Nine of Swords as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Nine of Swords is the card of anxiety, fear, negativity, breaking points, isolation, and despair. The card shows a woman sitting up in bed with her head in her hands. She seems to have been awakened from a terrible nightmare, and she is having trouble falling back asleep. The swords hang on the wall behind her, indicating all of the negative emotions and thoughts that are weighing heavily on her mind. 

The Nine of Swords reminds us that worrying excessively over a situation is not useful. Worrying does nothing to actually help the situation improve, and only makes you feel worse. Most of our worst fears will never materialize. Much of our suffering and anguish is mental and self-inflicted. Make sure that you are not letting your own limiting beliefs hold you back from happiness. The Nine of Swords reminds us that it is up to us to break the cycle.   

Upright Nine of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Nine of Swords, it means that the situation may be exacerbated by anxiety and stress stemming from external criticism or societal expectations. This card highlights the role of external negativity in amplifying personal fears, possibly from sources like social media or the collective cultural pressure to succeed. It serves as a reminder that the weight you’re carrying may not be yours alone, but also absorbed from the environment around you, underlining the importance of filtering out harmful external voices.

The Nine of Swords as external influences can represent people such as toxic friends or coworkers who feed into one’s fears and insecurities, magnifying feelings of guilt or worry. These individuals might not always have malicious intentions, but their actions or words contribute to a cycle of negativity, affecting your mental health and perception of self-worth. Recognizing these influences is the first step towards mitigating their impact, encouraging a healthier mental and emotional state.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Swords as external influences means that external stressors, such as financial worries or family disapproval, are casting a shadow over the relationship, leading to sleepless nights and heightened tensions. These issues can strain the bond between partners, making it crucial to communicate openly and support each other. Overcoming these challenges together can strengthen your relationship, transforming external adversity into a source of mutual growth and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Swords in the external influences position means that lingering guilt or unresolved issues are being amplified by mutual friends or social media, making it difficult to find peace. This constant exposure to reminders of the past can prevent closure, highlighting the need for personal boundaries and possibly a digital detox to facilitate healing. Creating space from these influences allows for a clearer perspective and the opportunity to move forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Swords in the external influences position means that their current state of distress may be significantly influenced by external pressures, such as academic or professional expectations. These pressures can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Offering a listening ear and reminding them of their strengths can be a powerful form of support, helping to alleviate the burden of external expectations.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Swords in the external influences position means that fears of failure or external judgments are causing significant anxiety, potentially hindering one’s ability to perform or make sound decisions. The fear of not living up to external standards or the possibility of financial insecurity can be paralyzing. Acknowledging these fears as common concerns shared by many can provide a sense of solidarity and encourage a more compassionate approach to personal and professional challenges.

Reversed Nine of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Nine of Swords reversed, it means that a reduction in external stressors or overcoming of fears previously imposed by others is beginning to take effect. This shift signifies a turning point where the weight of external judgments or expectations starts to lift, allowing for a clearer mind and lighter heart. It suggests the beginning of a healing process, where the grip of past anxieties loosens, paving the way for a more optimistic outlook and a renewed sense of control over one’s life.

The Nine of Swords reversed as external influences can represent people such as supportive friends or counselors who are helping to alleviate worries and encourage positive thinking. These allies play a crucial role in the transition from a state of distress to one of peace, offering understanding, guidance, and practical strategies for dealing with life’s challenges. Their presence and support can be a beacon of hope, inspiring confidence and a belief in the possibility of a brighter future free from the chains of undue stress.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Swords reversed as external influences means that external pressures on the relationship are diminishing, allowing for a period of healing and reconciliation. This may be due to a resolution of financial issues, acceptance from previously disapproving family members, or simply a collective decision to prioritize the relationship over outside opinions. The easing of these pressures opens up space for partners to reconnect, communicate more openly, and strengthen their bond, overcoming the shadows that once loomed large over their union.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that the negative impact of mutual acquaintances or societal expectations is lessening, offering a clearer path to personal closure. This could result from a conscious disengagement from social media, a change in social circles, or an internal resolution that diminishes the power of external opinions on personal feelings and decisions. It marks a step towards healing, allowing one to move forward with a sense of peace and closure, untethered by the opinions or actions of others.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that they are finding ways to cope with or remove themselves from toxic environments or relationships that have caused significant distress. This might involve seeking therapy, setting boundaries, or making lifestyle changes that prioritize mental health and well-being. The improvement in their circumstances signifies a reclaiming of power and agency, demonstrating resilience and the capacity to rise above the challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that fears related to job security or financial instability are beginning to subside, thanks to new opportunities or supportive networks. This could manifest as a promising job offer, the success of a new venture, or the discovery of a supportive professional community. Such positive developments help to dispel anxieties and build confidence in one’s abilities and future prospects, illustrating that even in the face of adversity, there are paths forward that lead to stability and success.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Nine of Swords represents mental anguish and despair. Much of our suffering is self-inflicted. Make sure that you are not subconsciously allowing your own limiting beliefs to hold you back from being happy. The Nine of Swords is a reminder that we can break the cycle. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.