Nine of Swords as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Nine of Swords, it means that you are deeply concerned or anxious about a situation, reflecting a time of significant worry or stress that you hope to resolve. This card is often associated with the darker aspects of the mind, such as fear, guilt, and despair, suggesting that these feelings are dominating your thoughts. It signals a need for support and strategies to cope with these overwhelming emotions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of your anxiety to find peace and move forward.

The Nine of Swords as fears can represent the fear of worst-case scenarios playing out, or the anxiety and stress becoming overwhelming. This dread can immobilize you, making it difficult to see any solution or relief from your current worries. It underscores the significance of confronting these fears rather than allowing them to dictate your actions and mindset, encouraging the pursuit of help or guidance to navigate through this challenging period.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are experiencing significant worry about your relationship’s future, hoping to find a way to alleviate these fears. This intense concern may stem from specific issues within the relationship or from internal insecurities that are casting a shadow over your connection. It highlights the need for open communication with your partner about your fears and working together to address the underlying issues, fostering a stronger, more secure bond.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are tormented by thoughts of what went wrong, hoping for peace of mind and closure. The card suggests that reflections on the past relationship are causing you distress, possibly hindering your ability to move on. It points towards the importance of healing and finding ways to release yourself from these painful memories, possibly through self-reflection, therapy, or engaging in activities that help shift your focus towards recovery and self-care.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are deeply troubled by issues within the relationship, seeking resolution to ease the mental and emotional burden. This card indicates that unresolved conflicts or misunderstandings are weighing heavily on you, affecting your peace of mind. It calls for addressing these concerns directly, perhaps through mediation or heartfelt discussions, to clear the air and work towards mending the relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are experiencing intense stress or anxiety over job security or financial issues, hoping for stability and relief. The worries you face may be affecting your sleep and overall well-being, indicating the need for practical steps towards financial planning or career counseling. It encourages seeking advice and support to navigate these uncertainties, aiming to build a foundation of security that can alleviate your immediate concerns and pave the way for a more confident future.

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Reversed Nine of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Nine of Swords reversed, it means that you are beginning to confront and address your anxieties and fears, signaling a move towards healing and overcoming personal turmoil. This reversal suggests a period of introspection and recovery, where you are actively working to understand the root of your worries and finding ways to cope with them. It marks a shift from being overwhelmed by fears to taking control of your mental health, indicating progress in your journey towards peace and stability.

The Nine of Swords reversed as fears can represent the fear that the process of dealing with your anxieties and nightmares will be more painful or challenging than expected. This apprehension stems from the concern that digging deep into your fears and confronting them head-on might uncover more discomfort before relief is found. It underscores the natural human resistance to facing painful truths, highlighting the courage required to embark on the path of emotional healing.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are hopeful about moving past anxieties and misunderstandings towards a healthier dynamic but fear the emotional work required. This indicates a readiness to improve the relationship through better communication and understanding, acknowledging that such progress demands facing uncomfortable issues and emotions. It reflects a desire for a deeper connection, tempered by concerns about the vulnerability and effort needed to achieve this goal.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are finding ways to heal from the breakup’s pain, yet you fear that complete healing may elude you. This signifies a process of letting go and moving forward, with an awareness that some emotional scars might take longer to heal. It points to a hopeful journey towards recovery, coupled with the worry that some remnants of the past might continue to affect your peace of mind.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are working towards resolving deep-seated worries or conflicts but fear the possibility of unresolved issues lingering. This card suggests an effort to address and mend strained relationships, with a conscious attempt to communicate more openly and heal past hurts. However, there’s an underlying concern that not all issues may be fully resolved, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the ongoing nature of personal and interpersonal healing.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are starting to address work-related stress and seeking solutions, yet you worry about the potential fallout from making significant changes. This reflects a proactive stance towards improving your professional life, whether through seeking a new job, pursuing further education, or advocating for a healthier work environment. Nonetheless, there’s apprehension about the uncertainties and risks involved in such transitions, underlining the balance between the need for change and the fear of the unknown outcomes.

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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.