Nine of Swords
Minor Arcana · Suit of Swords
Upright
- anxiety
- worry
- sleepless nights
- fear
- hope
- reaching out
- despair easing
- facing fears
In the picture
A woman sits up in bed with her face in her hands. Nine swords hang in rows on the dark wall behind her, and her quilt is patterned with roses and astrological signs.
Upright meaning
The Nine of Swords is the card of the night-time worry. Anxiety, guilt or fear can feel overwhelming, often worse in the head than in reality. Talking to someone you trust helps.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the worst of the worry passes, or you finally ask for help. It can also warn of anxiety that is being bottled up. You don't have to carry it alone.
About the suit of Swords
Swords are the suit of air: thoughts, words, decisions and conflict. Swords cards can be sharp, because they deal with truth, worry and the hard choices made in the head.
