SunChariot
Me too. It's a pretty educational thread, and shows new ways of thinking about things. Always a good thing.
Babs
Babs
Wanting to be rescued does not fit in with my meaning for the 8 of Swords. Which is of course about our thoughts. For me anyway, I don't tend to sit around hoping someone will rescue me from my thoughts.
That is my take on the card meaning too. She CAN escape and any time, just that she does not know or realize it. But as EmpyreanKnight said, she could just stand up at any time and step out of it. Maybe to stand up tall and take pride in herself. Could be those thoughts are related to her self-esteem?
Babs
The Dark Grimoire has a similar image.
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/_img/dark-grimoire-06946.jpg
One of the aspects of the 8 of swords IMO is the fact that the person can free herself quite easily, she doesn't see it. Feeling entrapped entraps her. In your card, it's a bit difficult to find that angle. I always like to have a brighter and darker side to each image.
Visually, it's very beautiful and has a strong atmosphere. And yes, it's close to how I read the card - only the exit is missing ;-)
I think escape from the bell jar is actually quite doable. Notice the height of the girl relative to the jar. If she stands up, she would definitely be taller than the jar. The glass itself does not look especially thick. With some maneuvering she can definitely get out. Done the wrong way though, the glass might break and cut her.
To me, waiting to be rescued is EXACTLY what the 8 of swords is about. In the RWS deck, the person has a smug little grin on her face, something I noticed when I first saw the card. She has tangled herself up so badly, Now, she says, somebody HAS to rescue me. But with swords around her, she CAN rescue herself, although as EmpyrianKnight say below, she may cut herself in the process. But if takes responsibility for her own actions and allows herself a little pain, she would be free again....all on her own.
Sorry for being late but I wanted to thank all members who gave their insights. It was truly fascinating to see how many nuances a card may have and how many feelings a picture may evoke. Alas, I'm not the creator. I couldn't draw a straight line if my life depended on it... I found it on Pinterest and loved it so that it went to my personal bank of images and under the heading 8 of Swords
Thank you again for your posts !