Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords presents a harrowing scene of a person gripped by nightmares and despair. The figure sits upright in bed, hands clutching their head in a gesture of overwhelming anxiety or grief. Above them, the swords hang like oppressive thoughts or fears that loom in the darkness, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread. The swirling shadows and the haunting figures of skulls around the person suggest the inescapable nature of their worries or guilt. In the foreground, red roses bloom, symbols of divine care even amidst suffering. The astrological symbols in the forefront remind us to seek understanding of the deeper laws of the universe during such adverse times, and to try to find some meaning or lesson amidst the difficulties. This card embodies the darkest hours before dawn, where the mind is plagued by fears, real or imagined, and peace seems distant.

General Meaning

Worry, Fear, Internal struggles, Trauma

The Nine of Swords typically draws attention to internal conflicts and mental anguish, highlighting how often our own thoughts provide the greatest barriers. The card advises maintaining faith during these troubled times and trusting in the forces that support us unseen.

Love

Emotional stress, Regret, Doubt, Confrontation
Confront the fears and worries within the relationship, and ease our conscience.

Career

Workplace pressure, Stress, Fear of failure
From a career perspective, this card points to workplace stress and performance-related anxiety, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to self-reflection and mental balance.

Reversed Nine of Swords

Fears, Self-esteem issues, Inner trauma
While in its upright position, the card mainly deals with our reactions to the external world, reversed, the Nine of Swords can indicate inner trauma, self-esteem issues, and warns that healing requires introspection, possibly seeking external help.