, representing cause and effect. In gematria, the connection to life (Chai) gives it a life-affirming quality, where life itself is a cycle, renewed through divine energy and spiritual evolution.

Conclusion

The number 8 is powerful in both numerology and gematria, symbolizing balance, ambition, life, and transcendence. Numerologically, it represents the mastery of the material world and the karmic consequences of our actions. In gematria, it is deeply spiritual, pointing to life, divine covenants, and moving beyond the limitations of the physical plane. Both systems converge on the importance of finding equilibrium between the earthly and the divine.

The perspicastic reader may have noticed the 2 different spellings of Kabbalah/Qabalah.The differences in spelling between Western Hermetic Qabalah and Hebrew Kabbalah arise from a variety of historical, linguistic, and philosophical factors. These include transliteration methods, cultural interpretations, and the distinct purposes of each system.

Key Factors Behind the Differences

1. Transliteration Variations

One of the main reasons for the different spellings between "Kabbalah" and "Qabalah" is the transliteration of Hebrew words into Latin characters. Since Hebrew uses a different alphabet, there are multiple ways to represent its sounds using the Latin script.

• Kabbalah: This is the most common transliteration used in the context of Jewish mysticism. It adheres closely to the Hebrew spelling קבלה (Kaf, Bet, Lamed, Heh). The "K" represents the Hebrew letter Kaf (כ), and the use of double "b" reflects the Hebrew letter Bet (ב), which can be transliterated as either "b" or "v" depending on the context.

• Qabalah: In Western Hermeticism, "Qabalah" often uses the "Q" to represent the Hebrew letter Kaf. The "Q" gives it a more mystical or esoteric feel, often favored by practitioners of the Western Mystery Tradition. The spelling with a "Q" is an attempt to distinguish this version from the traditional Jewish Kabbalah, indicating that the Western approach incorporates additional elements from astrology, alchemy, and ceremonial magic that may not be part of the Jewish system.

2. Cultural and Historical Influences

The Western Hermetic Tradition absorbed many elements from Jewish Kabbalah during the Renaissance, when Christian scholars became fascinated with Hebrew mysticism, viewing it as a key to unlocking ancient wisdom. This led to the adaptation of Kabbalistic concepts into Hermetic systems.

• Jewish Kabbalah: Kabbalah developed within the framework of Judaism, focusing on the mystical interpretation of the Torah and the relationship between God, the universe, and humanity. Its primary texts, such as the Zohar and the Sefer Yetzirah, explore the nature of the divine, the soul, and creation.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: This version diverged in purpose and focus, integrating Kabbalistic concepts with elements from Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Christian mysticism. Hermetic Qabalah is more eclectic, incorporating alchemical symbolism, astrology, Tarot, and ceremonial magic. The spelling "Qabalah" often reflects this syncretism, setting it apart from the purely Jewish mystical tradition.

3. Philosophical Differences

The different spellings also highlight the philosophical distinctions between these two systems.

• Jewish Kabbalah: The focus in Jewish Kabbalah is deeply rooted in theological and spiritual pursuits, aimed at understanding the nature of God (Ein Sof) and repairing the cosmic order (Tikkun). It follows a religious framework, often requiring a deep commitment to Jewish law and tradition. The knowledge of the Sefirot/Sephiroth or the ten emanations through which God interacts with the world, is at the heart of Jewish Kabbalah, with an emphasis on personal and communal transformation.

• Western Hermetic Qabalah: This tradition is more concerned with esoteric and magical practices aimed at personal empowerment, self-realization, and spiritual ascension. While it incorporates many of the same concepts (like the Sefirot), it often uses these as tools in rituals, meditations, and magical workings rather than strictly for theological contemplation. The Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, and other Western occult systems have built their frameworks around this interpretation of Qabalah, often emphasizing personal enlightenment and mastery over the material world.

4. Linguistic Influence of English

The evolution of the English language itself plays a role in the different spellings.

• Kabbalah: Sticking with this traditional spelling often aligns with scholars and religious practitioners focused on the Judaic roots and Hebrew origins of the mystical system. It's also the most commonly recognized spelling in academic and religious discussions about Jewish mysticism.

• Qabalah: The "Q" is frequently employed in Western esoteric literature to signal that the system is not limited to the Jewish mystical tradition but has evolved into something broader. Writers like Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, and other Western occultists have consistently used this spelling to delineate their work from traditional Jewish Kabbalah.

5. Distinction for Different Audiences

Another practical reason for these different spellings is to help identify the audience and purpose.

• Kabbalah: Those who spell it this way are often targeting Jewish audiences or scholars interested in the religious and theological aspects of the tradition. For example, scholars and mystics exploring the Zohar or the teachings of Isaac Luria would use this spelling.

• Qabalah: In contrast, "Qabalah" indicates a system adapted for magicians, occultists, and mystics in the Western Mystery Tradition. This distinction helps differentiate between the Jewish mystical tradition and the more eclectic Western approach that blends various esoteric disciplines.

Conclusion

The different spellings of "Kabbalah" and "Qabalah" reflect the divergent paths the two systems have taken. Jewish Kabbalah emphasizes religious, theological, and spiritual growth within the framework of Judaism, using traditional Hebrew spelling and pronunciation. Western Hermetic Qabalah, on the other hand, incorporates a wide array of mystical and occult practices, often opting for a different spelling to signal this blend of disciplines. These variations in spelling help to clarify the intent, audience, and philosophical grounding of each tradition.

All this information is merely educating one to read in depth, the "road map" of a Tarot layout. Once you know how to read the terrain of this map, you can understand the destination it leads to. Above all things, Know thyself!

When 8 of Swords is thrown during a reading, the querent is experiencing:

• Confusion, and a feeling of being trapped, isolated by oppressive ideas.
•  Feeling trapped or ashamed, which are the beginnings of recognizing the need for change and moving on ward with your life.
• The mental dissolution or loss of faith in situations or ideas is a sure sign of progress beyond the old, just take a step in another direction.
• The mind is saying," your perspectives no longer serve your life motion, so new ideas will soon be presented."

If reversed, it implies:

• Confusion.
• Mental blocks.

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