reaching conclusions
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Tarot Alley uses the Rider Waite type of deck for our meanings, symbols, interpretations, etc.
When determining the Nine of Swords tarot card meaning, you should consider that it’s a Swords card and a Nine. The Suit of Swords represents knowledge and intellect. Nines represent fullness and readiness.
In this way, we can determine that the Nine of Swords represents a ready knowledge, or to put it better, reaching conclusions.
The Nine of Swords is often considered to be a terrible and negative card. But I disagree, I think the Nine of Swords is a card of endurance. It suggests that you’ll deal with whatever is happening and move on from it. Doesn’t sound so terrible, right?!
Take a look at the Rider-Waite Nine of Swords displayed to the left (or above).
What is your first impression?
Who is this person? What is happening here? Why?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, just your interpretation.
Astrology: Mars in Gemini
Element: Air
Numerology: 9 (attainment, fullness, readiness)
Common Symbols
- A Sword Rack: to represent negative thoughts hanging overhead
- A Distraught Figure: to represent feeling your feelings
Keywords & Concepts
- Conclusion
- Distraught
- Remorse
- Worry
The Nine of Swords for Personal Growth
Affirmation: I do not worry about what I cannot control.
You only have so much energy to get through the day, why waste it worrying? What happens, happens. Your worry will not change anything.
Easier said than done, I know. But part of your personal growth and maturity must be learning to let go of unreasonable worries and unhealthy obsessions. You need to learn to be happy with what you have, right here and right now.
Ask Yourself:
- What role does worry play in your current situation?
- How can you know when it’s time to stop thinking and start acting?
Interpreting the Nine of Swords
Generally, the Nine of Swords represents reaching conclusions. I don’t wanna sugar coat things for you, it’s not going to be easy. You are going to feel all the terrible things: anxiety, worry, distraught, fear, nightmares, regret, etc. It’s going to be okay though. You can’t get through life without these feelings.
The Nine of Swords is a sign of processing these feelings. You are going to feel them, deal with them, and then move on from them.
You are going to start refusing to worry about things outside your control. You are going to reject anxiety. You are going to judge yourself gently and kindly. You are going to confront your fears and nightmares.
How? You’re going to reach the necessary conclusions that will help you resolve these issues.
Tip: Now’s a great time to give meditation a try.
The Reversed Nine of Swords
How you read reversals is a personal choice. You can ignore reversals and read them as if the card is upright (this is what I often choose to do) or you can interpret reversals as variations of what they would mean upright. There are 3 common ways to read reversals: as a negative interpretation, as an opposite interpretation, or as a block on the upright interpretation. Check out How to Read Reversals for more information.
Typically, a reversed Nine of Swords represents dwelling in negativity. The Upright Nine of Swords contains some negative energy, but ultimately is about moving past that. The reversed card is about you moving in and making a home with your negative feelings. Some examples include:
- Depression
- Torturing yourself with regrets
- Second-guessing every decision you make
- Beating yourself up over every mistake
- Obsessing over every little error
- Dwelling on the past and missing the present
- Endlessly debating irreversible decisions
Examples of the Nine of Swords
Specific Interpretations
Specific situations are the general interpretation (from above) used for a specific situation (love, career, etc). There is no need to memorize these (or even look them up) if you understand the general interpretation. However, here are some basic interpretations for some specific situations:
Romantically
The past is the past and for the most part, you need to leave it there. Don’t allow your past relationships or mistakes to ruin your present.
Professionally
Blame and responsibility are two separate things. You can accept responsibility – or place responsibility on another’s shoulders – without blaming. Use mistakes and errors as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve rather than as a means of blame and negativity.
Spiritually
Nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has regrets. What’s important is how you handle and grow from them. Use your regrets, mistakes, and imperfections to improve your empathy for others.
the Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Nine of Swords tarot card meaning is all about reaching conclusions. Feel your feelings but don’t let them consume you. Learn how to accept and move on.
Once you feel comfortable with the Nine of Swords tarot card meaning, check out the next card in the tarot deck: the Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meaning.
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