Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings

Nine of Swords Upright Meaning

The Nine of this suit has a special resonance with the Middle Ages, because it figures the plight of a woman who is alone in the world, during the centuries when women had no personal rights, no ability to inherit property or use the law in their own defense. We generally see her sitting up in bed weeping, grieving and in fear of abandonment because of her vulnerability, wondering what will happen to her now that her protector (father, brother, husband, or son) is gone.

The swords above her head may indicate that the loss has come through some cruel conflict, the outcome of which has left her behind as chattel, the spoils of war. Really what we are looking at is the price of pride, which creates losers as a side effect of glorifying winners. The woman in the picture represents the concerns of the heart, the damage to the soul and to vulnerable ones, when the ego-mind becomes so invested in control and domination that it does not count the human costs. A sensitive, subtle, heartfelt approach to nature (the "feminine") is trampled and thrown aside in service to a "winner takes all" mentality.

Nine of Swords Reversed Meaning

When the Nine of Swords is reversed, it generally indicates an opportunity to wake up from a long dark period of depression and negativity. Some long dark period is becoming illuminated by optimism.

You are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a tremendous breakthrough, and it's a blessing when you turn negative thinking around -- with the power of renewed hope and optimism.

Nine of Swords Advice Position

The Nine of Swords in this position advises you to confront your fear of being alone and acknowledge the different limits you may have put on yourself because of that fear. In the name of being safe, you may have adhered to lower standards than you are capable of achieving. If so, then you may have resisted striking out on your own. Perhaps you have bargained away creativity and joy in order to avoid being challenged. These kinds of tradeoffs never work.

This could be a time to cut your losses. If so, recognize how much time and energy you have sacrificed to a way of being that's not right for you. If you can do this you will look back at this time in your life as a turning point. This may be an opportunity to heal as you shed a heavy burden that weighs you down.

Nine of Swords Love Position

The Nine of Swords in this position portrays a person suffering the lonely grief of abandonment or bereavement, and perhaps a sense of panic due to loss of power and position. Overcome with feelings of helplessness, he or she is beset with fear of what might happen next. But no matter what may have happened in current or past relationships, all meaning is not lost from life.

You can and will recover from setbacks. To do so, you must overcome pessimism. As you recover from misfortune, you will see the way clear before you. Give yourself time to explore your feelings, and you will awaken tomorrow with confidence in the future.

Nine of Swords Career Position

The Nine of Swords in this position points to a kind of tragic loss. Although it may not assault you directly, the emotional impact has an effect on the entire workplace. As you proceed, bear in mind how devastated everyone is. Objectivity and optimism have flown out the window.

Although you may share the shock and stunned disbelief of those around you, it is counter-productive to become enmeshed in it. You are no help to anyone if you give in to desperation and hopelessness. It is important to remember this while others are forgetting. The stability you have to offer at this difficult time will be long remembered.

Nine of Swords in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Nine of Swords is a card of sleeplessness and worry. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Nine of Swords, the answer is NO. Take a step back and regain a sense of composure before planning your next steps.