Nine of Swords

Nine of Swords description

The Nine of Swords renders a dark night of the soul situation. The central figure is unable to sleep, and holds their head in their hands to shut out their thoughts. Seven swords are mounted on the wall in an equal pattern. It’s time to sort these things out. The thin mattress shows that you’ll never be comfortable until you face these swords head on. The blanket is quilted with zodiac symbols representing that everyone suffers, but we’re all self absorbed in our own suffering. Everyone is the main character of their own narrative. The roses on the quilt are associated with a desire for understanding. On the bed, there is a carving of a defeat in battle, meaning that the themes we live by are the underlying factors in all of our problems.

Upright meaning

Nine of Swords means nightmares, anxiety, repetitive thoughts, cruel self talk. Whenever I call this the “nightmare card,” clients nod in knowing agreement. This card comes during a time of unfortunate circumstances that are causing you fear and anxiety. The situation has you so upset, that you are barely getting any sleep, and the sleep you do get is riddled with dreams, tossing and turning. You might be experiencing powerful feeling of regret and remorse. You could be overly critical of yourself or overly guilty about something that happened. This mental anguish will not go away until you face the problem head on. Much of the problem here is all in your mind. Stop focusing on the negative and start focusing on how you can make things more positive. If you rise to the occasion, you will find new revelations. The darkest part of night come just before the dawn.

Reversed meaning

On the flip side, the Nine of Swords reversed can come at a time of release and realization. You’re just starting to reprogram your habits, thoughts, assumptions, self limiting beliefs, etc. Letting go can be very painful and emotional. Let it all out – whether that a good cry, a long walk, a sweaty sprint, a dance party in your living room, etc. You might choose to keep your fears and anxieties to yourself right now, focusing on healing within yourself. Perhaps you’re seeing that your negative self talk is completely untrue, and things are not as bad as you made them out to be. Relax just a little bit and start to move towards the light.

Nine of Swords quote

“The dark night of the soul is when you have lost the flavor of life but have not yet gained the fullness of divinity. So it is that we must weather that dark time, the period of transformation when what is familiar has been taken away and the new richness is not yet ours.” Ram Dass