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Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Nine of Swords tarot card represents a feeling of hopelessness, despair, anxiety, and fear associated with a nightmarish situation. Hence, it is not a great card to receive in a tarot reading. However, it is a message from the universe that life as a whole is not bad. This depressing situation is only a phase that will soon pass, and you will get all you deserve the way bright sunshine appears after a dark night. 

The only thing that you should do is not let your negative emotions rule your mind. Moreover, the 9 of Swords tarot card has several other meanings for various life situations. Let us decode what the divine wants to communicate through this card to make your life better in our detailed 9 of Swords tarot guide. 

The Nine of Swords Key Facts 

Below are some crucial facts and terms related to the Nine of Swords tarot card. 

Nine of Swords Upright Meaning: Extreme unhappiness, terror, anxiety, fear, unable to cope with life’s challenges, negativity, on the verge of breaking, regret, remorse, guilt, remorse, someone people gossip about, focus on the past, isolation, insomnia, migraines, hormonal changes, making a big fuss over a trifle, and panic 

Nine of Swords Reversed Meaning: Improvement, recovery, leaving behind negativity and stress, coping abilities, learning to face the challenges of life, accepting assistance, opening up, deep-rooted fears, mental health problems, extreme shame/regret/remorse/guilt, inner conflict, scandal, malicious gossips, nightmares, hallucinations, complete breakdown, giving up, increasing depression/fear/problems, and self-pity 


Yes or No No
Element Air
Numerology 9
Planet Mercury
Zodiac Sign Gemini
nine of swords tarot card

Nine of Swords Description 

The 9 of Swords tarot card illustrates a woman sitting on her bed with her hands clasping her face. It appears that she woke from a nightmare. The wall in the background has nine vertically arranged swords, representing the heavy weight of her negative thoughts. 

When we look closely at the man, she seems to be crying, covering her face with her hands. Moreover, her shoulders are bent downward. Furthermore, the bed on which the woman is sitting has a picture carved on it. This image shows a woman being conquered in a battle. 

When we look at the man’s quilt, we see numerological symbols, astrological signs, and roses. It feels like the woman in the last card, i.e., Eight of Swords, escaped from the prison she was in. However, the pain of abandonment and isolation still haunts her in her dreams. 

All in all, you may be engrossed in negative thinking and depression if the Nine of Swords tarot card appears in your reading. Through this card, the universe urges you to stop allowing your negative thoughts to overwhelm you. It is your negative mindset that makes you tense and anxious. Once you stop worrying about what is not working, all your anxiety and fears will vanish. 

Nine of Swords Meaning (Upright)

Have you lost sleep over something? If yes, there is no doubt you received an upright 9 of Swords in your reading. This card appears when negative thoughts and stressful feelings weigh you down and keep you wide awake the whole night. 

However, you are making a mountain out of a molehill. The situation is not as problematic as you perceive it to be. You are worrying about it too much and letting your negative thoughts eat away at your peace. 

The 9 of Swords tarot guides you to refrain from obsessing about what is not going in your favor. Once you stop this obsession with what is not working, you will no longer feel anxious. 

Moreover, you should stop associating yourself with your fears. The more you connect with your fears, the more they control you. The way this card has nine swords arranged one after the other, one negative thought leads to another, and this cycle of negativity never breaks. Hence, the upright Nine of Swords tarot card suggests you should think positively. 

Furthermore, when you let your fears and anxiety control your thoughts and think about the worst possible situation, you unknowingly act in ways that lead to the worst-case scenario. For example, when you keep telling yourself that you will fail an exam, the fear of failing will not let you prepare well for it, ultimately leading to a negative result. 

nine of swords tarot card upright

Hence, the upright Nine of Swords meaning here is to break this loop of negativity. The divine is telling you to replace your negative thoughts with positive hopes. 

Are you an overthinker who stares at the stars, imagining all the things that can go wrong in your life? If yes, this card is here to tell you that you should understand that all the negativity is only in your head. The situation is not as bad as you are making it with your thoughts. 

Through the 9 of Swords tarot card, the universe wants you to look at the situation from a fresh perspective. You should shift your focus from finding what is not working in your favor to the positive aspects of the scenario. 

Moreover, the card suggests you should not shy away from seeking help to make your way out of this tough situation. Viewing the situation from the eyes of a third party will help you erase negative thoughts from your mind. They will help you keep your hopes alive for a better future and find a solution to your problems. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationship (Upright)

Anxiety is on the cards for those in a relationship and receiving an upright 9 of Swords in their reading. Having an astrological connection with the planet Mars in the zodiac Gemini, this card has a strong, aggressive, sharp, angry, restless, and cerebral energy. 

When these energies combine together, you may experience overthinking and a lack of analytical abilities. Moreover, the universe suggests you should think carefully before speaking, otherwise, you may end up hurting your partner. Please remember that, like we cannot take back a bullet once fired, you cannot take back the words once spoken, and nothing hurts more than harsh words from someone you love. 

Moreover, the upright 9 of Swords tarot guides you to take a short break from the relationship to deal with your anxiety instead of taking the frustration out on your partner. You should pause for a while and ask yourself why you are so anxious, do you need a mental health professional’s help to overcome your issues, do you have insecurities or abandonment problems dating back to your childhood, and is your partner the reason you feel anxious? 

Furthermore, the card indicates that thinking about the future can also make you anxious. You may be thinking too much about the future if your relationship is not abusive. However, an unhealthy relationship can lead to anxiety too. Therefore, if you constantly feel anxious, kindly ask yourself whether or not your relationship is healthy. A healthy relationship brings happiness to your heart, not anxiety. 

On the contrary, if it is your partner who suffers from constant anxiety, harming your relationship, the Nine of Swords tarot card suggests you should be compassionate and supportive. You should try to calm their minds. Moreover, you should not hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional or counselor if the problems are too difficult to deal with. 

For those in a new relationship, the card suggests not pressuring yourself too much. Moreover, you should remember that no human being or relationship is perfect. You and your partner should not expect each other to be perfect. Instead of overthinking and obsessing about perfection, you should focus on complementing each other. You may have the qualities they lack, and they may have the characteristics you lack, creating a balance between your traits. 

Furthermore, the upright 9 of Swords love tarot spread shows the need for peace and patience if you are thinking about a potential relationship. You should stay calm and compassionate toward your partner and yourself. Additionally, you should not rush your partner to take your relationship to the next level if they are still struggling to get over a painful breakup or divorce. 

Moreover, you should not pressurize yourself to take the relationship further if you feel so much is wrong with your partner. Please do not try to stay only because you are tired of or fear staying single. No relationship on Earth is worth more than your inner peace. 

For those in separation from their partner, the upright Nine of Swords tarot card shows a lot of anxiety. You and your partner may be extremely anxious about the separation. The divine suggests seeking a professional’s help if you feel codependency, abandonment, or attachment problems affect your relationship. 

Moreover, you should not imagine the worst situations if you are separated from your partner due to distance. Think positively to keep your relationship healthy. 

For those looking for reconciliation with their ex-partner, the 9 of Swords tarot is a bearer of good news. Your partner is anxious due to your broken relationship. They are willing to reconcile with you. However, both of you should approach this reconciliation with a clear, calm, and peaceful mindset. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Career (Upright)

The upright 9 of Swords tarot card indicates that you may be extremely dissatisfied with your current job. Your job is putting too much pressure on you. The workplace responsibilities and stress have overburdened you and led you to the point of breaking. 

However, the card shows that extreme fear and worry may be blocking your view and preventing you from seeing things clearly. The situation at your workplace is not as terrible as you assume it to be. Too much worry and stress are making the situation worse for you. 

Irrespective of the situation, too much stress is taking a toll on you. If you continue to work this way, you will soon experience burnout. Hence, you should take appropriate action if all this stress is a result of factors that are not in your control, such as your boss’s high temper or a boring workplace environment. In such situations, you can choose to switch jobs or change your career path. 

If mental health issues and anxiety are a reason for your stress, the 9 of Swords tarot guides you to keep a positive attitude. You can consult a professional advisor or trusted friend to bring positive changes to your thinking and help you view the situation objectively. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Health (Upright)

Healthwise, the upright card of 9 of Swords is not a favorable sign. It indicates mental health problems, migraines, insomnia/sleep deprivation, and anxiety disorders. You may find it difficult to manage your anxiety and stress. However, you should not try unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol. The divine urges you to cope with your issues in healthy ways. 

Moreover, the 9 of Swords meaning also reflects menopause or hormone issues. You should get yourself checked if you are experiencing any related symptoms. Furthermore, the card bears negative news for those trying to conceive. It indicates a miscarriage, inability to conceive, and unwanted pregnancy. 

Furthermore, the card urges you to take expert help if you experience constant sleep deprivation, obsessive actions/thoughts, and cannot live without worrying about the worst situations. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Finance (Upright)

As far as finance is concerned, the 9 of Swords tarot card shows extreme anxiety and tension. Your financial problems may be leaving you extremely worried. However, it appears that you are exaggerating the situation. Your financial condition is not as poor as you think it to be. 

The card suggests you should take a closer look at the situation’s reality. Looking at the situation closely will make you realize that either these problems do not matter much or they are solvable. 

Moreover, since you overthink the situation and make it worse, the Nine of Swords tarot card advises you to consult an outsider. Their opinion will help you make sense of your situation and think positively about it. 

Furthermore, you should see the glass half full, i.e., focus on what you have instead of dwelling on what you do not have. Additionally, you should take steps to make your finances better instead of fussing about your condition. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Upright)

Spiritually, the 9 of Swords tarot card shows that stress and anxiety is making you feel overwhelmed, disconnected with spirituality, and ungrounded. You should try meditation, grounding exercises, or Reiki healing to reconnect with spirituality and regain your balance. 

Nine of Swords Meaning (Reversed)

Contrary to the upright card, a reversed 9 of Swords is generally a positive omen. It indicates that you have sailed through the storms and overcome a period of depression, anxiety, and worry. 

Finally, you have realized that your situation is not as horrible as your overthinking and negative attitude made it. You are now feeling calm, relaxed, and not terrified about your situation. Moreover, you are ready to seek assistance from others to help you cope with mental health issues, depression, and other problems. 

However, the reversed Nine of Swords tarot card meaning can also be your negative mindset throwing you into deep emotional turmoil. Much like the upright card, the reversed card hints at your depression and anxiety, making the situation worse than reality. 

It appears that you are at the lowest point of your life. Anxiety and stress have taken complete control of you. There seems to be no way out of this loop of suffering and pain. However, the Sun is coming up after this dark night. You should keep your hopes high. 

Moreover, the reversed 9 of Swords tarot guides you to be aware of scandals or rumors floating around about you. Furthermore, this card can also mean nightmares, hallucinations, and psychosis. Old trauma may resurface, increasing your tension and anxiety. 

nine of swords tarot card reversed

However, like nightmares end when the hopeful rays of the Sun arrive, this agony will also end. All you have to do is prevent yourself from sinking into this forlorn state. The only way out of this situation is to move forward. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationship (Reversed)

The reversed Nine of Swords tarot card arrives as a ray of hope after a stressful situation in a relationship. You are no longer letting your anxiety block your relationship’s progress. The card shows that you may be healing from a traumatic past relationship incident, or may have realized that the things elevating your anxiety do not matter much. 

You no longer have sleepless nights trying to find your peace through others. The card indicates that you have finally realized that, just as the way the Sun is its own source of light, you are the only source of your peace of mind. You cannot depend on others to live a peaceful life. 

However, you have also realized why it is vital to balance being self-dependent and seeking help from others. You know that inner tranquility comes from within. But now you are not declining help and are open to receiving it from your partner. 

Moreover, the reversed 9 of Swords love tarot card spread denotes that the truth may come to light for those in an existing relationship. The time has come for dishonesty or infidelity to come out in the open. Either you will confess to having cheated on your partner, or you will discover your partner is deceiving you. 

Furthermore, the card also reflects no longer worrying about little things that will not impact your relationship in the long run. You have finally realized that false assumptions were taking a toll on your relationship and mental health. Your partner and you are not letting your relationship go for a toss due to your fears and insecurities. Both of you have now realized the importance of honesty and open communication. 

If your relationship is new, the reversed Nine of Swords tarot card meaning is leaving behind inhibitions. You and your partner may be too anxious about the relationship’s future. Hence, this card guides you to leave all your worries to the universe. You should follow practices like journaling to release your anxieties and inspire your partner to try the same. It will help you solve the problems and bridge the gap between you and your partner. 

For those taking a reading to know the outcome of a potential relationship, this card reflects picking their battles. You continue to stay in this relationship despite seeing many red flags. The card shows that you already know where this connection will lead you. Still, you choose to remain with this person. The universe suggests you give utmost importance to your peace in all situations. 

Moreover, the reversed 9 of Swords tarot card shows that you will no longer worry about things beyond your control if you are separated from your partner. Now you are more focused on the present than worrying about the future. Furthermore, your ex-partner will not let your memories affect them if you wish to reconcile with them. They are determined to move on. 

However, there is hope for reconciliation with your ex-partner if you succeed in convincing them that the relationship will bring them peace and not anxiety. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Career (Reversed)

The reversed 9 of Swords indicates a change in your current professional situation. Things can change for the better or worse. The card shows that you have discovered a way to move past your problems and realized that your situation is better than what you thought it would be. 

Alternatively, the Nine of Swords tarot card in its reversed form shows that the stress is making you call it quits with your job or business. Since the card has two possible interpretations, we suggest examining the accompanying card to make sense of your situation. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Health (Reversed)

Healthwise, the reversed 9 of Swords tarot card is a positive sign from the universe. It shows that you will overcome mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or fear of any kind. 

However, another reversed Nine of Swords meaning is an escalation of issues like hallucinations, psychosis, or extreme terrors at night. You should look at the accompanying cards to determine which of these explanations apply to your situation. 

Moreover, this card hints at menopause, thyroid issues, ovary syndrome, and other hormonal imbalances. Hence, you should consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms related to these issues. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Finance (Reversed)

Financially, the reversed 9 of Swords tarot card has two interpretations. On the one hand, it indicates that your financial worries have been reduced. On the other hand, it shows that your money-related stress has increased, leading to a breakdown. 

The universe suggests seeking expert help or sharing your concern with close friends/family if you are experiencing the latter. Moreover, this card tells you that you should not let monetary issues control your life. Please remember that nothing in the world is above your mental health. 

Furthermore, you should check the supporting cards to evaluate your situation correctly and determine which of these explanations applies to you. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Reversed)

Spiritually, the reversed Nine of Swords tarot card meaning is light after a period of darkness. You have finally overcome the dark period in your life. 

However, the card also shows overwhelming guilt, regret, and remorse. The universe suggests you trust it and try finding your correct spiritual path if these feelings trouble you. Moreover, the divine wants you to keep fighting to find the light in your life and never lose hope. 

Nine of Swords Tarot Card: Yes or No?

The one-card reading helps pull you out of a dilemma. It answers your specific questions with a simple yes or no. In this method of making tarot predictions, the tarot expert picks a single card after shuffling the deck. The answer to your question is dependent on the received card’s position and energy when you asked the question. Below is a yes/no answer to an upright and reversed 9 of Swords. 

Upright: An upright Nine of Swords tarot card symbolizes strong fear, concern, or negativity. It suggests dealing with these blockages before moving ahead. Hence, it answers your question with a "No". 

Reversed: The answer to a reversed 9 of Swords is also a "No". Though it shows the light at the end of the tunnel, it shares many similarities with the upright card, which is a negative omen. 

Nine of Swords Meaning in Numerology 

The number 9 relates to the moon’s intense emotional currents. Moreover, traditional numerology relates this number to the planet Mars. The effect of Mars amplifies the card’s energy. Moreover, the number 9 hints at childbirth as well. 

Nine of Swords Meaning for Timing 

Your desire will be fulfilled if a 9 of Swords tarot card appears in your reading. However, it will take a bit of time for the granting of your desires. You can expect the desired event to happen during the Gemini, Aquarius, or Libra seasons. When calculated in months, the time for the event to happen comes around a month’s 9th, 18th, or 27th. 


Lastly, we hope this 9 of Swords tarot guide helps you comprehend your tarot card reading and make appropriate decisions. However, you can contact our highly-expert tarot card readers anytime if any confusion persists or if you need more assistance to make sense of your current situation. Our tarot experts will be delighted to help you.