Nine of Swords as Intentions (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 Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Nine of Swords, that means this person intends to seek any remedy for their anguish. They do not care about what it takes to help them get better. Their mental suffering and pain is too much for them to bear. They intend on giving anything to release themselves from their constant nightmare. They may see you as a sanctuary from the pain. If this is the case, they intend to be alongside you as much as possible.

The Nine of Swords as intentions means that they suffer tremendously from anxiety. They worry constantly. They live in fear. They intend to escape, but they cannot pinpoint an exit. If you intend on starting a relationship with this person, you must offer all of your emotional support in hopes of them improving their mental state. Be patient with them, as their suffering can cause their thoughts and actions to be very irrational.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Nine of Swords is a sign of them intending to progress slowly with you. Their anxiety and fear toward a new relationship causes this. They do not want to ruin anything, so their intention is to progress slowly. They feel insecure about themselves, and intend to blame themselves if anything goes wrong when you go on your first dates. Intend to assure them that not everything is their fault, and that they can feel safe with you.

For existing relationships, the Nine of Swords represents an intention to succumb to paranoia. The relationship has broken them mentally. They feel that they have failed at every aspect in the relationship. They are afflicted with immense pain and torment. They intend to shrink into a shell and avoid confrontation because they cannot live with themselves. Intend to give them breathing room, but also support them and reassure them that you love them and nothing will change that.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Nine of Swords shows that they intend to express their pain from the breakup. They are experiencing extensive pain from how the relationship left off. They are having trouble living without you. Anxiety and depression runs rampant in their head. They intend to heal, although they know it will be nearly impossible. Once they break out of this cycle, they will likely intend on getting back together with you.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Nine of Swords means that this person’s intentions are to address the negatives of the relationship. Your connection is far from perfect. The future looks stormy to the both of you. They intend on establishing security before thinking about commitment and marriage.

Reversed Nine of Swords as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Nine of Swords reversed, that means this person intends to break the cycle. They now have the strength to break free of anxiety and anguish. They see the resources around them that can help. They will talk with friends and you about the problems that separate you two. They intend on being blunt and honest. They intend and care only about lightening the weight on their shoulders from the past.

The Nine of Swords reversed as intentions means that they intend to open themselves up. They realize that they have lots of people that care about them. They intend to ask for help and let people into their lives. This could mean that they will be contacting you and requesting your attention more often. These intentions will bring you closer together.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Nine of Swords reversed is a sign of them intending to relax. They intend this because they notice that they no longer need to search for someone to start a relationship. They notice that you are the person they need to open up to. They intend to receive and give support to you. This will strengthen a bond and create an excellent foundation for a relationship.

For existing relationships, the Nine of Swords reversed represents an intention to forget their worries. They are prepared to reach a new level in the relationship. They intend to ignore their worries and not let them impede their emotions. They intend to share both the positives and negatives of their emotions with you. They no longer intend to look good at all times and only tell you the positives.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Nine of Swords reversed shows that they intend to forgive and let go of the events of the breakup. They intend to unburden anything possible in their minds. This includes the breakup and the negatives of your relationship. If you are on good terms, they do not intend on forgetting you. They intend to allow others into their life. This includes you, and a relationship may function better with their new mindset. Reconciliation is very possible.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Nine of Swords reversed means that this person’s intentions are to begin acting on it. Previously, they experienced anxiety and a lack of confidence and could not bring themself to speak or think about marriage. Now, they intend to address it fully with you. The reversed Nine of Swords is a great sign for a needed discussion about your future together.

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.