Nine of Swords

✦ INVOKED

A time of suffering; loss, illness, literal death; burden; oppressive anxiety, misery, and fear.

✦ BANISHED

The process of healing; hope of tomorrow; patience, generosity, and caring.

✦ Symbolism

Death's head looms at the bottom of this card, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and that we are all marching towards death. This symbol is found on the graves of those who have met their life's end, those restless dead who proclaim Quod fuimus, estis; quod sumus, vos eritis, or, "What we were, you are; what we are, you too shall be." Witch and non-witch alike, the thread of our life will be cut sooner or later because as the Egyptian witches uttered in their curse, "Death comes on swift wings."

✦ DIVINATORY MEANING

✦ Invoked Meaning

Invoking the Nine of Blades is an ill omen. This is one of the literal death cards in the Tarot. But it could also signal a significant illness, and/or a time of suffering, loss, and the burden of worry. The thread of life is fraying at the edge of the blade and crippling fear is setting in. This is going to be a rough time for you or someone close to you. Pandora's jar is open and remember that hope will always remain no matter how bleak things are.

✦ Banished Meaning

If you are going to draw the Nine of Blades in a reading you want it to be banished. This signals that the healing process is underway. Your illness is going to resolve, death is averted, and no matter how long the process, there is hope for tomorrow. Tomorrow brings with it a new day, a new start. Undergo the process of healing with patience and know that you are on your way to recovery. This healing can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, but it is being treated. Let this be a time of thanks, and let your caring, unselfish side take over.