The Nine of Swords tarot card is about anxiety, sleepless nights, and worry. Taken even further, it becomes about nightmares, isolation, and depression.
Traditionally, this card shows a woman sitting up in bed, with her hands covering her face. It’s the middle of the night and she is clearly upset. Nine swords are hung on the wall behind her.
There is nothing good or hopeful here, unfortunately.
Everyone feels the grief of the Nine of Swords at some time in their life, but most of us want to move past it as quickly as we can.
Sometimes we can get wrapped in a whirlpool of anxiety, regrets, and worry. The stress and guilt associated with rehashing past decisions and difficult situations can result in illness, mental suffering, and unhappiness.
Occasionally, this card indicates a hospital stay or rehab.
Keywords for the Nine of Swords Tarot Card
- Depression, fear, anxiety
- Nightmares, sleeplessness
- Illness, hospital stays
- Being too hard on yourself
Keywords for the Nine of Swords Reversed
- Rest and recovery, healing
- Time heals all wounds
- Severe depression, torment
Patterns and Correspondences of the Nine of Swords Card
- The Swords = rules the mental and intellectual world
- Suit of cards = spades
- Timeline = hours to days
- Number 9 = completion, wisdom attained
- Zodiac sign = Gemini
- Element = Air
Keep reading for sample tarot readings using The Nine of Swords card, but first…
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Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings for Love
None of the interpretations for this card are positive, unfortunately. In love, this card is about the hurtful words you wish you had left unsaid and the regret you feel afterward.
If you are having sleepless nights and anxiety because of your relationship, wake up and see the reality of your situation. Nothing will change until you make a decision and take action. Your first step is to look past your fears to see what actually is happening. It might not be as bad as you imagine!
And if it is, you have the strength and ability to change the situation. Quit stewing and start acting.
The Nine of Swords tarot card is a good indication that it’s time to seek help. Find a therapist for yourself and approach your partner about couple counseling you can do together. It’s an investment in making your relationship and your future stronger.
If you are looking for new love, stop being so hard on yourself for past mistakes. Leave your fears, anxiety, and worries behind you so you can start over.
You are exactly where you need to be right now. You are going to take the lessons from your past to help create a new healthy relationship. Start dreaming about how wonderful your future will be and leave your nightmares in the past.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings for Work
Your work situation is not good and things do not look like they will get better without massive change.
Step outside of your situation and get advice from a neutral, uninvolved third party. Your fear, regrets, and anxiety are clouding your judgment.
No matter what happens, worrying about it won’t make it change. Take care of yourself during these trying times and build something positive in at least one non-work-related area of your life (such as health, creative projects, or family relationships).
You can’t control everything, but you can control your mental state. Get help if you need it.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings for Health
It is time to seek help. Whenever you see the Nine of Swords, therapy is always a good idea.
Worrying ruins the present and doesn’t help the future. The anxiety, unhappiness, and emotional pain of your (physical or mental) situation is making things worse.
Stress leads to sleeplessness and isolation, which leads to anxiety, illness, and depression. You are too far down the rabbit hole to claw your way out on your own. Stop making things so difficult for yourself. Ask for help.
There is no shame in this. It requires strength and courage to do what you fear. Admitting you need help is a courageous act.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings for Money and Finances
You are swirling in a cesspool of worries, fear, and anxiety about money. To make matters worse, you are letting your past mistakes cloud your vision.
Things are different now, but you won’t be able to see the options you have until you step out of the past and forgive yourself (and anyone else involved).
Your deepest fears of bankruptcy, being homeless, or losing your job are actually all survivable events. (They’re awful events, for sure, but you will survive them).
You can’t control or even predict what will happen in the future. But you can control your attitude today. You have a choice to stay stuck in your fears, worries, and stress or you can choose to think new, positive thoughts.
Ask for help. Admit the truth. Be brave and courageous and don’t ever give up. You are much stronger than you think and change is just one thought away.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings for Spiritual Guidance
This card indicates you are in too much mental pain to connect clearly with your spiritual side. You have to move past the fear, anxieties, and helplessness of your situation so you can ask for help.
Prayer, whatever form works for you, is a wonderful antidote to isolation and fear.
No matter how alone you feel, you aren’t actually the only human being to have suffered in this way. And you always have the Universe (or God) on your side, even when you keep pushing help away.
Reaching out in prayer or meditation will give you perspective on your problems and will help you ask the right questions. These questions will lead you onto a new and brighter path.