Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Nine of Swords tarot card from the Rider–Waite–Smith deck: a woman sitting up in bed with her face in her hands, nine swords hanging horizontally on the dark wall.

A woman sits up in bed, face in her hands, nine swords on the wall behind her. The Nine of Swords is anxiety — the night when worries feel bigger than they are.

Suit:Swords — Air
Keywords:anxiety, worry, nightmares, fear
Reversed:relief, hope, recovering from anxiety
Yes or no:No

What the card shows

A woman sits up in bed, hiding her face. Nine swords hang on the dark wall behind her; her quilt is patterned with roses and zodiac signs.

The swords hang on the wall — they are not in her.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Nine of Swords shows anxiety, guilt and sleepless worry. Often the fear is larger than the reality.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, relief begins, or you seek help.

In love and relationships

In love, worry about the relationship or guilt.

In work and money

At work, stress. With money, financial anxiety — make a concrete plan.

As advice

Write the worries down, talk to someone, and check them in daylight.

In Marseille and Thoth

In the Tarot de Marseille the Nine of Swords shows curved blades with a central straight one. In the Thoth deck the card is Cruelty.

Questions to reflect on

Which fear is bigger than the facts?
Who could I talk to?
What would help me sleep?

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nine of Swords bad?

It shows anxiety, which is often worse than reality.

What does it mean in love?

Worry, guilt or fear about the relationship.