Can’t see the forest for the trees? That’s what they say when the little things become much bigger than they need to be.
Let’s get into the lessons of Gemini’s first decan through the lens of the Eight of Swords.
Before we get started, a quick reminder of terminology used:
Terminology:
Decan: A 10-degree section of an astrological chart
Domicile: Place in the zodiac where the planet is ‘home’
Detriment: Opposing sign to the ruler (domicile); uncomfortable energy
Exaltation: where a planet functions at its strongest
Fall: opposing sign to the exaltation; weakest positioning
Femininity: passive, receptive, still energy
Masculinity: active, action-oriented energy
This is the Tarot deck I’ve used for many years.
upiter in Gemini
The first decan of Gemini is ruled by Jupiter: the benefic planet of higher learning, expansion, philosphy, religion, and luck. When that energy makes a home in Gemini, the energy becomes much more expansive than Gemini’s typical stance. This placement makes people want to explore their curiosities but also have tendencies to fixate on the small details while missing the bigger picture. The Eight of Swords is a perfect depiction of that energy.
Eight of Swords
The first thing to note in this card is the woman in red, confined in white bandages. When I see that red gown, I immediately see Key 11: Justice.
Where Justice presents herself as the guardian over equality, fairness, and balance, the Eight of Swords shows her without the scales and surrounded by the swords she once wielded. The crown is gone, regalia stripped. Even the shoes have changed. Notice the difference in posture between the two cards as well. Where Justice is more open, the Eight of Swords collapses into herself.
Take a look at the castle in the background of the Eight of Swords. One could speculate that castle to be the home she once knew, the place where she could fully embody herself as “Lady Justice”, so to speak. How did she go from there…to this?
It starts in the mind.
Yes, the Eight of Swords is about imprisonment. But what’s truly being confined is her own mind. The bandage over her eyes makes her blind to everything that exists outside of her as well as the tools (sword) she’s surrounded by. If in fact she is “Lady Justice”, those swords are her domain. She knows them well, and could probably use them blindfolded.
From our perspective, the answer to her problems seem clear. For her, she’s so consumed by her own confinement that she can’t (or won’t) see it. See how loosely wrapped those bandages are? If they were there to harm her, we would see her despair but her body language says she wants to shrink into herself. It’s like children who think they can be invisible if they hide under a blanket or close their eyes. Just because you’ve forced yourself not to see, doesn’t mean the problem disappears with it.
In the Thoth Tarot Deck, the Eight of Swords is called “interference” and it makes perfect sense. The big goals and dreams you have for yourself are being slowed down by your fixation on the small bumps in the world. But there are times where we get so bogged down or fixated on the small things, we give them more power than they should have. Having a few bad days doesn’t make you a bad person. One cheat meal won’t set you back.
Remember, Jupiter is the HBIC (Head Benefic in Charge) here. The Eight of Swords is not a card that conveys misfortune by the hands of external forces. Here, Jupiter wants you to expand beyond the small details and remember the bigger picture only if you get out of your own way. Where Gemini brings curiosity, Jupiter wants to expand your vision with clear direction. Take the blinders off and look around. Your help is much closer than you’ve allowed yourself to think.
Final Thoughts
If you ever receive this card in a reading, it’s time to zoom out a bit and remember your goals and dreams are worth far more than the bumps along the way. It’s time to take the blindfold off and take an honest look in the mirror. Find that person who dared to dream and put that person back in the driver’s seat. The small issues do not define you, and you are still worthy of the dreams given to you.
In the next article, we’ll be getting into the Nine of Swords. Let me know your thoughts! Hope this helps.
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