The number Eight in the Tarot depicts the next step in the process of energetic evolution that we have been studying so far. Where one tested one’s limits in the number seven, eight takes it to the next level and dissolves and transforms into something more tangible and real. Let’s see how this process is shown across the various Tarot Cards.

The number eight is often seen as a combination of two fours. Even the way the number is drawn shows two circles interlocking each other. However, the more popular way to show this energy is via the symbol of the Lemniscate or the Infinity symbol. As a side note, we see this symbol on at least 3 cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Card Deck: The Magician, Strength, and 2 of Pentacles, of which Strength is Major Arcana 8 in the Rider-Waite-Smith system.

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  1: The Magician

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  8: Strength

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  2 of Pentacles

In the Magician card and the Strength card, we see the Lemniscate float over the heads of the card characters. Both of them possess this knowledge, and can access this infinite wisdom through their minds. But what we see is that they use it in very different ways. The very masculine energy of the Magician uses this transformative knowledge to manifest, to create all that he wills to bring forth. He even calls upon all the elemental tools in his possession to play an important role in this process. However, the very feminine energy of the the lady in the Strength card uses this same knowledge to transform herself and those around her — she transforms into a compassionate being who can radiate her inner strength merely through touch, and the lion (representative of the Ego) transforms into her loving pet — the compassion that she gives him turns him into her ally, her companion. He doesn’t remain her enemy, and so there is no need to fear him anymore. In the 2 of Pentacles, we see the card character almost holding that lemniscate in his hands. Now, we see how actually using that transformative energy in a more tangible way feels like — he doesn’t seem to be enjoying it at all! Compared to the Magician and the Strength lady who used this knowledge to transform their surroundings and themselves, the 2 of Pentacles character chooses to interact with that energy in a very tangible manner — he seeks to transform the materials in his possession from one form to the other — and ends up locking himself into that infinite transformation process! No wonder, he ends up feeling upset and looking like a Fool choosing to get caught up in this unending loop!

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  Lemniscate

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  The Number Eight

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  8-Pointed Star

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  8-Pointed Star: The Compass Star

As a combination of 2 Fours, the number Eight shows the process of one material reality dissolving and then transforming into another material reality. The symbol of the Lemniscate shows us that this process of transformation is something that keeps going on forever — that this is the natural order of things, as it were. Finally, one of the ways that the number eight is also depicted is in the shape of an eight pointed star. Many connect this with the eight directions on the Compass. We shall see how this symbolic energy plays an interesting role in directing the path of transformation, when we look at the image of The Star card in a little bit.

Let’s take a look at the typical meanings of the number eight.

The Meanings of the Number Eight

Eight, as we have seen embodies the energy of transformation — but before that transformation can take place, there needs to be a dissolution of all that exists. This is how everything begins and ends. Eight thus also becomes the number of evolution. This an unending, infinite process that keeps going, and helps the world transform over and over. This also connects the number eight with death and rebirth.

In the Middle Ages, Eight was also connected with the planet Saturn, the representative of Time and Karma. In the Chinese culture, the number eight represents wholeness and the manifestation of all possibilities. In Christianity, the number eight symbolizes regeneration and rebirth. The number Eight is also associated with Hermes, since it looks like the symbol of the Caduceus, and therefore is also a symbol of healing through transformation.

As a combination of Seven and One, the number eight can also symbolize one’s sense of eternity — one’s ability to go beyond the limitations of the material world. We have already seen how the number eight, as a combination of 2 Fours, talks about transitioning from one reality to the next.

In the Kabbala, Eight allows one to go into great detail in order to construct the new material reality that goes beyond the limits set by the energy of Seven. To encapsulate the journey so far: the void of Zero brought about the singular energy of One, that divided into Two to explore connections and to compare. One and Two merged to bring about the creative energy of Three, and Four stabilized this creation. However, stability can also stagnate — which gave rise to the challenges and disruption of the Five, which then led to the harmonizing of the conscious energies brought about by Six. But of course, with the Seven, the energy had to test the limits of its belief system to see how far it could go. This launched the dissolution and transformation of the Eight so that everything that came before it could now form the new material reality with a deeper understanding of itself, with a tangible sense of itself.

The Number Eight in the Tarot Cards

Let’s look at the Tarot Cards where the number Eight shows up, both directly and indirectly as a sum of the digits on that card.

The Number Eight in the Major Arcana

Here are the Major Arcana cards associated with the number Eight.

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  8: Strength

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  17: The Star

We have already seen how the transformative energy of the number Eight shows up in the Strength card. Interestingly, the lemniscate also shows up in the garland of flowers and leaves that the lady in the card wears around her head and her waist. We often miss out on seeing that because of the very obvious lemniscate above her head! Could it be that she possess the skills of the Magician to manifest her will into reality, but chooses not to show it off so obviously? She wears the flowers and leaves on her body, so as to hold these manifestations close to herself. And through her gentle and compassionate touch, the Lion/Ego becomes her pet, her ally, her companion. Now ego cannot hold her back. Rather, it helps her on her journey!

In The Star, we see a total of eight 8-Pointed Stars in the sky, forming the Ursa Minor or Little Bear constellation. The brightest star of this constellation, Polaris, is also called the North Star. Just as the 8-Pointed Star makes the Compass to show us directions, the North Star points us to our Spiritual True North. This is the direction in which one must now go. The lady in the Star card has nothing to hide — hence the nudity. She is open to to discovering her true purpose in life now that she has discarded everything. She even pours out all her experiences, conscious and unconscious, giving them back to their respective worlds. This is dissolution shown in its most beautiful form! She is letting it all go, and preparing herself for the new beginning that lies ahead. The Ibis bird on the tree behind her tells of the storm having passed, and indicates that the new phase is about to begin.

The Number Eight in the Minor Arcana

Now let’s see what the Minor Arcana cards associated with the number Eight tell us about the energy of the number Eight manifesting in the everyday, mundane world.

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  8 of Wands

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  8 of Cups

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  8 of Swords

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  8 of Pentacles

In the 8 of Wands, the transformation proceeds with a passion — unheeded and unfettered by anything and anyone. The energy moves forward with a harmony and sense of purpose. Creation can be such a joy! But such is not the case in the 8 of Cups! Here, one must disconnect with the emotions both sad (5 Cups) and happy (3 Cups) and walk away from it all. This is dissolution that one must undergo. Even if one feels worried and scared and lost, it is what one must do in order to transition to the next phase of one’s existence. In the 8 of Swords, this battle is on the mental plane. Here, one must face one’s mental fears and limitations — no matter how hard one tries to prevent oneself from doing so. One must defeat one’s tendencies of self-sabotage with one’s own mental fortitude. This is a battle of wits with one’s own fears, one’s own mind, as it were. And finally, in the 8 of Pentacles, we perfect our craft of creation. We try and build as best as we can. We learn from our imperfections, and strive to get better. Perfection isn’t that far away when we put our efforts into building better.

Be it in distancing oneself from all the emotional entanglements or in the breaking through of one’s mind’s barriers — the process of dissolution of the established reality occurs in the mundane world. This causes the transformative process of creation to begin, with a whole lot of passion combined with a whole lot of trial and error. Between these four cards of the Minor Arcana, we see the process of dissolution and transformation take place in the everyday world.

The Number Eight in the Tarot: Summary

Putting it all together, here’s the summary of the energy of the number Eight in the Tarot Cards:

• Strength: Transforming Ego through Compassion, Inner Strength, Manifestation
• The Star: Letting Go of Everything, Ready to Find One’s True Purpose, New Beginnings
• 8 of Wands: Passion, Joy, Moving Forward
• 8 of Cups: Walking Away, Distancing Oneself from Emotional Attachments
• 8 of Swords: Facing One’s Mental Barriers, Breaking Through Mental Inhibitions and Fears
• 8 of Pentacles: Perfecting One’s Craft, Learning through Doing

In this way, we see how the number Eight in the Tarot Card imagery depicts the process of Manifesting the new Material Reality by dissolving the old version and facilitating the creation of a new, and perhaps a better, more evolved version of Reality.

Your Turn

What did you think about the number Eight and how it shows up in the Tarot cards? What are your thoughts about the number Eight in the Tarot Cards? Talk to me in the comments section below!