The Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Nine swords are tightly arranged horizontally across the image, with their points directed to the right side. A woman dressed in a white nightgown sits up in bed, her face buried in her hands as she weeps. These swords cross over the woman, with the lower ones piercing through her upper body. The third sword from the bottom grazes the top of her head. The second sword from the bottom pierces her neck. The first sword from the bottom hits the heart area. These swords, piercing through the head and heart and passing overhead, cause her to wake up in a painful headache.
The lower half of the woman's body is covered with a quilt, which features a checkered pattern in yellow and green. The yellow squares have red patterns, while the blue squares contain astrological symbols for the twelve zodiac signs and the ten major planets. The arrangement of these astrological symbols is disordered and chaotic, with many repetitions and none of them complete.
(As arranged on the pattern)
Mars Taurus Cancer
Pisces Gemini Leo
Virgo Scorpio Moon
Capricorn Aries Saturn
Sagittarius Leo Mars
Mercury Sun Gemini
Libra Capricorn Pisces Taurus
The woman cannot sleep, as indicated by the flat bed surface, suggesting she has not been lying down for long. She cries with her face covered, as if she has suffered a great injustice, with sorrow welling up from within.
On the side of the bed frame, there is a peculiar scene depicting a story of violence, where the man on the right is bullying the woman on the left, causing her to lie on the ground. This can be said to be the story of her persecution, the psychological root of her dream, and since this part is not covered by the quilt, it can be explored.
The entire background is a black space, with dark walls or corners, reflecting the deep-seated fears within the mind.
Swords Above the Figure
The nine swords that hang above the figure represent the weight of mental anguish, fears, and worries. These are the tormenting thoughts that keep one awake at night, contributing to a sense of dread and hopelessness.
Seated Figure
The seated figure, with hands over face, manifests the emotional and mental pain that is being experienced. This is not merely an external struggle but one that deeply affects the psyche. The posture suggests a lack of hope or a perception of inescapable anguish.
Dark Background
The dark and heavy background adds to the overall atmosphere of despair and sorrow. It is a representation of the oppressive emotional landscape that the figure inhabits, lacking in light, relief, or comfort.
Quilt with Astrological Symbols
The quilt that adorns the bed is embellished with astrological symbols, pointing to the cosmic and fateful dimensions of human suffering. The quilt suggests that sometimes our worries and fears are tied to larger existential questions that may be beyond our control.
Engraving on the Bed
The engraving on the side of the bed serves as a reminder of the long-standing patterns, perhaps even ancestral or karmic influences, that may be contributing to the present state of mental anguish. These engravings can be seen as a coded language, pointing to the deeper, unconscious drivers of one’s suffering which may not be easily deciphered.
Keywords
Anxiety, Worry, Dread, Mental Torment, Nightmares
General Overview
The Nine of Swords is a somber card indeed, one that evokes mental anguish, dread, and the darker recesses of the human psyche. It is the embodiment of sleepless nights, intrusive thoughts, and the fears that you hesitate to even acknowledge. It suggests a period in which you are unable to escape from the clutches of your own mind, with anxieties and worries that appear larger than life.
However, it must also be remembered that swords are the suit of the mind, and oftentimes, the fears that assail you may not have as much basis in reality as you think. The Nine of Swords can signify a struggle that is largely mental, perhaps even to the point of being disproportionately so when compared to the actual problems you face.
Nevertheless, the card indicates a challenging period that calls for immediate introspection and possibly, professional consultation. Ignoring these troubling thoughts will not make them go away; confronting them might offer a glimmer of relief.
Work
Work Situation
Your current job makes you feel depressed and hopeless, with no hope in sight and a feeling of complete helplessness. At this time, it seems you can only be at the mercy of others.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
At this point, you can only try to delay time to prevent the problem from erupting too quickly, and see if there is any way to cover it up. In fact, you are not capable of solving it.
Workplace Relationships
The interpersonal relationships in this job are very troublesome for you, and you don't know who can be trusted. You feel very painful in this place full of deceit.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
This boss is ruthless to everyone, and he just watches coldly the struggles between colleagues, so there is no need to think about any special ways to please him.
Job Prospects
Continuing in this job will only make you more disappointed, and there is no possibility of improvement. So it's better to find an opportunity to leave quickly, which will be better for you.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
Your fortune in job hunting is still very poor. Even if you really change jobs, it's just jumping from one hell to another. It's better to let go and work more easily.
Love
Love Situation
This is a relationship without a future, and it causes great psychological pressure on both sides. There are too many problems, most of which are insurmountable.
Possibility of New Romance
For you, it's impossible to have a new love now, because you are already completely desperate about love, and naturally there won't be a suitable new partner.
View on This Relationship
This relationship is like a nightmare for you, worrying and fearing all the time, even feeling that you might go crazy at any moment, under great mental pressure.
Sexual Attraction
There is no sexual attraction between the two people, and you may even be afraid of sex life. If you can't break through the obstacles in your heart, this will always be a problem.
How to Resolve Arguments
At this time, the problem is not something that can be solved by the efforts of two people, and there is no hope for improvement. Maybe waiting is the only way for you.
Possibility of a Breakup
Now the relationship between the two people is completely stuck. If you want to separate immediately, you can't. At this time, the only way is to avoid meeting first, and then talk about it at the right time.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship is completely impossible to reconcile. Even you have been scared by this relationship, and you can't trust anyone, which hinders your future new feelings.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Due to the experience of being hurt by friends before, you are completely desperate about friendship and can't believe anyone anymore. Therefore, it's hard to make new close friends.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
This misunderstanding is not something you can resolve alone. The other party also needs to be willing to resolve it. At this time, you can only wait for changes slowly. It's no use being anxious.
Family
Family Situation
Now there is a major problem in the family, and there is no sign of improvement. At this time, you should be patient and don't panic.
Relationship with Elders
The elders have many expectations for you, which makes you feel a lot of psychological pressure. You often feel that you can't meet their standards and feel depressed.
Relationship with Peers
You don't have friends among your peers and always go alone. Even if you want to ask for help from others, it's impossible, and you won't even regard them as your relatives.
Relationship with Juniors
You are very worried about the situation of the juniors. Even if you are very attentive, you still feel that you can't teach them, and you don't know where the problem is, and you are completely helpless.
Academics
Academic Situation
The problem of academics causes you a lot of psychological pressure, but you can't find a way to solve it. At this time, if you talk to a tutor, it should be helpful.
Learning Methods
At this time, you should adjust your learning attitude and don't always deny your own efforts. If you can't face the reality, it's hard to see the results of learning.
Relationship with Teachers
Basically, you are very afraid of this teacher, so it's best to complete what he asks on time. As long as you can be careful not to make mistakes, you don't have to be so afraid.
Relationship with Classmates
You are not confident about your performance in academics, which also affects your mood to make friends. In fact, everyone has their own characteristics, so you don't have to worry so much.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation is very poor, and you don't try to solve it, so it gets worse and worse, making your financial situation deteriorate rapidly, and you are even deliberately evading the problem.
Investment Situation
Your current investment situation is very bad, and there is no chance to turn around in the short term. If you still have spare money, you might as well put it aside, or you can cut your losses and get out.
Purchasing Strategy
If you make a purchase at this time, you may encounter a liar, so you need to ask about all the details, or wait a while before considering this purchase.
Keywords
Recovery, Release, End of Isolation, Light at the End of the Tunnel, Easing Anxiety
General Overview
In its reversed position, the Nine of Swords indicates a lessening of mental burden and distress. If upright the card represents a mind in turmoil, reversed it suggests you are finding ways to manage or confront these issues. This doesn’t imply that all problems have been solved, but it does indicate a significant shift in perspective—one where you recognize that worry alone solves nothing.
It can also signify the end of a period of intense anxiety, stress, or nightmares. You may be emerging from a phase where your mind was your worst enemy. Through reflection or even external assistance, you’ve come to understand that your fears often outsize the reality of the situation.
The card, however, serves as a reminder that the road to full recovery is usually long. There might be lingering doubts and residual fears. Ignoring these remaining issues can be perilous, and taking proactive steps to continue your journey toward mental well-being is advised.
Work
Work Situation
Every day at work is spent in worry and fear, and when problems arise, you can only take one step at a time. No matter how hard you try, you can't solve the problems completely.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
At this time, you should let go of all speculation and return to the problem itself to solve it. If you fall into your own fear, you will miss the opportunity to solve the problem.
Workplace Relationships
There is no one to trust in your work, and you should not believe anyone. If you are not careful enough, you may bring a lot of trouble to yourself.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your boss is very suspicious and does not trust his subordinates at all. You should report all work progress and speak less to avoid trouble.
Job Prospects
There is no further development opportunity for this job in the future. Instead, it will be frozen and unable to perform, but you are forced to bear disproportionate responsibilities.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
At this time, you are still afraid of work and are not suitable for finding a new job. Maybe you can find a good opportunity when your mood is calmer.
Love
Love Situation
Both of you are suspicious of each other in the relationship, but you are unwilling to face the reality. You often argue for non-existent problems, so it is also a completely unsolvable state.
Possibility of New Romance
There is no possibility of new love now, because you are still afraid of love and cannot view the other party objectively. Naturally, you cannot find a suitable partner.
View on This Relationship
You want to end this relationship quickly, but you have to drag on due to various factors. If you continue to maintain this relationship, it will cause great harm to both parties.
Sexual Attraction
There is no sexual attraction in this relationship, which will cause sexual life discord between each other, and even make you suspect whether the other party has an affair.
How to Resolve Arguments
At this time, you should bravely put forward your own views instead of being led by the other party. If you are persistent enough, you may be able to solve the problem.
Possibility of a Breakup
At this time, you can take the initiative to break up, but it may not be responded immediately. You should continue to track and work hard until the other party agrees to break up.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship cannot be reconciled. Even if any party tries hard, it will not have any effect. At this time, giving up is the best choice. Don't think about going back.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are a bit afraid of making friends and have a strong psychological barrier. You build a heavy psychological defense and often prefer to be alone rather than go out with friends.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
At this time, you should first see where the problem is and don't be afraid to conflict with the other party. Sometimes there is no absolute standard for right or wrong, depending on how you interpret it.
Family
Family Situation
Now the family is in a predicament, and most people are worried and afraid. At this time, you should calm down first and find the real reason for the problem.
Relationship with Elders
Due to your past performance, the elders cannot trust you. You should reform and work hard to be a new person. Maybe one day the relationship will start to improve.
Relationship with Peers
You have a strong defensiveness in your relationship with peers and often cannot believe others. Under this situation, it is naturally difficult to cultivate close feelings.
Relationship with Juniors
Juniors are often a source of your troubles, possibly due to learning or health issues that make you exhausted, but your efforts may not be effective.
Academics
Academic Situation
You often don't want to go to school and may have a deep fear of learning. At this time, you should face these things bravely and strive to break through your psychological barriers.
Learning Methods
At this time, you should relax and not let emotions affect your learning situation. As long as you can keep rational and study hard, you will see results soon.
Relationship with Teachers
You often don't trust teachers and it's hard to learn from them. If you can't transfer and leave his sight, keeping a distance may be a better method.
Relationship with Classmates
You are very shy among classmates and rarely take the initiative to interact with others, so it's difficult to make new friends. However, this will not affect your learning situation.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation is very troubling, but there is no way out. At this time, you should re-evaluate and see your financial situation clearly to find a solution.
Investment Situation
It's better not to make any new investments now. Saving money is more realistic. If you have already made losing investments, don't hold too much expectation.
Purchasing Strategy
Be especially careful with purchases at this time. Don't pay before you understand the situation. You must ask all the details before you can make a transaction.