Tarot Arcana Nine of Wands: Strength in Reserve

Description: The guy stands with a bandaged head, behind him are eight wands, in his hands he holds the ninth, clutching it tightly.

The main meanings of the card in the upright position:

1. a sense of danger after a battle has already ended;
2. readiness to defend your current situation;
3. success not without a fight;
4. stubbornness;
5. «cold heart»;
6. resisting any change;
7. closing all doors behind you;
8. hostage to the past, old fears;
9. fear that old wounds will open;
10. the world no longer holds fears;
11. quick recovery;
12. close success;
13. slowdown, delay, slowness;
14. temporary calm;
15. financial success;

The main meanings of the card in the inverted position:

1. one blow is still ahead;
2. lack of initiative;
3. vulnerability, inability to stand up for oneself;
4. stupid defensive position;
5. stubbornness, suspiciousness;
6. weak immunity;
7. obstacles, failure, disaster;

A man with a bandaged head holds a staff in his hand, and eight more are leaning against the wall nearby. The man looks confused: he has just had to endure a difficult battle, and he is still living it, still looking around in search of enemies. He does not know or does not want to look for such methods of communication that would allow him to avoid further conflicts. And in vain: you don’t have to brandish your weapon, don’t expect an attack: there won’t be one anymore.

In the “Egyptian Tarot,” nine wands form three triangles, the prototype of Gurdjieff’s enneagram as a symbol of a harmonious human personality.

It’s time to take up peaceful affairs, perhaps finally work on yourself, devote your strength and time to spiritual development, this card says.

In an inverted form, it means that one more blow may have to be repelled, but it will be the last.

(E. Kolesov “Azbuka Tarot”)

Other names of the Arcana: nine wands, nine of scepters.

DESCRIPTION: The man stands facing us. He holds his staff tightly, as if guarding his territory. Eight other wands behind him form a barrier or palisade. The man is wearing a headband, which shows that he has been involved in some conflicts in the past and must now be prepared to defend his beliefs again. Element: Fire.

EXPLANATION: You are prepared to defend your current situation, and you will likely be successful — but not without further struggle. Stick to your convictions and rely on your insight, but avoid stubbornness. In terms of personal relationships, this card suggests that you may be carrying past wounds — previous hurts from parents, or some kind of emotional abuse, but with experience you have gained a certain wisdom that will help you.

REVERSED MEANING: You are uninitiated, unprepared, and vulnerable. You refuse to stand up for what is right and bend in the face of danger.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT LESSON: Draw strength from your past hurts — from past emotional difficulties and hostile criticism. You will become even more resourceful if you learn to cope with adversity. Trust in your reserves of strength and character, for this will help you cope with difficulties.

( N. Drewry «Tarot. Step-by-step guide to study»)

The Nine of Wands means stubbornness, resistance to any situation or event from which we expect only trouble. At the same time, it says that there is no threat, in fact, but only our memories of past troubles, hence our current “defensive” state. It personifies the state of the soul, which in fairy tales is called a “cold heart”. Translated into everyday language, this means that we bristle with all the needles and resist any changes, although we guess that they can be very important for our further development. Although sometimes it can mean something completely opposite — if, for example, we took a decisive step and closed all the doors behind us that could lead to retreat. In this case, this card has a positive meaning, but it also points to one mistake we made: we shamefully ran away from responsibility for our past out of fear that it could overtake us. In order to free ourselves from it, we need to finally let go of our past, turn it into the foundation of our further transformations, instead of feeling like its hostage.

WORK: This card means that we subconsciously resist innovations, changes or other movements that are brewing in our work. It can show that we feel threatened by our superiors, colleagues or business partners, and this is also explained by the fact that our work causes us anxiety. We are too disturbed by memories of past defeats and troubles, we transfer them to our current situation, although in fact we have enough strength to overcome them. Thus, this card invites us to overcome fear and not only overcome the obstacles that arise before us, but also to free ourselves from old fears.

CONSCIOUSNESS: On the level of consciousness, the Nine of Wands shows that we are completely in vain taking a defensive position in relation to things that are new and unexpected for us. This is the image of a person who sometimes does not admit that he can make mistakes, who always strives to “improve” what he has just seemingly completed, who is sure that it is always better to be safe than sorry, and who thereby only wall himself up in the stone walls of his own, long-obsolete convictions. The old proverb about a person who has not learned from his mistakes and will therefore suffer doubly is, of course, right, but only until this person turns it into a law of his own life, the inevitable consequence of which is stagnation and fear of life itself. This is reminiscent of Fritz Riemann’s joke about a man who believed that heaven had two doors, on one of which was written: “Entrance to heaven,” and on the other – “Entrance to the meeting room on the issue of heaven,” and who unconditionally chose the latter.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: «The Child Who Got Burned by Milk.» Here this card shows that we are afraid of being offended, or that old wounds will be touched. It is as if we wear a shell that protects our inner «I» from blows from the outside — and we pay for this by not being reached by those impulses that could be useful to us. The Nine of Wands warns that this can lead to complete self-isolation, embitterment and bitterness, because our «I» rots without communication. But at the same time, it also pleases us, informing us that the external world, which we are so afraid of, no longer holds any dangers for us.

Nines in Tarot

The number «nine» is associated with the Hermit card, the planet Neptune and the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio, which are ruled by Mars. Neptune is the planet of compassion, charity, selflessness, mysticism, understanding and brotherly love, but also disorder, fantasy and self-deception. The appearance of nines in the layout indicates the completion or ending of affairs. Perhaps you are letting go of the past and making way for the future. Cars and other equipment break down. Trade is favorable. Long journeys are possible. You may be interested in charity or humanitarian aid.

Nines represent Yang energy, which is associated with completion and ending. Now all attention should be paid to a successful ending. This is not the best time to start new projects and promises.

Nine of Wands Upright

Key words and phrases: Standing up for yourself. Activating your defense. Strengthening. Self-defense. Healing old wounds. The ability to withstand attacks. Guarding. Territoriality. The final test. Belligerence. Protection. Defensive behavior. Athletic build. Fast recovery. Strong immune system. Resistance to disease and infection. Previous conflict. Protecting your rights. Invulnerable position. The final battle. The final obstacle must be overcome to achieve final victory. Inner strength. Determination. Perseverance. A necessary delay. The final push. To the defense! It's not over until it's over. If you don't succeed the first time, try again and again. Back off in time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Don't change horses halfway.

Situation and Advice: The Nine of Wands speaks of the need to stand up for yourself. You have been wronged in the past and this has caused you to take a defensive position. You may be called upon to fight for your rights, to defend your reputation, or to make a decision. Although the situation seems to require effort, your position is stable. Once you overcome this last obstacle, success is within reach, so do not give up. Now is the time to be vigilant and firm in your convictions. You have the power to solve any problem. Sometimes true wisdom lies in giving up in time. You are not in the best position to make radical changes. Perhaps you will need to solve another problem in order to achieve final success. You are in a strong position, with the necessary courage and determination to achieve your goals in due time. Remember the pioneer motto: «Be prepared!» This is a card of relapse.

If you have been interested in your health, the Nine of Wands suggests that you have a remarkable physique, which allows you to maintain your immunity, recover quickly, and provide your body with protection against various infections.

People: Defenders. Well-protected people. Military personnel. People who fight for their rights and defend their reputation.

Nine of Wands Reversed

Keywords and Phrases:Inadequate protection. Inability to stand up for yourself. Loss of rights. Carelessness. Foolish defensiveness. Weakness. Cowardice. Illness. Injury. Poor defense. Weakened immune system. Inferiority. Impracticality. Refusal to compromise. Suspicion. Danger. Excessive desire to defend oneself. Fear of appearing weak or helpless. Exhaustion. Misfortune. Unrealistic plans. Loss. A hitch. An obstacle. A delay in action. Insufficient preparation. A disadvantageous position. Lack of initiative. A failed attempt to defend oneself. Inability to stand up for oneself. Stubbornness. Inflexibility. Indifference. Loss of property. Poor health. A position unsuitable for defense. Demotion. A blow below the belt. I wasn’t looking. I wasn’t ready.

Situation and advice: You have been caught off guard, you feel that you cannot cope with the situation, since it is not within your competence. Perhaps you have underestimated the strength of the opposition. The difficulties you have had to face have turned out to be much more difficult than you initially imagined. Someone is “undermining” you, you are afraid that as a result you may lose your position. Perhaps you have painted yourself into a corner, taking a stupid pose of self-defense? What if the position you hold is indefensible? Are you trying to defend something that doesn't deserve it? Or are you afraid to stand up for your beliefs? Your defenses have been broken. Losses or illness are possible. If you asked about health, the card indicates a weakened immune system or reduced resistance to disease.

People:Those who are in the minority. Those who constantly lose. Substitute players. People with an inferiority complex. People with poor immunity.

The meaning and deep meaning of the Nine of Wands Arcana

The meaning of the nine of wands in the upright position:

• Delay, Postponement, Distance, Delay, Sending, Termination, Extension, Slowness, Slowness.

Other meanings of the nine of wands tarot in the upright position:

• strength in confrontation, delay, tense anticipation
• completion, usually successful
• internal strength, temporary calm

The Nine of Wands Tarot card shows the strength and resourcefulness in the Client's character, so he should rely on these qualities in overcoming the upcoming difficulties. So far, everything is calm in life, but all sorts of personal and/or work problems are approaching. It is necessary to maintain the status quo and then use the previously created strong foundation to move forward when the opportunity arises. The Nine of Wands Tarot card means pressure and the ability to cope with problems. Strong opposition to the enemy. Self-discipline, order, financial success in any field.

Interpretation in the inverted position:

• Crossbar, Obstacle, Delays, Troubles, Inconvenience, Misfortune, Burden, Failure, Misadventures, Disaster.

Other meanings of the inverted nine of wands tarot:

• obstacles, disasters
• weakness, slowdown, chances of success are doubtful and require all efforts
• inability to adapt, lack of initiative

The reversed Nine of Wands Tarot card indicates a lack of initiative and adaptability. Combined with stubbornness, these qualities lead the Client to unsuccessful adventures or to clearly doomed ways of achieving the desired goal. Great importance is attached to a new approach and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

The reversed Nine of Wands Tarot card means failure, disaster. Perhaps experience has taught you nothing; your success is broken or stolen because of your own stubbornness. Obstacles and delays. Expect the worst.

Inner meaning

The task has been completed successfully, the work is done. The person to whom the Nine of Wands tarot card refers has learned courage, discipline, and the ability to plan wisely.

Even if there are problems indicated by other cards in the layout, you know how to deal with them. If there is opposition, your skill, strength, and courage will make you a formidable opponent.

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