isolated and powerless

  

eight of swords + strength  

Today's querent is isolated and powerless (Eight of Swords), but he or she can rise above this situation by changing their misperceptions.  They can gain control of the situation by believing that evil does exist in this world.  Such newly-adopted cynicism will actually help the querent to feel more hopeful (Strength), when the querent is constrained within some nasty power struggle and cannot figure out how to disengage, or when this person has a very important entrance exam which will determine their academic or professional future.  Whatever the misperception and/or uncomfortable situation, right now our querent is more ignorant than in control.  Yes, ultimately there will be a triumphant conclusion to this a major life test.  But in the meantime, when the querent cannot handle some of the obstacles they're facing, just blindly fight your way forward.  The message of this tarot combination is:  You're ignorant, and that's okay - hang in there, because you'll achieve a triumphant conclusion.