Dignified:     The Eight of Swords represents feelings of restraint and being held back.  In particular the Eight signifies ones own personal responsibility toward their self-suppression and over controlling nature.  The Eight represents someone who refuses to see that the impending situation may have a positive outcome.  It also represents someone who refuses to take the necessary steps to bring a situation to a complete end.  Different examples of this type of mentality are someone who will not apply for a job because they feel they have no chance of success or someone who will not introduce themselves to a suitor out of fear of rejection.  Interestingly what the person does not immediately realize is that their chances of success are extremely high.   The Eight can also represent someone with extremely modest behavior or one that gives credit for their accomplishments to everyone else.

Ill-Dignified:     In a reversed position the Eight of Swords indicates the realization that one really does have a good chance at success.  It represents the first step toward freeing oneself from the chains of self-criticism.  It also signifies freedom, liberation, and the opening up to possibilities.