11.01.2024 Daily Divination - Look on a Deeper Level!
8 of Swords (Upright) A Call to Look Deeper
I like to think of the day after Samhain as the delightful beginning of the Pagan New Year. Just like the ever-popular secular New Year, I take this precious time as a wonderful opportunity to reflect deeply on my life and examine my daily actions in a meaningful effort to improve myself and grow into a better version of who I am.
Traditionally, the 8 of Swords indicates that you might feel somewhat trapped or significantly restricted in your present circumstance, almost as if invisible chains are weighing you down. Given the special timing of this card's appearance during the New Moon, which symbolizes fresh beginnings and new possibilities, I think this is a thoughtful call for deep consideration: a vital change in your current behavior or perhaps the way you look at life as a whole could be on the horizon.
When I read tarot cards for folks and the enigmatic 8 of Swords comes up, it usually indicates a person who may feel trapped in a web of emotional turmoil. This card often symbolizes a sense of being stuck or confined, as if invisible swords are surrounding them, causing confusion and anxiety.The question always comes up…
Why?
Are you in a relationship with a friend or lover that is making you feel restricted because you may have outgrown it?
Are you engaged in a behavior that is no longer serving you?
Are you perhaps saying, “YES” to everything asked of you (think: Ella Enchanted) instead of saying “NO” and respecting your limited time and energy?
Making up elaborate excuses for yourself or getting tangled up in the victim mindset will not truly help you in the long run. It’s perfectly okay to not know exactly how to do something to improve your situation; after all, everyone starts somewhere on their journey of growth and development.
It’s okay to ask for help from trusted family, friends, or a counselor.
Working with Mirrors
In “The Light Seer’s Tarot” by Chris Anne, the captivating 8 of Swords is beautifully depicted as a young woman gazing intently into a mirror. In this enchanting image, her reflection reveals a haunting scene where she appears to be surrounded by five ominous crows, who have ensnared her with heavy, unyielding chains.
The powerful imagery of the mirror serves as a significant clue, offering insights into the kind of spellwork we can harness and utilize to rise above and overcome any challenge that may be holding us down or keeping us trapped in our current situation.
A mirror specifically designated for “self-work” is highly preferred in the world of spell crafting. This means that this particular mirror is solely used for spell work that relates directly to you, and it is not intended for mundane activities such as applying makeup or anything else that falls outside of magickal intentions. To keep the mirror’s energy pure and focused, it is typically kept covered with a protective black cloth.
Before commencing your spell work, you can cleanse this mirror using a variety of methods, such as cedar smoke, sweet-smelling incense, mystical moon water, or even good old Windex.
The ammonia in Windex is particularly effective at casting out any lingering negative energy that may interfere with your spell work—just be cautious to avoid using it around pets or small children, and never, ever mix it with bleach, as that can lead to a whole lot of trouble!
Gaze into the mirror and look at your reflection. As you do, keep a journal and writing implement handy. This journal is private and only meant for your eyes - so take comfort in the fact that you are in a safe space to write whatever comes to mind.
As negative thoughts arise, and they will - write those down. It may look like this:
Challenge: I don’t like my appearance.
Why don’t you like your appearance?
Answer: I don’t like my appearance because I think I am ugly. I think I am ugly because I was picked on in school.
This is the self-work to focus on. It is the root of your challenge.
A note. Working with mirrors is possibly one of the more challenging aspects of witchcraft. People are usually fine with chanting, raising energy, and setting intentions - however, pull out a mirror and ask them to say something truthful about what they see and you’ll see everyone’s eyes bug out! Be easy on yourself, self-work takes PRACTICE.
