Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Nine of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright | Anxiety, worry, fear, nightmares, guilt, regret |
| Reversed | Overcoming anxiety, release from fear, letting go of guilt and regret |
| Astrology | Mars in the house of Gemini |
| Love | Feeling trapped in a relationship, fears, and doubts about the future of the relationship |
| Career | Stressful work environment, feeling overburdened with responsibilities |
| Finances | Financial worries, debt, feeling overwhelmed by bills and expenses |
| Past | Traumatic experiences, unresolved issues causing anxiety |
| Present | Overwhelming anxiety and worry, feeling stuck |
| Future | Fears and worries about the future, need for self-care and self-compassion |
The Nine of Swords tarot card description
The Nine of Swords tarot card often depicts a figure sitting up in bed, holding their head in their hands, and surrounded by nine swords hanging on the wall behind them.
The figure is usually depicted as being in a state of distress, with a look of fear or worry on their face. The nine swords symbolize fear, anxiety, guilt, and trauma, and suggest that the figure is consumed by these negative emotions.
In some tarot decks, the figure is shown crying or with tears streaming down their face, further emphasizing the emotional turmoil they are experiencing. The swords may also be depicted as pointing towards the figure, reinforcing the idea that their fears and anxieties are closing in on them.
The bed and bedclothes may be depicted as disheveled, suggesting that the figure has been tossing and turning, unable to find peace in sleep. The surroundings may be dark and ominous, with clouds or a full moon in the background, adding to the overall mood of fear and anxiety.
Overall, the Nine of Swords is considered a negative card, symbolizing internal turmoil and the inability to escape one’s own fears and anxieties. However, it can also indicate that the figure is in the process of confronting these emotions and working towards finding peace and resolution.
The Nine of Swords card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Nine of Swords tarot card are:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Trauma
- Distress
- Emotional turmoil
- Nighttime
- Swords
- Internal conflict
- Worried figure
- Bed
- Crying
- Head in hands
- Wall-hanging swords
- Dark surroundings
- Moon or clouds
- Negative emotions
- Inability to escape
- Confronting fears
- Finding peace and resolution
Astrology of the Nine of Swords card
In tarot, each card is often associated with an astrological sign or planet. The exact correspondences can vary between tarot decks, but the Nine of Swords is often linked with the planet Mars and the zodiac sign of Pisces.
Mars is associated with courage, assertiveness, and action, but also with violence, aggression, and conflict. In the context of the Nine of Swords, Mars represents the internal conflicts and battles the figure is facing.
Pisces, on the other hand, is a water sign associated with emotions, intuition, and spirituality. In this card, Pisces represents the emotional distress and feelings of fear and anxiety experienced by the figure.
The combination of Mars and Pisces in the Nine of Swords suggests a struggle between the desire for action and the need for emotional release and healing.
The card can indicate that the figure is grappling with their own inner demons and trying to find a way to overcome their fears and anxieties. The card may also suggest the need for a more spiritual or emotional approach to resolving internal conflicts, rather than relying on brute force or aggression.
Upright Nine of Swords tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Nine of Swords card?
The upright Nine of Swords tarot card represents fear, anxiety, and guilt, and suggests the person is struggling with their own thoughts and fears. Despite the negative emotions depicted, the card may also indicate that the person is on the way to finding peace and resolution as they work to confront their fears and anxieties.
The Nine of Swords tarot card is often seen as a symbol of fear, anxiety, and guilt. When this card appears in a tarot reading, it may indicate that the person is struggling with their own thoughts and fears, leading to feelings of unease and distress.
The figure in the card is usually depicted in a state of distress, with a look of fear or worry on their face. The nine swords hanging on the wall behind the figure symbolize the negative emotions and worries that are plaguing the person.
These fears may be causing the person to have nightmares or vivid, frightening dreams, which are impacting their waking life.
However, the Nine of Swords card can also be a sign of hope and change. Despite the negative emotions depicted, the card may indicate that the person is in the process of confronting their fears and anxieties, and working towards finding peace and resolution.
The figure may be seen as taking a step towards healing, even if they still feel overwhelmed at the moment.
Overall, the Nine of Swords represents the struggle with one’s own negative thoughts and emotions, but it can also suggest that help is on the horizon and that the person will find a way to overcome their fears.
Example upright Nine of Swords reading
Lorraine is disappointed in her son’s career choices. She turns to the tarot for help and draws the upright Nine of Swords. What does this mean?
If Lorraine drew the upright Nine of Swords while seeking guidance about her son’s career choices, it could indicate that she is experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, and guilt related to the situation.
The Nine of Swords is often associated with negative thoughts and worries, and this card may suggest that Lorraine is struggling with her own internal conflicts and fears about her son’s future.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot cards can offer symbolic guidance, rather than specific predictions or solutions.
The Nine of Swords may indicate that Lorraine is feeling overwhelmed by her thoughts and emotions, but it may also suggest that she is on the path to finding peace and resolution as she works to confront her fears and anxieties about her son’s career.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Nine of Swords in this context will depend on the context of the reading and Lorraine’s own situation and feelings.
Reversed Nine of Swords card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Nine of Swords tarot card?
The reversed Nine of Swords tarot card represents a shift towards hope and positivity, suggesting that the person has found relief from their negative thoughts and worries and is moving towards a more positive mindset. The card indicates a newfound sense of power and control over one’s thoughts and emotions, and a sense of peace and calm.
The reversed Nine of Swords tarot card can indicate a shift in the person’s outlook, away from fear and anxiety towards hope and optimism.
When this card appears reversed in a tarot reading, it may suggest that the person has found a way to overcome their negative thoughts and worries, and is moving towards a more positive mindset.
In a more specific context, the reversed Nine of Swords card can indicate that the person has found relief from their nightmares or vivid, frightening dreams, and is experiencing a sense of peace and calm.
They may feel as though a weight has been lifted from their shoulders and that their worries and fears are no longer dominating their thoughts.
The reversed Nine of Swords card can also indicate a renewed sense of power and control over one’s thoughts and emotions. The figure in the card may be shown standing or holding their head up high, symbolizing their newfound confidence and strength.
Overall, the reversed Nine of Swords card represents a shift towards hope and positivity, as the person moves past their fears and anxieties and begins to experience peace and calm.
Example reversed Nine of Swords reading
Stephanie feels like she has no time for herself in life. She does a tarot reading and draws the reversed Nine of Swords. What does this mean?
If Stephanie drew the reversed Nine of Swords in a tarot reading regarding her feelings of not having time for herself, it could suggest that she is experiencing a shift towards hope and positivity in this area of her life.
The reversed Nine of Swords often indicates a change in outlook, away from negative thoughts and worries towards a more positive mindset.
In this context, the reversed Nine of Swords card may indicate that Stephanie has found a way to overcome her feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, and is moving towards a more balanced and peaceful approach to her life.
She may feel as though a weight has been lifted from her shoulders and that she is regaining control over her time and priorities.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot cards can offer symbolic guidance, rather than specific predictions or solutions. The interpretation of the reversed Nine of Swords in this context will depend on Stephanie’s own situation and feelings, as well as the context of the reading.
Meanings of the Nine of Swords in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Nine of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Nine of Swords tarot meaning
In a love context, the Nine of Swords tarot card can indicate feelings of fear, anxiety, and guilt related to a relationship or love interest. The figure in the card is often shown with their head in their hands, symbolizing the negative thoughts and worries that are dominating their mind.
When this card appears in a love reading, it may suggest that the person is struggling with their own internal conflicts and fears about their relationship, or about a potential love interest.
They may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions and may be experiencing feelings of uncertainty or indecision about the future of their relationship.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot cards can offer symbolic guidance, rather than specific predictions or solutions.
The Nine of Swords in a love context may indicate that the person is feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions, but it may also suggest that they are on the path to finding peace and resolution as they work to confront their fears and anxieties about their relationship.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Nine of Swords in a love context will depend on the context of the reading and the person’s own situation and feelings.
Career Nine of Swords tarot meaning
In a career context, the Nine of Swords tarot card can indicate feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry related to one’s work and professional life. The figure in the card is often shown with their head in their hands, symbolizing the negative thoughts and worries that are dominating their mind.
When this card appears in a career reading, it may suggest that the person is struggling with their own internal conflicts and fears about their job or career path.
They may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions and may be experiencing feelings of uncertainty or indecision about the future of their career. This card can indicate that the person is feeling a great deal of stress and pressure, and may be losing sleep due to their worries.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot cards can offer symbolic guidance, rather than specific predictions or solutions.
The Nine of Swords in a career context may indicate that the person is feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions, but it may also suggest that they are on the path to finding peace and resolution as they work to confront their fears and anxieties about their job or career path.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Nine of Swords in a career context will depend on the context of the reading and the person’s own situation and feelings.
Finances Nine of Swords tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Nine of Swords tarot card can indicate feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry related to one’s financial situation. The figure in the card is often shown with their head in their hands, symbolizing the negative thoughts and worries that are dominating their mind.
When this card appears in a financial reading, it may suggest that the person is struggling with their own internal conflicts and fears about their finances.
They may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions and may be experiencing feelings of uncertainty or indecision about their financial future. This card can indicate that the person is feeling a great deal of stress and pressure about their finances, and may be losing sleep due to their worries.
The Nine of Swords in a financial context may indicate that the person is feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions, but it may also suggest that they are on the path to finding peace and resolution as they work to confront their fears and anxieties about their financial situation.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Nine of Swords card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.
Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.
Here is a new interpretation of the Nine of Swords tarot card:
The Nine of Swords tarot card symbolizes the negative thoughts, fears, and anxieties that can be brought on by the pressure of social media. The figure in the card is often shown with their head in their hands, symbolizing the negative thoughts and worries that are dominating their mind.
When this card appears in a social media reading, it may suggest that the person is struggling with their own internal conflicts and fears related to their presence on social media.
They may feel overwhelmed by the negative thoughts and emotions that can arise from comparing themselves to others online, or from feeling like they are not measuring up to the expectations set by social media.
This card can indicate that the person is feeling a great deal of stress and pressure about their social media presence, and may be losing sleep due to their worries.
However, it’s important to remember that tarot cards can offer symbolic guidance, rather than specific predictions or solutions.
The Nine of Swords in a social media context may indicate that the person is feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions related to social media, but it may also suggest that they are on the path to finding peace and resolution as they work to confront their fears and anxieties about their online presence.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Nine of Swords in a social media context will depend on the context of the reading and the person’s own situation and feelings.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Eight of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Ten of Swords card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
