The Nine of Wands tarot card is the card for courage and persistence in the face of challenges.
Traditionally, this card shows a man tightly gripping a wand, looking off to the side. He looks suspicious and paranoid, and his head is wrapped in a bandage. Eight wands are stuck in the ground behind him, creating a fence or barrier.
When you’re feeling defensive and hurt, the Nine of Wands reminds you that you can handle anything if you summon your final reserves and stand for what you believe in.
This card can be a warning to watch your back. Without being paranoid, create strong boundaries and defenses to protect the things you’ve built.
You have learned many lessons recently. Be sure you actually implement what you’ve learned by changing your actions (and, if necessary, your words, thoughts, and beliefs).
Change is difficult, but necessary. You are definitely strong enough to handle this challenge.
Keywords for the Nine of Wands Tarot Card
- Courage, perseverance
- Defense, paranoia, boundaries
- Lessons learned through experience
- Protect what you’ve built
Keywords for the Nine of Wands Reversed
- Isolation ends
- Seek reinforcements
- Don’t be so defensive
Patterns and Correspondences of the Nine of Wands Card
- The Wands = rules the personality, ego, and personal power
- Suit of cards = clubs
- Timeline = days to weeks
- Number 9 = completion, wisdom attained
- Zodiac sign = Sagittarius
- Element = Fire
Keep reading for sample tarot readings using The Nine of Wands card, but first…
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Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings for Love
This is a lonely card. If it shows up in a love reading, take a step back. Get absolutely clear on the type of relationship you want to have and the type of person you want to be with.
If you are looking for a new relationship, don’t be discouraged by all the fuckboys and spambots you encounter. There is someone perfect for you, so don’t become one of the embittered and hopeless lonely people who build their walls so high they never find love. You must support your search with hope and determination.
Take care of yourself as you look for someone new. Enjoy the process, but also protect your heart. Don’t let yourself fall for the first person who shows you attention or seems like a perfect match. Take your time and put yourself first.
If you are struggling in your current relationship, make sure you aren’t pushing each other’s buttons on purpose. With courage, persistence, and maybe a bit of therapy, you’ll be able to come together again, even stronger than you were before.
Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings for Work
As you’ve experienced, not everyone is a joy to work with. Without getting paranoid or overly defensive, create strong boundaries for how you let other people treat you. Protect the work you do and treat all your output and assets as valuable.
You’ve learned many lessons through experience and this is the time to put those lessons into practice. You can handle this and more, so summon your courage and perseverance and get to work.
If you are feeling discouraged or disappointed, you are absolutely strong enough to get through this rough patch. This experience will make you stronger and teach you vital lessons you will need in the future.
Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings for Health
This card can represent a “wounded warrior,” which is not a good omen for health. If you have any lingering health issues, seek treatment for them now. This is not something you can put off any longer.
If you are struggling with maintaining good health habits, do not give up or give in to hopelessness. Build up your good health habits day by day, and you will see them pay off. It won’t happen as quickly as you’d like, but it will happen.
Make things as easy for yourself as possible by investing in quality tools, supportive friendships, and professional help. You’re worth it and those investments will make a difference in your success.
You’re so close to the finish line. No matter what obstacles are in your way, you can do this. Don’t give up now!
Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings for Money and Finances
This is not a good card when looking to make investments or big financial risks. Instead, defend and protect what you have.
Get good insurance and read your policies completely. Write an official will. Open all of your financial statements and ask questions until you completely understand what they say. Don’t let fear, overwhelm, or your ego get in the way of asking questions until you feel comfortable and confident with your financial situation.
If you are struggling financially, identify the habits and beliefs keeping you from earning, saving, and wisely using your money and your time. You have been learning these financial lessons through the school of hard knocks and it’s time to put the lessons into practice. Your financial situation won’t change until you make changes in your habits and behavior.
Making mistakes is how we all learn. It is your responsibility to take the lessons and change your behavior so you never make the same mistakes again.
Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings for Spiritual Guidance
This is a test of faith. Literally.
The Nine of Wands reminds you of your strength in the face of adversity. We all face challenges. Some of those challenges test the very core of who we are.
With courage, persistence, and compassion you will be able to address the obstacles standing in the way of your faith. You can handle anything, even this. Keep walking your path, even though it looks more like a mountain climb. You are building and strengthening your beliefs, values, and faith with every challenge you face and overcome.