What Does The Nine of Swords Mean?

Nine of Swords Tarot Card – Keywords

Nine of Swords Tarot Card Description

The Nine of Swords tarot card description is one of pain, worry, and anguish. In the card image, a person kneels in bed looking up at nine swords hanging over their head – a symbol of the mental torture they are experiencing.

Darkness surrounds the person, and she buries her head in her hands, weeping. The swords do not point directly at the woman, indicating that much of the threat may be imagined or a manifestation of anxiety. This card can represent extreme sorrow and regret, usually stemming from guilt or self-doubt. It can also signal sleepless nights filled with obsessive thoughts and worries that cause distress to an individual.

The blanket is decorated with roses and astrological symbols, each pertaining to a sign of the zodiac. This is a reminder that our mental torment often has its roots in the past, even originating with our birth, and it can take deep spiritual work to bring resolution. The blanket exposes part of the wooden bedframe, revealing a carving of one man running through another with a sword. The carving represents the pain and fear of the querent, perhaps even the terrible nightmare that plagues their subconscious mind.

Nines represent completion and finality in the Tarot. They appear when you are approaching the end of something. This card is about the difficult times in life that can lead to transformation and spiritual clarity. The Nine of Swords symbolizes the dark night of the soul, a period of intense mental anguish or distress. However, you may be on the verge of breaking family or soul cycles. Listen to your spirit guides and pull down the swords that hang over you.

What Does the Upright Nine of Swords Mean in a Reading?

When the Nine of Swords appears in a Tarot reading it can signify excessive inner-criticism and feelings of defeat. As swords hang above our heads, mental illness weighs on our psyche and rears its ugly head in our dreams.

You may be facing a reoccurring nightmare and find no peace upon waking. When paired with a card like the Seven of Cups, the Swords suggests that you are on the verge of a mental health crisis, especially one relating to an anxiety disorder. Now is the time to take a step back and examine your thoughts and patterns. Regardless of what others think, or if the threat is real or imagined, this card symbolizes pain. The suffering you’re experiencing is real, and it matters.

Take the time to listen to yourself and get help, if needed.

This upright position of this tarot card encourages us to pay attention to our inner dialogue because negative self-talk will only prolong the cycle. Much like substance abuse and lustful trysts tempt us with the Devil card, negative thinking can also be addictive despite its harmful consequences. Use a journal to record your thoughts so you can analyze what themes are reoccurring in your inner monologue. Previous hurts and grudges may be wearing on your more than you realize.

We must learn from our past mistakes without dwelling on them so we can move forward in life. The Nine of Swords is a reminder to invest in your mental health and take measures such as meditation, exercise, or therapy if needed. Doing this will help you break the cycle of negative thinking and lead to a more peaceful existence. This card is an encouragement that, although it may seem bleak now, there is hope for recovery and liberation.

This card often appears when we’ve been ignoring our inner voice for too long, feeling trapped in our own minds because we suppress emotions and fail to address issues at their core. Take the time to reflect on what’s happening within and remember to nurture your mind with kindness and understanding. It can be difficult to come out of dark places but you are strong enough to confront what’s in your heart and create a new reality.

Who is the Nine of Swords as a Person?

The Nine of Swords person is one who has an analytical, logical mind, but often gets lost in a dark place because they are unable to find peace. This individual is prone to overthinking and rumination which can lead them to become overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and guilt. They have difficulty distinguishing between reality and what their mind creates out of fear or worry. The Nine of Swords person may also struggle with self-doubt and feelings of helplessness that prevent them from seeing what’s ahead.

When I think of the Nine of Swords, I think of Nell Crain from one of my favorite shows, The Haunting of Hill House. Alongside her four siblings, Nell spends part of her childhood in a haunted house that slowly drives its occupants mad. She suffers from night terrors and often has trouble sleeping in her own bed because she is haunted by the “Bent Neck Lady,” a phantom that hovers over her at night. Her negative thoughts cloud her mind, and mental health issues plague her into adulthood.

What if I dream that you kill us? What if I dream that you send us away into the dark, and we get hurt? You send us away, out into the dark, and my heart breaks right in half, and I can’t feel anything happy.

Nell Crain, The Haunting of Hill House

As one of the fear cards, the Nine of Swords describes Nell’s experience in the first episode, as we see her sinking deeper into paranoia and depression. Nell takes the advice of this minor arcana card and faces her fear directly, going back to the house that took so much from her.

As she explores the abandoned structure, the house manipulates her mind and thrusts her headfirst into the past. The Nine of Swords is all about being trapped in the mistakes and tragedies of your past, and Nell mourns her past relationships as she speaks to her dead husband and mother. Just like the Moon card, the Nine of Swords hints that everything may not be what it seems, which Nell discovers when she meets an unfortunate end.

What Does the Nine of Swords Mean in a Love Tarot Reading?

The Nine of Swords tarot card meaning in a love reading indicates that the querent is in a state of mental anguish and pain. If the card appears, it can mean that your relationship is causing you distress or confusion. It could be a sign of something unresolved between you two, maybe some unfinished conversations about issues that still linger or an overall feeling of being stuck in a rut.

Given the imagery of the card, you may be uncomfortable with your living situation if you are currently residing with your partner or discussing moving in. In fact, you may not even like sharing a bed with them.

In combination with supporting cards, such as the Page of Cups reversed or Three of Swords, this card suggests feelings of loneliness in spite of being in a relationship.

The Swords card indicates that there’s fear and anxiety surrounding any kind of confrontation and thus keeping both parties from speaking openly. Your relationship is at its breaking point, and tiptoeing around your Lover will only make things worse. Even though you may want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers, if you value your relationship, a hard conversation is needed.

Follow the example of the Suit of Swords and be direct and honest with your partner. If they shut down or refuse to have meaningful dialogue, it is time to evaluate if this relationship is serving you. If the Chariot appears in your love tarot spread alongside the Nine of Swords, you should not only evaluate but evacuate.

What Does the Nine of Swords Mean in a Career Tarot Reading?

In a career context, the Nine of Swords signals that negative thinking is holding you back. If you’re a perfectionist, then your all-or-nothing tendencies are griming up the creative works. A rough draft is not a sign of failure – it’s a sign of progress!

Paranoia is an integral meaning for the Nine of Swords, but the adversaries you perceive likely don’t think of you negatively at all. Everyone in the office is not against you, nor is the boss intent on your dismissal. Overthinking won’t get you to the top, but taking risks and being proactive will. The Nine of Swords encourages you to trust yourself enough to make bold moves.

Having questions about your career choices is a normal part of life, but don’t let your uncertainty poison your mind against the positive aspects of your position. When the Nine of Swords appears in a career reading, face your fears with courage and determination.

The Nine of Swords tarot card is a warning sign for love and career readings. It is an indication that it’s time to be honest about any negative feelings or doubts you may have – even though it may be difficult to confront them directly. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness when needed and remember that life only moves forward if we are brave enough to create our own path.

What Does the Nine of Swords Mean in a Health Reading?

Mental health issues are weighing down your mind. Anxiety disorders, depression, or personality disorders may run in your family tree, and their burden has found a home in you. If paired with the Tower, an outside source can bring an unexpected detriment to your health. You might suffer from nervous breakdowns. If this card is supported by Death, on the other hand, an end to your pain could be in sight.

The Nine of Swords traps you in fear. Its relation to the past suggests struggles with trauma or PTSD. This card encourages you to seek professional help, as these issues don’t heal on their own. If this card appears in a health reading, it could also indicate nightmares or insomnia due to deep emotional distress. In a physical context, the Nine of Swords implies that your anxieties around health are unfounded or contribute negatively to the situation.

The Nine of Swords is a dire warning that something needs to be done before the situation escalates further. Ignoring your mental health will only lead to negative consequences down the line. Talk to someone and make sure they understand the severity of your condition so that you can start healing together. Taking those first steps can be terrifying but it will ultimately improve both the physical and mental state of your wellbeing. Remember, you are not alone – reach out for support when needed!

What Does the Nine of Swords Reversed Mean in a Tarot Spread?

Free at last! The Sun has risen and the darkness is chased away. The Nine of Swords reversed is a sign that you will find peace in the future. You are aware of your struggles and have managed to break free from them. The fear and anxiety that have been hindering you have subsided or no longer exist, allowing for clarity and spiritual growth.

There is hope on the horizon. Whatever situation or person is holding you down – whether it be a toxic work environment, an apathetic lover, or an unpaid bill – you can trust that it will be taken care of in time.

This card also reminds us of our resilience when we face difficult times head-on instead of running away or avoiding them altogether. Despite facing adversity, things can still work out when we employ strength, courage, and optimism. Pair it with the Six of Wands, and celebrate the victory in finding liberation! The Nine of Swords reversed encourages you to be proud of your journey and savor the feeling of freedom.

Who is the Reversed Nine of Swords as a Person?

I usually choose two different characters for the upright tarot card and the reversal, but in this case, I think Nell Crain also represents the Reversed Nine of Swords – particularly after her death. Once she passes, she lets go of the inner turmoil of her life and moves past the dark wall that Hill House placed in her path.

As the Peacemaker, Nell spends her life (and her death) acting as mediator between her siblings and father. The Nine of Swords reversed appears when you are ready for emotional release, and Nell’s death and spirit serve as the catalyst for inner healing, not only for herself but for her family. She offers her forgiveness, freeing her ghost and her loved ones from their guilt regarding her death. The Nine of Swords is like crossing over to the other side, leaving behind the deep unhappiness and self-loathing that once plagued your nights.

I loved you completely. And you loved me the same. That’s all. The rest is confetti.

Nell Crain, The Haunting of Hill House

What Does the Nine of Swords Reversed Mean in a Love Tarot Reading?

When you pull this reversed minor arcana card in your love tarot spread, it indicates that you are able to let go of painful past relationships and blossom in your budding romance. This can be a difficult process and may take some time, but the Nine of Swords reversed reminds us to practice love and forgiveness.

In romantic relationships, the Nine of Swords reversed encourages couples to open up about their issues with each other. Instead of suppressing or avoiding unresolved conflicts, confront them before they lead to further distress. There may be instances where trust has been broken – this card is a reminder for both individuals to foster an environment of understanding and communication in order for the relationship to survive.

The Nine of Swords reversed also suggests that you are taking the necessary steps towards healing from any past trauma or heartbreak.

What Does the Reversed Nine of Swords Mean in a Career Reading?

Past relationships with coworkers and bosses have burned you, but you’re willing to give your new workplace a chance. The Nine of Swords reversed card in a career reading means that you are open to embarking on a new journey and are ready to tackle any obstacles that come your way. It also signifies that any hostility or negative energy from past experiences has been released, allowing for fresh energy and motivation to flow into this new chapter.

Although it can be hard not to let anxiety take over when starting something new, the Nine of Swords reversed encourages us to look at the bigger picture. If we focus on our capabilities instead of worrying about potential setbacks, we may even find ourselves reaching success sooner than expected. This card is also a reminder to stay humble and put our faith in our abilities.

What Does the Reversed Nine of Swords Mean in a Health Reading?

In a health context, the reversed Swords tarot card meanings allude to a period of recovery where you have the opportunity to look after and nourish yourself. Once, you were at your breaking point, but now that is a distant memory. This card is associated with that feeling of relief when we finally come out from the darkness and experience a sense of stability.

After being in a difficult place, you can now appreciate simple pleasures such as taking walks in nature or engaging in light physical activity. If you’ve been struggling with mental health issues, it can be helpful to practice mindful breathing exercises or try art therapy activities – these are just some ways that may help restore your inner balance.

Pull the reversed Nine Swords from your tarot cards and know that things are looking up. This card encourages us to take one day at a time, replenish our energy stores, and find joy in the small moments that life offers us.

What Does The Nine of Swords Tarot Card Say about Timing in a Tarot Reading?

The four tarot Suits represent time in three ways. The Suit of Swords can represent the season of Autumn or a period of weeks. It can also refer to the days ruled by the air signs of Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius. Ask the Nine of Swords about timing, and the situation usually occurs after or during Gemini season or any period of nine weeks.

Is the Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning a Yes or a No?

The Nine of Swords is a “No” card.

Questions For the Nine of Swords Tarot Card

• What do my nightmares reveal about my fears and anxieties?
• How can I let go of past hurts and regrets?
• What lessons can I bring from my past relationships into my love life?
• Who can I turn to for support with my mental health problems?
• Which of my fears are based in reality, and which are not?

More Tarot Card Meanings

The Swords tarot cards represent the sphere of our minds, touching on our anxieties, mental blocks, and inner fortitude. Keep reading our articles to learn more about the four tarot suits and all things related to the spiritual realm.