Tarot Reading

Minor Arcana » Tarot Swords » Nine of Swords

Tarot Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords
The Lord of Despair and Cruelty
Numerical Value: 9

Key Words for Tarot card - Nine of Swords

• Stress
• Misfortune
• Despair
• Intense anxiety
• Concern
• Between a rock and a hard place
• Hopelessness
• Worry
• Nightmares
• Depression

It makes sense that the figure on the Tarot Nine of Swords is in bed because it is during the night that our regrets and all the anguish come to our mind most intensely. The quiet darkness slowly strips away the distractions of the day, leaving us all alone with our thoughts. Who has not lain awake at 4 A.M. filled with worries that refuse to go away? The Nine of Swords represents this lurking unhappiness which can strike us at any time.

Quite unlike the pain caused by the three of swords which seems to come from without, the Nine of Swords represents the pain that we generate from within. What tortures we put ourselves through when our fears and doubts overwhelm us. Worry is probably the most common. Have I done enough? Will everything work out OK? What am I going to do? The thoughts go round and round - impossible to turn off.

Guilt is another major source of pain. When we have done something that makes us feel hurtful or wrong - or failed to do something we think we should have - the distress can be very real. It is worse when nothing we do relieves the bad feelings or makes them go away. Finally, there is just pure anguish that remains.. Sometimes the pain of life is so total and heavy that all we feel like doing is crying into our own hands.

Needless to say, the nine of swords is not the most pleasant of cards, but it does not always indicate major distress. Often it is just a sign of some element of trouble or unhappiness - a vulnerable spot in your life. This card is often a warning from your Inner Soul Guide that the path you are going down may be a cumbersome or a difficult one. If you approach the Nine of Swords in this flow of spirit - as a caution sign - you will be able to use it quite constructively. Examine your situation carefully to be sure you are making the best choices. Even a small change can make all the difference you need at this hour.