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Meaning of Tarot Card Nine of Swords: Pain and Obsession in the Soul

In the Tarot deck, Nine of Swords is a prominent card with the image of a person sitting on a bed, covering his face with his hands, with 9 swords hanging behind him. This card represents stress, anxiety, mental obsession and deep pain in the soul that we often only dare to keep inside.

This card often appears in a reading when you are going through a difficult period, it can be loss, regret, or great mental pressure. However, Nine of Swords also brings the message that you should not let these pains control your life, but need to find a way to face and heal.


Nine of Swords Card Symbols

The traditional image of the Nine of Swords card shows a person sitting on a bed in the dark, head bowed, hands covering their face, as if experiencing a nightmare or deep fear. The 9 swords behind the back symbolize the negative thoughts, haunting worries and mental anguish surrounding the person.

Important symbols:

  • Person sitting with head bowed, face covered: represents suffering, regret, anxiety and mental fear.

  • 9 swords behind: is a symbol of obsessions, negative thoughts that constantly return, making the mind unable to rest.

  • Bed: symbolizes sleep and rest, but in this case, sleep interrupted by nightmares.


General Meaning of the Nine of Swords Card

The Nine of Swords represents an extremely tense state of mind where anxiety, guilt, regret or fear are taking over your mind. It warns that if left unaddressed, these negative emotions can seriously affect your mental and physical health.

  • You may be experiencing sleepless nights due to overthinking.

  • You feel overwhelmed by pressures, fears or past mistakes.

  • You need to find a way to deal with these emotions to avoid being trapped in suffering.


Meaning of the Nine of Swords Card in Aspects of Life

1. In Love and Relationships

In relationships, the Nine of Swords can indicate that you or your partner is suffering from feelings of anxiety, hurt or guilt. It could be the pain of betrayal, misunderstanding or unresolved difficulties that make you feel lonely and stuck.

If you are going through a difficult period in your love life, this card advises you to try to face your emotions instead of hiding them, and to seek support from loved ones or experts if needed.


2. In Work and Career

In terms of career, the Nine of Swords can signal that you are under pressure at work, stressed or worried about your career future. You may feel afraid of failure, being blamed or not capable enough to face challenges.

This card reminds you to find ways to reduce pressure, avoid letting prolonged stress affect your health. At the same time, you need to take time to rest and find balance in your life.


3. In Finance

In terms of finance, the Nine of Swords reflects worries about money, perhaps debts, spending beyond your means, or uncertainty about your financial future. You may be under psychological pressure from financial issues that are causing you to lose sleep and think negatively.

This is a time to review your spending plan, seek financial advice, or set realistic goals to take control of the situation.


4. In Personal Development and Spirituality

In terms of personal development, the Nine of Swords is a sign that you are drowning in negative thoughts, blaming yourself, or feeling stuck in the past. Obsession and anxiety can make it difficult for you to move forward.

The card calls on you to face your fears with courage, find ways to heal and forgive yourself. Mastering your emotions and mind is an important step to regaining peace.


The Nine of Swords Reversed

When this card appears reversed, it can have a more positive meaning such as:

  • Beginning to release stress, anxiety and obsessions.

  • Facing and overcoming fears and pain.

  • Finding the light at the end of the tunnel after a difficult period.

Emotional healing is taking place.

This is a sign that you are on a journey of recovery and are about to enter a new phase with a stronger spirit.


Message from the Nine of Swords

“Pain should not be buried in darkness, let the light of acceptance and healing shine through.”

The Nine of Swords reminds you that no matter how strong your pain, anxiety, or obsession is, it cannot overwhelm you if you know how to face and overcome it. Don’t be afraid to seek help, take time to rest, and take care of your mental health to find peace.


🔮 Are you experiencing anxiety or difficult emotions? Let Tarot help you see through yourself and find a way to overcome it at tarot-insights-app.com. Tarot – the light that guides your soul.