The number 8 represents balance, systems, regeneration and structure. Swords represent reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air. This card can often suggests that the querent is trapped by her own fears but has the ability to free herself.

In the Tarot Mitologico the suit of swords is connected with the story of Oedipus. This card shows Jocasta's suicide after discovering the truth about Oedipus. Oedipus finds her body and blinds himself by stabbing his eyes with her broohces. Although this is one specific pieces of the story, to some degree the entire Oedipus story could be associated with this card. It is a tale of feeling trapped by fate no matter what you do. There seems to be no clear path through the perils that threaten you. It was foretold at Oedipus' birth that he would kill his father and marry his mother. His father sent him to be killed but (as in the Snow White story), that didn't happen. As a result Oedipus is raised with no clue as to his true identity. He returns to Thebes and events are set in motion that result in the prophecy being fulfilled.

I can truly sympathize with this story and with this concept. In fact I think most of us can. How many times in our lives have we experienced a sense of fatalism, of inevitability? We feel that no matter what choice we make, we still arrive at the same destination. It can be disheartening. However I also think it misses a huge piece of this story.

Oedipus fulfills the prophecy because he is ignorant. He grows up with no knowledge of his true parentage and ancestry. Had he been raised by his biological parents it is very unlikely he would have married his mother (he might have killed his father but one would assume it would be for different reasons). I think they key to changing the pattern and destiny we sometimes feel has already been ordained for us is knowledge and honestly. If we are willing to face the truth about our lives - warts and all, then I think we are better able to change the direction we take.

I am reminded of shows like Supernanny in which parents cry out in frustration seeking help. Very often these parents do no accept or understand how their own behaviors have set the pattern for the challenges they are now experiencing with their children. They blindly stumble along making the same mistakes and not learning from them or feeling overwhelmed and frustrated but not able to clearly see the true issue.

In the Star Trek universe there are many different cultures and races of people. In one book that deals with the Romulans and their ethos there is a concept that if the foundation is no good, neither will anything that follows be good. This is true in so many respects. If we begin a relationship based on deceit (pretending to be someone we are not or pretending to hold thoughts and beliefs that are not truly our own), then it is always going to be unstable. We are always afraid that we will be found out and revealed for a fraud. I think there are many areas in our lives when we feel this way - as though we are imposters always in danger of exposure.

Maybe that is the key to the 8 of Swords - the trap which holds us is our own internal fears and worries. As FDR said - the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. If we truly open our eyes and examine the reality, we will realize that we are not trapped. Indeed we can free ourselves at any time. What is often frightening is what that freedom will cost. If we must face the truth in order to be set free then how will these truths change our lives?

How many times have we seem people in a relationship (either a business one, a familial one or a personal one), tolerating certain situations because they are afraid to let go. Then something changes; something that forces them to reassess the situation and face the reality. And once that light has been turned on, they cannot maintain the status quo anymore. A friend once shared that he mother had ceased going to therapy because if she continued to go she would need to leave her husband. This woman knew that is all the truths were laid bare she would no longer be able to maintain the illusion that held her life together. I think to many people that is scarier than the inner demons with which we torture ourselves. Even in the Oedipus story, when the truth is revealed Oedipus is compelled to blind