Nine of Wands as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Nine of Wands, it means that there was a period where you were on your guard, possibly feeling like you needed to protect yourself or be vigilant about potential challenges. This could have been a time when you were more alert, constantly bracing yourself for unforeseen difficulties and maneuvering through situations with caution. This card signals that while the period was strenuous, your heightened awareness and readiness helped in steering through the challenging times, cultivating a kind of strength that is achieved through enduring tough situations.

The Nine of Wands as the past can represent a time of resilience and determination, where despite facing numerous challenges, there was a strong will to keep going and to protect what was dear to you. In the midst of struggles, you held your ground, putting up a fierce defense against any adversities coming your way. Reflect on this period as one where your courage and inner strength were your pillars, enabling you to stand tall and resilient, proving to yourself just how capable you are in the face of hardship.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Wands in the past position means that there may have been a phase where both parties had to stand firm and resilient amidst challenges, holding on to what was built with a strong defense against external pressures. This was a testament to the strength of your relationship, a time when the bond was fortified through collective efforts to protect what you both cherished. Remembering this time can bring a sense of pride and acknowledgment of the deep connection that was able to withstand pressures and come out stronger, built on mutual understanding and trust.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Wands in the past position means that there were times in the relationship where you felt the need to be defensive, perhaps due to repeated conflicts or issues that required a steady, resistant stance. It might have been a period marked by a series of struggles, where maintaining boundaries and safeguarding personal spaces took a forefront. Even though it was tough, this phase also brought forward the qualities of resilience and fortitude, highlighting the ability to stand ground even when things got difficult, and understanding the deep level of commitment that existed, even amidst challenges.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Wands in the past position means that they might have gone through a phase where they had to show resilience, maybe standing their ground during challenging times. It was a period of defending their boundaries and principles firmly, exhibiting a commendable level of determination and courage. Reflecting on this time can provide a deeper understanding of their character, acknowledging their capacity to remain steadfast and strong during testing times, and to appreciate the growth that comes from such experiences.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Wands in the past position means there was a period of resilience, where you had to stay vigilant and guard against challenges to maintain your position or status. It was a time when you possibly put in extra hours, remained alert, and were determined not to let any obstacle deter you from your path. This period not only tested your endurance but also shaped you into a more tenacious individual, demonstrating that with perseverance and a vigilant attitude, maintaining a steady course amidst adversity is indeed possible.

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Reversed Nine of Wands as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Nine of Wands reversed, it means that there might have been a time of exhaustion, possibly feeling like giving up after fighting off many challenges. This card symbolizes a time when your energy reserves were depleted, and it felt like a herculean task just to keep going. Yet, even in that state of exhaustion, there might have been glimpses of hope or flashes of resilience that flickered, reminding you that all was not lost, and encouraging you to find sources of rejuvenation.

The Nine of Wands reversed as the past can represent a period where there was a breakdown of defenses, maybe due to fatigue or a sense of defeat after facing repeated obstacles. It paints a picture of a time when it felt like the walls you had built to protect yourself were crumbling, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable. Despite the hard times, it was also a period that taught you about your limits and possibly guided you to understand the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed, steering away from isolating endurance and moving towards collective strength.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Nine of Wands reversed in the past position means that there were times when the defenses were down, perhaps leading to vulnerabilities and a feeling of being overwhelmed by the issues that arose. It signifies a time where the strain might have been too much, leading to a breakdown in communication or understanding. However, this phase could have opened a pathway for deeper understanding and compassion, as both parties might have seen each other’s vulnerabilities clearly, fostering a more empathetic and nurturing environment to heal and rebuild.

If you are asking about an ex, the Nine of Wands reversed in the past position means that there might have been moments of giving up, possibly yielding to the pressures and challenges instead of standing firm. This might have manifested as a time when the relationship felt strained to a breaking point, with circumstances overpowering the will to fight through. Reflecting on this period might bring forward lessons of understanding one’s boundaries and the realization that it’s okay to retreat and prioritize self-wellness over relentless fight, understanding that strength also lies in knowing when to let go.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Nine of Wands reversed in the past position means there was a time when they felt weary and maybe unable to guard against challenges effectively, leading to a vulnerable phase in their life. This period likely tested their mettle intensely, bringing them to a point where they needed to reassess their strategies and perhaps lean on their support system more. As they navigated this chapter, they potentially learned to cultivate a new approach to handling difficulties, one that embraced vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, forging deeper connections through shared experiences.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Nine of Wands reversed in the past position means that there was a period of vulnerability, perhaps a time when you felt unable to withstand the pressures and challenges that were presenting themselves at work. This might have been a phase where setbacks seemed numerous and insurmountable, causing a dip in your morale. It’s essential to also see this time as a period of learning — a time where you were given the space to learn about your resilience, to build on it, and to find new ways to approach problems, gradually working towards a more balanced and healthy work life.

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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.