How to Overcome Mental Blocks and Find Your Power
“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” — Joel Brown
Welcome back to the blog! Today, we are diving deep into a card that often looks a bit scary at first glance, but actually holds a very empowering secret. We are talking about the 8 of Swords, which in the Thoth-style deck shown in the image, is titled “Interference.”
If you have ever felt like you were stuck in a “mental fog” or felt like you couldn’t make a decision no matter how hard you tried, this card is talking directly to you. Let’s break down what this card means and how you can use its lesson to improve your life today.
What is the 8 of Swords?
In many tarot decks, the 8 of Swords shows a person who is tied up and surrounded by blades. In the card pictured here, we see eight different swords pointing in various directions, clashing against a chaotic red and purple background.
The word “Interference” is the perfect way to describe it. It represents a time when your thoughts are working against you. It’s that feeling when you have so many ideas, fears, or opinions from other people swirling around in your head that you feel paralyzed. You aren’t actually trapped by a physical wall; you are trapped by “analysis paralysis.”
The Lesson: The Cage is Unlocked
The most important thing to learn about the 8 of Swords is that the “prison” is usually one we built ourselves. Think about it: in the traditional art, the person’s legs aren’t usually tied, and the swords aren’t actually touching them. They could walk away if they just took off the blindfold.
In your life, “Interference” happens when you tell yourself things like:
- “I’m not good enough to try that.”
- “What if everyone laughs at me?”
- “I have to wait for the perfect moment before I start.”
These thoughts are the swords. They block your path, but they only have power if you believe they are solid walls. The lesson of this card is that you have the key to your own freedom.
How to Apply This to Your Life
So, how do you move past this “Interference”? Here are three simple steps to take when you feel this card’s energy in your day-to-day life:
- Identify the “Noise”: Write down everything that is worrying you. Sometimes, seeing your fears on paper makes them look smaller. You’ll realize that most of the “interference” is just noise, not a real problem.
- Quiet the Outside Voices: Often, we feel stuck because we are listening to what our parents, friends, or social media says we “should” do. The 8 of Swords asks you to stop listening to the crowd and start listening to your own intuition.
- Take One Small Step: When you are overwhelmed by eight different swords (problems), don’t try to move them all at once. Just pick one small thing you can control and do it. Movement breaks the spell of being stuck.
Finding Peace in the Chaos
The background of this card is bright and intense. It shows that there is a lot of energy present! This isn’t a “dead” card; it’s a high-energy card. If you can take all that mental energy you’re using to worry and turn it into action, you will be amazed at how fast things change.
Remember, the 8 of Swords is a reminder that you are much stronger than your current mood. Don’t let your thoughts interfere with your greatness. You aren’t stuck; you’re just thinking too much. Take a deep breath, realize the cage is open, and step forward.