Nine of Swords
The Nine of Swords, symbolized by a centipede weaving through swords, represents deep-seated fears, anxiety, and nightmares that affect both the conscious and subconscious mind. Much of this distress may be exaggerated or reside primarily in thought, so shining a light on fears and seeking support can reduce their power. Upright, it warns against obsessive catastrophizing and encourages replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and leaning on trusted people. Reversed, it can indicate that fears have deepened into inner turmoil and that seeking help is necessary, or, alternatively, that recovery and improvement may be occurring after a period of intense fear.
Keywords
Card Name
Nine of Swords
Animal
Centipede
Fun Fact
The name "centipede" originates from Latin and translates into "hundred legs". Despite its name, most species of centipedes possess far less than that with most only having 15 to 30. As active predators, centipedes seek out and hunt prey. Their usual targets are insects, spiders, worms, and mollusks, but the larger species of centipedes have been known to eat frogs, small birds, and even bats.
Keywords
Depression, Nightmares, Anxiety
Reversed Keywords
Turmoil, Dependency, Improvement
Meaning
A centipede skillfully winds its way through intersecting swords, narrowly avoiding certain doom. With their many legs and segmented bodies, centipedes signify deep fears that plague both the subconscious and conscious mind. Some are venomous while others are perfectly harmless, though it may be impossible to tell at a glance. The Nine of Swords tells us that we are entering a period of fear and anxiety, but through careful consideration, the danger may in fact be as tangible as a fading dream.
Upright
When upright, the Nine of Swords signifies the deluge of anxieties plaguing the user. You are fixated on everything that could go wrong. Obsessing over your anxieties is a double-edged sword. If you allow yourself to give in to fear, your worst nightmares may, in fact, just come true. Thankfully, much of the fear causing your sleepless nights resides only in your head. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and reach out if you struggle to remain optimistic. Lean on those you trust to steer you towards a positive solution. The best way to combat the monsters under your bed is to turn on the light.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Nine of Swords suggests that your negative thoughts and fears have permeated deeper into your subconscious, throwing you into absolute turmoil from within. You may have tried keeping these fears to yourself, but now is not the time to be alone. Seek out help and support to alleviate some of the tension weighing you down. If you’ve recently emerged from a period of intense fear and self-criticism, take this as a sign that you’ve successfully managed to work through your problems.
Visual Description
Nine swords are arranged vertically across the image with ornate hilts along the bottom and tips pointing upward. A large centipede-like creature winds sinuously through and around the blades. The background is a dark, star-speckled sky with subtle nebula shapes in deep purples and greens. At the bottom of the card the printed title reads "NINE OF SWORDS" in gold letters.
Oriens tarot
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