If it was reversed, it would mean a feeling of being left out, or pushed aside.

[He taps the second card.]

This card refers to present influences.

[Turning it over...]

The swords are cards of power. Unlike most other cards, this is one whose upright status is negative in meaning.

The eight of swords represents a feeling of powerlessness. Usually the 'imprisonment' meaning is more of a spiritual one, meaning you feel trapped, but it's probably physical, in this case.

But it also means that there's a painful decision to be made, to break free of that imprisonment.