As it appears in the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Nine of Swords depicts a girl or woman, sitting upright in a bed, with her face cupped in her hands as if she is crying or frightened. Above her are nine swords, which hang above her in a manner that is impossible and surreal. Her blanket is decorated with zodiac symbols and roses, and her bed itself has a carving that may reprsent the Garden of Eden. The Nine of Swords communicates an instant message of grief, anguish, and even terror.
The scene illustrated in the Nine of Swords can be interpreted in any number of ways. It is set during the night, a time when fear, worry, and anxiety tend to creep into the thoughts of those who are depressed or hurt. The Nine of Swords' character may be weeping, unable to sleep because of her sorrow, or she may have awakened from a nightmare in a state of terror. The swords that hang threateningly above her seem impossible, meaning that her fears are largely coming from the character's own spiritual or emotional breakdown, not from outside forces.
Many tarot readers express condolences when they draw the Nine of Swords in a reading for someone else, because the card communicates such a somber, dark, and even horrific message. The tarot card is an omen for a time of deep sorrow, guilt, agony, and grief. The Eden-like carving on the side of the bed may represent the sins we have all committed, but it also tells querents to forgive themselves of past transgressions: we are all human. The Nine of Swords is a time of feeling guilty of previous sins, to the point of agony and anguish.
People who draw the Nine of Swords in their own tarot readings must seek support and love from friends and family. The tarot card represents a very difficult, but not insurmountable, obstacle in life. Moving forward, toward clearer, happier days, is essential. Difficult times should never be endured alone: seek the counsel and support of those who you trust and admire.
When the Nine of Swords appears in reverse, it is a sign that the querent has been bottling up and denying his or her feelings of dissatisfaction and depression. To be overcome, an obstacle must be accepted. Rather than choosing to hide and bury feelings of resentment, anger, and guilt-- a course of action that will ultimately harm you and everyone around you-- trust that there will be brighter days, accept your obstacles, and move onward.
