The Nine of Swords is another Minor Arcana representing anxiety and fear. The picture on the card depicts a woman sitting on her bed, holding her head in her hands. She seems to have been woken up by a nightmare that has left her feeling scared and anxious. The nine swords that are horizontally hanging on the wall behind her, reflect feelings of guilt from the past actions and unpredictability of life. The base of the woman’s bed is engraved, where a man can be seen defeating another. The woman has wrapped her legs in a decorated quilt with symbols of roses and astrological signs on it that symbolizes the balance between passion and reason. The Nine of Swords is also called as the “Dark Knight of the Soul” because of the fears and worries associated with this card.
The Nine of Swords is a sign of pain, distress, and feelings of negativity. It represents the period when you are unable to cope up with the past and strive against the problems of the present. In general, you have reached at the end of the tunnel where you fail to see any hope for a brighter future and happy times.
The Upright Nine of Swords in your Tarot reading is a sign of unhappiness and stress. The appearance of this Minor Arcana indicates that you are feeling overwhelmed with the problems and worries that just don’t seem to end. The Nine of Swords highlights the darkness of the soul which is plagued by the negative thoughts rendering you incapable of constructive thinking. The card advises you to look at the brighter side of situations and stop being dragged into a cycle of negative emotions as this will help you understand that reality is different from what you have perceived in your mind. The Nine of Swords is an indication of nightmares or sleepless nights caused by the grief and guilt of not being able to do what you could have. The upright Nine of Swords in your reading is a sign that you need to take control of your anxiety and negative thoughts as these have a direct impact on your present and future life.
When reversed Nine of Swords turns up in your Tarot reading it means that you are struggling with the thoughts of negativity. You have reached a point where you are finding it difficult to look forward and think of good times. The reversed card speaks of fears which are intimidating your mind giving you a feeling of self-pity or hatred for not being able to fulfil your desires in the past. The Nine of Swords in reversed position points towards distress and self doubt. Alternatively, there is some light at the end of the tunnel that makes you inclined towards coping mechanisms and learning to overcome your fears.
In a love reading, the appearance of Nine of Swords indicates that your relationship might be going through a rough patch. This Minor Arcana card represents this time as a period of infidelity, negativity, and joylessness. You might be on the verge of separation or facing some mental anguish. This card reminds you to learn from the past and overcome the feelings of remorse and guilt. If you are single, it is a sign that now you should stop dwelling on the past and empower yourself for future beginnings.