Following on from the energetic Eights, the Nines in the Tarot mark the completion of a cycle – fulfilment, conclusion, integration and attainment.
Linked to the nine months of pregnancy it also symbolises gestation.
We have reached a peak, and now it is time to consider a new path to avoid stagnation as indicated by the Hermit (card 9 in the Major Arcana).
There is a sense of aloneness in all the Nines in the Tarot indicating a need to be self-reliant and take sole responsibility for our situation.
The Nines reflect experience. We have come a long way. How did we get here? A good question to ask, when the Nines show up in a reading.
By evaluating and reflecting on past actions, we can gain an understanding why we are in the situation as depicted by these cards and choose which path to take next.
Numerically, the number Nine is linked to 18 (1 + 8), The Moon, which can indicate confusion and insecurities often on an emotional level.
Nine of Wands –endurance, exhaustion, threat, protection
Esoteric Title: The Lord of Great Strength
Astrological Attribution: Moon in Sagittarius – rest from strife, yet feeling restless and weary; insecure, flexible, strong, power of cyclical forces
Interpretation: battered and bruised, but still standing; careful, guarded, cautious, watchful. Suspicious and distrustful. Safe.
Image symbolism:
Castle wall – protection, secure base, boundary
Dog figure with shield – watchman, guard, protection, prepared for the unexpected, defence
Waning moon – a cycle ending, consolidation
Yellow / orange colours – fiery energy
Bushes – blocking view, obscurity, hidden dangers / obstacles
Nine of Cups – pleasure, satisfaction, sensuality, happy times, indulgence
Esoteric Title: The Lord of Material Happiness
Astrological Attribution: Jupiter in Pisces – higher purpose, gratitude, emotional growth, spiritual love, benevolence
Interpretation: enjoying the simple pleasures, wishes fulfilled; lucky in love, being content, emotional and spiritual nourishment and abundance, manifesting dreams
Image symbolism:
Laughing buddha – happiness
Blue cup filled with stars – positive feelings and emotions
Red rose – passion, love
Nine of Swords –worries, anxiety, panic, loneliness, guilt, nightmares
Esoteric Title: The Lord of Despair and Cruelty
Astrological Attribution: Mars in Gemini – destructive forces of the mind; cruel words, negative self-talk
Interpretation: negative thinking, irrational fears clouding sound judgement, sleepless nights, self-torment, need to confront issues head-on to dissolve anguish; dark night of the soul, sense of hopelessness
Image symbolism:
Ugly creature – negative thoughts and fears personified; they affect outer persona and appearance
Crystal ball – focus on clear thinking
Grey-green colour – bleakness, lack of inspiration
Nine of Pentacles -abundance, harvest, reward, status, independence
Esoteric Title: The Lord of Material Gain
Astrological Attribution: Venus in Virgo – enjoying the fruits of labour, success and abundance achieved through diligence and efficient planning
Interpretation: enjoying the good life, luxuries, plenty, affluence, self-sufficiency, outer and inner wealth, gratitude
Image symbolism:
Manor house – wealth, status, security
Luscious garden – rich harvest, fecundity, growth
Large trees – maturity, long-term, patience
Red rose – Venus, beauty, solitude, self-reliance
You can view all images of the Tarot of Quotes in the Gallery.
The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook is now available, which also includes empowering messages, spreads and journaling promps as well as a printable mini edition of the Cosmic Faery Tarot.
Warmest wishes,
Christiane
