The Eight of Swords
Most people see the eight of swords as a card of being trapped by fear, or being afraid to move forward even though the possibility does exist. I agree with this meaning, but one of the meanings of this card that really isn't discussed is that the fear isn't always just in your mind. The Swords suit has to do with thoughts and words. Eliminating real dangers and situations that may occur outside your own thought patterns isn't always the right way to read the suit, however. The swords on the 8 of Swords can actually cut, and moving out of a death trap like the one depicted in the Rider tarot is going to be both terrifying and dangerous. It isn't just in her mind, she can't see and there is danger all around her! On the Thoth 8 of Swords, there is a ladder made from swords blocking the path. If you try to climb over it, you will definitely get cut. Have you ever had a moment where you are so frightened that you literally freeze? That is the 8 of Swords card. Yo