Tarot Card Symbolism" The Nine of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Nine of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the ninth card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Eight of Swords. It is the embodiment of depression, suffering, and disappointment.

The Symbolism of the Nine of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a figure who is sitting up in bed, with his face buried in his hands. He has obviously just awakened, apparently because of a nightmare or disturbance. Whatever this disturbance was, it has obviously brought about some kind of mental or emotional pain to the figure in the bed.

Nine swords are suspended above the bed, all facing lengthwise. How they remain up there is a mystery.

The General Interpretation of the Nine of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies deception and cruelty on some level. Its exact interpretation depends greatly on its position within the spread. It could mean that the individual is suffering from great depression, perhaps as a result of the current situation. It could also mean that the individual who drew the Nine of Swords inflicted cruelty upon someone else.

In other interpretations, this card can also represent violence, loss, or scandal. If this is the case, the reaction of the individual involved to the situation described by this card is almost always one of severe hurt and depression. This is not a positive card.

The Inner Meaning of the Nine of Swords in Tarot

The Nine of Swords is the image of difficulty and fear. The swords hanging above the figure in this card represent this fear, which can be completely paralyzing. The swords can also mean that it is possible for the individual to cut themselves through their own difficulties. So, this card does carry at least the prospect of a positive outcome, if the individual has the courage to just try to solve their own problems. However, it is unlikely that help will be forthcoming. The individual is on their own.

The Nine of Swords is also the card of the martyr. But from the sacrifice of the martyr, from all the suffering that this card brings, new life does eventually spring. So, in some way, this is indeed a card of great hope. This card can also be indicative of nightmares or premonitions. These are rarely positive in nature, but they should be heeded, for they are likely to bring powerful warnings.

The Ten of Swords follows this card.