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Don’t take this too hard, but the Nine of Swords Tarot card is one of the least encouraging omens of this suit. Mental anguish, nightmares, regrets, and mourning…the Nine of Swords Tarot card indicates that you are going through a time of great sorrows.
It can also indicate that the origin of that sadness lies in your mind. Expectations, negativity, paranoia, and emotional burdens aren’t letting you sleep – literally.
At this stage of your life, you might feel that you have exhausted all your resources, or that it’s time to give up. You may have reached a state of depression, with insomnia and feelings of isolation from others. The best solution is to ask for help and to take refuge in others in order to vent your sorrows.
As Tarot readers, it is essential to look at the other cards accompanying the Nine of Swords Tarot card, for these cards will point to tips or paths the querant can take to heal.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings:
Grieving, accidents, problems, anguish, sadness, depression…without a doubt, the appearance of the Nine of Swords Tarot card brings a powerful warning. Our querant needs support. As the suit of swords is connected to the world of ideas, imagination, and intelligence, in order to manage this difficult time, we need to look at the individual’s mental health.
Learning how to control your mind is the first step to emotional healing. Intrusive thoughts, fears, and phobias are what make up this existential nightmare. The Nine of Swords Tarot card tends to be related to the intangible world. Tell me what you think about yourself, and I will tell you how harshly you judge others.
The Nine of Swords Tarot Card in the Upright Position:

When the Nine of Swords Tarot card appears during a Tarot reading, we must recommend that our querant ask for help. Calming your mind, breathing, and tidying up your thoughts are all parts of the path to recovery. Analyzing your dreams (or nightmares) is also part of the message of this card.
Learn to trust the law of attraction and think positively, and the universe will conspire in your favor. Fill your mind with negative thoughts, focus on the bad, and hold on to criticism, and you will attract negativity or sadness to your life. Remember, you don’t have to look for “success.” You only have to learn from your mistakes. Brick by brick, we can build walls, but we can also build bridges.
An alternative reading of the Nine of Swords Tarot card in a reading is fear of the future. A person’s expectations can become so disproportionate that they end up shutting down their dreams in panic. Do not be so hard on yourself! You only live once.
The meaning of the Upright Nine of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
Your insecurities or those of your partner are weakening the relationship and your intimate life. Don’t jump to conclusions so quickly. Talk with your special someone about it, and you will be able to strengthen the bond between the two of you. For singles, before looking for answers in anyone’s arms, work on your self-esteem. You don’t need another disappointment right now.
Health
There are many medical disorders associated with anxiety and depression. There is little doubt that your body is somatizing the negative thoughts that overwhelm you. Headaches, fevers, backaches, and other symptoms are your body’s response to those feelings of being under attack.
Work
You need to start trusting your talent more. In that way, you can leave behind the grudges that have been stopping your professional growth. Without knowing it, your insecurities have put a ceiling on your talent. Not everyone is against you. Let go of all that negativity.
Money
When the Nine of Swords Tarot card appears in a money-related spread, the answer is quite obvious. The querant’s financial problems are overwhelming. Ask for help and avoid risky investments.
The Nine of Swords Tarot Card in the Reversed Position:

When the Nine of Swords Tarot card appears reversed in a reading, it implies that the level of anguish and despair of the querant can worsen. Their lack of motivation and hopelessness is becoming overwhelming. On the other hand, it could also indicate that anxiety is beginning to dissipate, and we can find a way to recovery.
Another possible interpretation of the reversed Nine of Swords Tarot card is that you are getting carried away by negative thinking. You might be choosing to see the glass half empty for comfort. Wait… Comfort? You might ask, “How can it be comfortable to feel like this?” Well, your thoughts are wired this way, and you are resisting change.
That is how you have become the architect of your own nightmares. You have created a world full of shadows and monsters that, in large part, live only inside your mind. To control your anxiety and emotional state, you must learn to control your mind and your breathing. Don’t let stress defeat you. There is always a way forward.
The meaning of the Reversed Nine of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
The relationship is starting to improve. Your sex life is coming back to life. Avoid thinking of your loved one with jealousy. That type of behavior has been hindering your communication.
Health
Your energy is returning, and you are beginning to give more importance to your physical well-being. Take up jogging, go back to the gym, dance! It’s time to shake that sadness with the best medicine: endorphins. Make your physical and mental well-being be your priority. Remember, we are social animals. It is not just about paying the bills.
Work
You are now ready to accept any proposal and position that appears. You have improved your ability to handle adversities and difficulties with your work team.
Money
It is not a good time for investments. Do not get carried away by your emotions when coming to money issues. Avoid mixing family and business. Take time to sleep on decisions related to all of your new projects.
The Nine of Swords In A Yes Or No Question:
Three is a perfect number, the number that sums up everything. The number 9 contains that number three times. That’s why it is related to a level of spiritual development, wisdom, and inner light. Setbacks, difficulties, and betrayals make us stronger. At this time, the Nine of Swords Tarot card may be signaling that you are going through a difficult time, but you will get ahead.
The initiatives, changes, and projects that you want to promote at this time may require a large sum of energy that you don’t have. It is time to work on your mood and to work on your relationships in order to make your way to happiness. Before you can take flight, you’ll have to resolve conflicts and tame your demons. Therefore, when the Nine of Swords Tarot card appears in a yes or no question, the answer is almost invariably: No.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Keywords:
Upright: Being overwhelmed, nightmares, concerns, despair, impotence, disability, submission, loneliness, blindness, anguish, depression, shame, paranoia, accidents, sleep disorders, suffering, separation, lies, deception.
Reversed: Fears confirmed, crying, sadness, prison, captivity, mental problems, suicidal thoughts, seeking counseling, ruin, recovery.
Nine of Swords Imagery and Symbolism:
In the Nine of Swords Tarot card design, we find a person sitting on a bed. The person has woken up from a dream, probably a nightmare, and covers his face with his hands. The room is dark, and on the background wall, nine swords are placed horizontally. The blanket has a chess design with roses and zodiac signs.
In this seemingly bleak image, there are several indications that things are about to improve. For example, the swords are not stuck in the man’s heart, as in the Three of Swords Tarot card. Instead, they are behind him. Symbolically speaking, they are in his past.
That is why we can say that what is causing him anguish and problems sleeping will not continue to torment him in the future unless he continues to hold on to resentment. The blanket symbols represent repressed desires. The roses indicate passions, love, and sexual fantasies. The signs of the zodiac stand for mysticism.
This is a card that indicates a bumpy ride towards recovery from emotional turmoil. Although difficult to handle, all problems have a solution. Some will require significant efforts to overcome them, and others will require us to let them go.
Important Card Combinations:
As we mentioned before, the Nine of Swords Tarot card is a representation of emotional problems and of anxieties that don’t let you sleep. It is essential to observe all the cards around as they could be pointing to accidents, deaths, convalescence, and frustrations that are challenging to overcome.
Nine of Swords combined with The High Priestess:
Listening to the advice of an older woman may be the medicine you need to calm your sorrows. Reason and wisdom help us to become fearless.
Learn more about The High Priestess.
Nine of Swords combined with The Star:
Meditation, faith, and searching for spiritual growth are the best alternatives you have if you are to overcome this difficult period of your life.
Learn more about The Star.
Nine of Swords combined with the Three of Swords:
You have reached a very high point of anguish and emotional stress. Don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Asking for help is a sign of courage.
Learn more about the Three of Swords.
Nine of Swords combined with The Chariot:
When the Nine of Swords Tarot card appears in combination with The Chariot you have to accept your past and let go of all your grudges in order to move on.
Learn more about The Chariot.
Rider-Waite images used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems.