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Reversed

Minor Arcana · Swords · 9

Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Arcana
Minor Arcana
Suit
Swords
Rank
Nine
Element
Air
Yes or no
No

Upright meaning

Worry · sleeplessness · anxiety

Worries chase each other all night. The worst case in your head is far bigger than reality.

Reversed meaning

Easing anxiety · asking for help · deep despair

Worries slowly loosen — or they've become too much to carry alone. Talk to someone, anyone.

In a yes-or-no reading

  • UprightNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.
  • ReversedNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.

What the suit means — Swords

Swords are the suit of air. They stand for thoughts and words, judgment, conflict and decisions.

What the number means — Nine

Nine is the last hurdle near the end, just before the harvest.

The 14 Swords

All card meanings

Draw your own

Now that you know the card, think of one question and shuffle the deck yourself. Which of the 78 cards comes up is decided the moment you shuffle.

Meanings follow the widely used Rider–Waite tradition, and the pictures are simple designs drawn for this site. Please treat tarot as a light-hearted aid to reflection.