8 is a number of setting priorities and goals, systems, regeneration and structure, practicality, balance and symmetry.  On its side 8 resembles the lemniscate - a symbol of infinity.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 8 of Pentacles is the sign of the craftsman, someone whose talents and skills are acknowledged and admired by all. 

I love the image on the Wheel of Change 8 of Disks.  It shows a gnarly, weathered bare tree set against the midnight black sky.  Stretched between the branches are eight delicate spiders' webs.  Nestled in the center of each web is a spider.  Each spider bears an image of one of the eight phases of the moon.  On the ground beneath the tree we see rocks and brown leaves.  Stretched out on a loom is a lovely red fabric decorated with colorful flowers.

According to Alexandra Genetti "The spider's web is symbolic of the manifest world.  The web, in the pattern of the radiating sun, symbolizes the wheel of life and all its various manifestations.  It also represents strong connections.  The spider is also connected to the Fates and the life they weave out for us.  This is a card of recognition.  It guides you to a vision of your life as a tracery of patterns.  Follow the threads as they take you to work, shopping, all over town, and back home.  This is the physical pattern of your life.  This is the web of your life.  What do you catch in your web?  This is also a card of individuality."

On the Motherpeace 8 of Discs shows a group of women working together to weave beautiful fabric and create decorate bowls.  The designs are unique and full of energy.  Although each woman is focused on her own project, there is a sense that they would help each other if the need arose.

According to Karen Vogel, the 8 of Discs reversed indicates "She's uninspired about her life, particularly her work.  There seems to be no meaning or camaraderie in what she does.  She may be under-utilized or bored or she may desire a change of career."
 
This card speaks to me of cycles and weaving our own realities and being aware that we have the ability to create something beautiful.  Just as the spiders weave their webs in the branches of an old, weathered tree and create a strange beauty and the weaver has created a lovely design on the loom below, we also have the ability to weave magic and beauty into our lives.  But first we need to accept that we are the weavers.  No one else is creating this life for us.  Even if we believe that much of our life is mapped out for us, how we face its challenges and opportunities is up to us.  The same situation is transformed when we face it with a positive attitude.  The spiders labor constantly to create and maintain their web, they are focused on their goal.  We also have the ability to create a beautiful and fulfilling life if we keep focused on our goals and are willing to put in the effort.  Sometimes in society we are so caught up in blaming someone else for our problems that we give our power away.  This card serves as a reminder to reclaim the power and start weaving the life we want instead of letting other hands do it for us.

Of course the fact that it's reversed is reminding me that I've abandoned my loom.  I haven't really been working at anything lately except family issues.  To some degree this has lead to a complete disconnect from others and the world around me.  It is becoming so easy to just sort of float through the days.  This card may be reminding me that focusing inward is all well and good but I have to be careful not to get lost there.  Then again I'm sure once school starts up again I'll become a bit more outward focused and get back into gear.