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

The Nine of Wands is the card of resilience, persistence, courage, and boundaries. The card shows an injured man clutching a wand. He looks anxious and weary. He’s already been through a lot, but he is very close to reaching his goal.  

The Nine of Wands reminds us that challenges are a part of life and every relationship. Nothing is perfectly good or perfectly bad. Everything has its own challenges. Our endurance and persistence shows the strength of our character. Additionally, this card also reminds us that healthy boundaries are necessary for successful relationships. 

Upright Nine of Wands as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Nine of Wands, it means that perseverance through adversity, a stance of readiness against challenges, or the weariness from constant vigilance is marking your current environment. This card highlights the resilience required to face ongoing obstacles and the inner strength needed to continue despite fatigue. It suggests that you are close to achieving your goals, but you must gather your strength for the final push, even when it feels like you can’t possibly endure any more.

The Nine of Wands as external influences can represent people such as those who stand by you through tough times, individuals who caution you against potential threats, or someone embodying resilience that inspires you to keep fighting. These allies and mentors provide support and guidance, reminding you of your strength and the importance of safeguarding your achievements. Their presence reinforces the idea that you are not alone in your struggles and that perseverance can lead to eventual success.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Wands as external influences means that the relationship is enduring through difficulties, possibly testing the resilience and commitment of both partners. This period may be marked by external pressures or internal conflicts that challenge the stability of your partnership. However, it also offers an opportunity to strengthen your bond by facing these challenges together, proving that your relationship can withstand adversity and emerge stronger.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Wands in the external influences position means that past conflicts or unresolved issues are still impacting you, requiring strength to move past them. This card suggests that although the relationship has ended, its effects linger, presenting obstacles to your emotional recovery. Drawing on your resilience and learning from these experiences can help you overcome these remnants of the past, allowing you to move forward with greater wisdom and strength.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Wands in the external influences position means that shared challenges are testing the bond, but also strengthening the trust and reliance between you. These difficulties may strain your relationship, but they also provide an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty and support for one another. Overcoming these obstacles together can deepen your connection, creating a more resilient and understanding relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Wands in the external influences position means that you are in a phase of defending your achievements and facing professional challenges with determination. This period may involve safeguarding your position, responding to competition, or persisting through setbacks. The key is to maintain your resolve and to protect the progress you’ve made, using your experiences to navigate this challenging landscape with confidence and strategic foresight.

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Reversed Nine of Wands as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Nine of Wands reversed, it means that there is a feeling of being overwhelmed, giving up after a long struggle, or a call to reassess the need for such staunch defensiveness. This card in reverse suggests that the battles you’ve been fighting may have taken a toll on your spirit, leading to fatigue and a reconsideration of your current stance. It’s a moment to reflect on whether the defenses you’ve built are still necessary or if they’re preventing you from moving forward and healing.

The Nine of Wands reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who contribute to your sense of burnout, or individuals who suggest that it might be time to lower your guard and seek peace. These figures may either be part of the reason you feel so drained, constantly demanding you to stand your ground, or they could be the voices of reason, encouraging you to take a step back and evaluate the necessity of your vigilance. Listening to these perspectives can offer valuable insights into finding a more balanced approach to your challenges.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Wands reversed as external influences means that fatigue from ongoing issues may be causing one or both partners to question the viability of continuing to fight for the relationship. This phase of doubt and weariness can either signal the need for a serious conversation about the future of your partnership or a period of rest and recovery to regain the strength needed to address your problems together. It’s crucial to communicate openly about these feelings to find a way forward that honors the needs and well-being of both partners.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that you might be ready to let go of lingering resentments or defensiveness related to the past relationship. This shift indicates a readiness to move past the hurt and protectiveness that may have been necessary once but now only hinders your emotional growth and ability to embrace new beginnings. Embracing this change can lead to a deeper sense of peace and closure.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that exhaustion from previous conflicts may lead to a desire for reconciliation or a break from the relationship. The continuous effort to maintain boundaries or defend your position may no longer feel worth the strain it places on your relationship, prompting a reassessment of what you value in your connection and how you can achieve a healthier dynamic.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that the strain from constant challenges may be pushing you towards reconsidering your current path or strategies. This reassessment could involve questioning whether your professional goals are still aligned with your personal well-being or if the time has come to explore new opportunities that offer a greater sense of fulfillment and less resistance. Such a period of introspection can be crucial for making decisions that lead to a more satisfying and balanced career.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Nine of Wands represents resilience and boundaries. Both of these qualities are necessary for any successful relationship. Even if they may not lead to the most fun conversations, they are necessary for success. The Nine of Wands reminds us that great relationships are built on the persistence of the everyday, not just big ideas or fleeting feelings of desire. 

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.