In the Nine of Swords, there is an image of a woman seated on her bed, with her head in her hands, giving the impression that she has recently awoken from a dreadful nightmare. Her facial expression suggests that she is distressed, worried, and fearful. The wall behind her bed has nine swords hanging on it, and her bed contains a carving that portrays someone being defeated by another. The quilt on her bed has been adorned with various astrological symbols and roses. It is the same woman we saw in the Eight of Swords, and it is possible that she has been released from her previous entrapment, but still tormented by the trauma she experienced while being abandoned and isolated.
Meaning of Upright Nine of Swords
The Nine of Swords is another card in the Suit of Swords that represents worry and anxiety generally. This card, like the other fear cards, doesn't necessarily mean that bad things will actually happen; rather, it only means that your anxiety and fear levels are so high that you think things are worse than they truly are. In other words, you can be creating a big deal out of nothing. It stands for pressure, burdens, unfavourable thoughts, and extreme sadness. You might have reached your breaking point if you feel helpless and unable to deal with or face events, difficulties, or just life in general.
Upright Nine of Swords: Love
The love meaning of the Nine of Swords tarot card can intensify anxieties and fears, potentially causing disturbing nightmares that disrupt your sleep. However, the card often indicates that these fears may not be as terrible as they seem in your mind. Your struggles could stem from guilt, insecurity, difficulty trusting your partner, or mental health concerns. It's important to determine if these feelings are truly rational. If anxiety is preventing you from facing the issue head-on, it's possible that you're avoiding the problem. By confronting it, you may discover that you're able to work through these challenges. For those who are single, unresolved emotions from past relationships can lead to feelings of regret and sadness, which need to be resolved before entering a new relationship.
Upright Nine of Swords: Career
When the Nine of Swords appears in a tarot reading focused on career, it suggests that you're experiencing a great deal of dissatisfaction in your work life. The stress and duties of your job have become overwhelming, causing you to feel overburdened and possibly even on the brink of collapse. Your perception of your work situation may be distorted by intense fear and anxiety, leading you to believe that things are worse than they actually are. The prevailing themes in your work life right now are stress and worry, and in some cases, this card may indicate feelings of paranoia. However, the positive aspect of this card is that it could also imply that things are not as bad as you might think.
Upright Nine of Swords: Finances
You might be facing significant financial pressure and experiencing stress at the moment, which is causing you real suffering. However, the Nine of Swords tarot card often indicates that the anxiety and worries you're experiencing are a result of magnifying the situation beyond its actual state. It's possible that your panic is stemming from negative thought patterns. Seeking an outsider's viewpoint to provide you with guidance on practical steps you can take may be beneficial.
Meaning of Reversed Nine of Swords
When the Nine of Swords is reversed, it often signifies the emergence of hope and positivity after a period of darkness. This Minor Arcana card suggests progress, the ability to let go of negative thoughts, and the development of coping mechanisms for dealing with depression, mental illness, or other challenges. It encourages individuals to be receptive to support and to take on life's challenges. Alternatively, the reversed card may indicate a worsening of the troubles, despair, difficulties, or concerns that are associated with the upright card.
Reversed Nine of Swords: Love
The reversed Nine of Swords tarot love meaning suggests that you may now be prepared to confront the truth and be truthful with yourself. If you have been silently struggling, opening up to your partner could bring you the relief you seek. Carrying the burden of your anxieties alone is not easy, and with your partner's support, they can provide you with the reassurance you need. Conversations with your partner may reveal that the things that have been troubling you are not as severe as you initially thought. If you are currently single, you may be focusing on self-improvement to prepare yourself for a healthy and loving relationship in the future. The moment to find love again is fast approaching, and you may feel ready to embrace it.
Reversed Nine of Swords: Career
In a career tarot card reading, the reversed Nine of Swords indicates that there could be a shift in your workload and stress levels. It could either be a positive change, where you have found a way to let go of your problems and see your career in a better light, or a negative change, where the stress has become too much to handle, resulting in job loss, business failure, or a breakdown. The interpretation of this card is dependent on the other cards in the spread, as there are two sides to every coin. It's possible for your work-related issues to either improve or worsen.
Reversed Nine of Swords: Finances
In a tarot card reading session, if the Nine of Swords is reversed, it can indicate that your financial worries are either easing and things are looking up, or becoming overwhelming to the point of potential breakdown. If you are experiencing the latter, seeking guidance from a professional or confiding in friends about your concerns can be helpful. Remember not to let monetary issues dictate your life and prioritize your mental health above all else. Depending on the context of the other cards in your tarot spread, the reversed Nine of Swords may suggest an improvement or worsening of your financial stress.
Conclusion
In a reading, the Nine of Swords can indicate that the querent is experiencing intense mental anguish or worry, perhaps brought on by past traumas or anxieties about the future. It can also suggest that the person is feeling alone in their suffering and may benefit from seeking out support or therapy.