Nine of Swords

The Tarot Suit of Swords

The Tarot Suit of Swords is associated with the suit of Spades in standard playing cards. Most Tarot Decks use the term "Swords" to refer to this suit, though the other suits are also known by other alternative names.

There are meanings associated with each of the suits in a Tarot Deck, as well as the more specific interpretations associated with each individual card - and yet more precise meanings pertaining to particular cards in particular locations within spreads.
The suit of Swords is associated with the element of air. It is also associated with the season "Spring", and with the direction "East".
The suit of Swords concerns academic or philosophical thought, intellectual pursuits, truth, and clarity.

The "Nines" in the Tarot Deck are the last of the single digit numbers they are cards of completion (as an aide-memoir think of the 9 months of human pregnancy). These are cards representing and achievement about which one can reflect on progress made, and any associated material gains or earnings.

The Nine of Swords is a card that can be viewed as representing nightmares, difficulties, and despair - or these issues as a route to healing and progress. In either case, it may not be a comfortable mental/emotional situation to experience while it lasts ... but the end is in sight.

This card may suggest that self-criticism may be contributing to our problem - perhaps we could help ourselves by releasing any negative thoughts (especially about ourselves). Take action to move on.

Keywords summarising the possible meanings of this card include:

• Cruelty (of mind as much as of action)
• Doubt
• Pain
• Sleepness Nights - possibly due to worry about oneself or about another.
• Suffering
• Suspicion.