Suit: Suit of Wands
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Fire
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Planet: Moon
Angel: Archangel Raphael
Key Meaning: Don’t Give Up
The Nine of Wands guides you to keep going with your efforts and not give up.
Number 9 Meaning In Tarot
All nines, including the Nine of Cups, Nine of Pentacles and Nine of Swords indicate completion. At this point in time, your faith is being tested. Goals are still out of reach, and it can feel like you have run out of energy. As wands refer to action, the 9 of Wands means you should keep going, despite the obstacles. You have enough fight within you to reach the finish line. In numerology, number 9 is the end of a life cycle and represents the culmination of past efforts. Don’t waste past efforts by quitting before the miracles begin.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
Nine of Wands Keywords
🥰 Upright: Persistence, thick-skin, determination
😒 Reversed: Giving up, losing faith, pushed to the limit
Nine of Wands Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. A person stands before eight wands, peering over his shoulder while holding a ninth wand in his hands. The wand he is holding feels more like a crutch, and the bandage on his head shows he has been through the wars. He has come so close to the finish line. He might still make it, but he is in danger of becoming too weary to continue. There is a false sense of completion here, as though this is how his sad story ends.
When this card turns up, it means your story must have a happy ending. Don’t fall into negative patterns of doubt or distrust of your fellow human beings. At the end of the day, your real story is ‘so far, so good’. You have come through with some battle wounds, but are stronger for it. A little more push and you will achieve success.
LOVE: What does The 9 of Wands Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the 9 of Wands turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
💖 If you asked will I find love? – this card means that you are nearer than you realize, so don’t lose faith and give up hope. More importantly, don’t assume the next person will treat you like your last date or partner. Each new person deserves a fresh chance to impress you.
💖 If your relationship is in trouble, you or your partner may be tempted to walk away. Or, you may want to walk away from the issue that has challenged you. Either way, you are much closer to the finishing line than you know. There is no point in giving up now.
💖 If you asked how does someone feel about you, this card means they think you are streetwise and smart. They admire you, for all you have been through and experienced.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business, career or study and you receive the 9 of Wands, then the guidance is:
⭕ At work – your experience or age is considered an advantage by others. In fact, it is appreciated much more at this time, than education. Bosses or clients are looking for a safe pair of hands and that is you. It is obvious to all, that this is not your first rodeo. Remember, if you want to maintain your position, keep on adapting and learning. That said, the reason why you have come so far, is that you are adaptable and enjoy learning. So, no problem really!
⭕ If you asked, should I quit my job, business or area of study – the answer is no. If you need to take a break, do – and then come back to your role or studies with renewed motivation. There are more benefits to squeeze out of this situation.
Jobs associated with this card include: Security, police, self-employment, or management (or any career that requires you to motivate other people).
What does This Card Signify as a Way of Living?
Insecurity is not necessarily a bad thing. There is wisdom in insecurity. When this card turns up, it means, now is a good time to stay alert. By staying alert, you are more aware of the interesting times we live in, and the possibilities around you. You feel more alive. Grab some rest, and when you are done, you will have a second wind. You don’t need to live on the edge of danger, but at least when you experience some uncertainty about the future, it feels like life is more dynamic. You’re ready to react. And this is good. Keep the fire within burning.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The Nine of Wands in a Money Reading?
???? If you asked the Tarot about money and finances, and you receive the 9 of Wands, it means your main worry will soon be over, but not quite yet. Perhaps you’ve struggled to make enough money, or to buy a property or big-ticket item like a car. While it may feel like an endless up-hill battle, you are closer than you realize to achieving your goal. Even if you are not sure how you will achieve your goal, the message of this card is to keep going and all will be revealed as you go along. The main thing is, do not be tempted to settle and think ‘this is as good as it gets’.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“Nine of Wands combined with Hierophant” – Keep going, you have what it takes to inspire others.
“Ace of Wands combined with Queen of Cups” – Keep going and trust your intuition.
“Ace of Wands combined with Knight of Cups” – Keep going, your mood will improve.
HEALTH: What does The 9 of Wands Mean when You Ask About Health?
If you are worried about your health and the nine of Wands turns up – it can signify that you are tempted to give up. You are tempted to stop making the effort to improve your health, weight loss or lifestyle. Maybe this is because you have not seen the results yet, or you are like a yo-yo, back and forth. Whatever the reason for your feelings, do not allow emotions to overwhelm you. Take a break, if necessary, but then jump back on the wagon. You will get to where you want to go, as long as you keep going.
Health conditions associated with this card include: burn out, depression, adrenal problems; as well as kidney stones and shingles. It is also associated with having stitches and recovery after an accident.
YES/NO: Does The 9 of Wands Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and the nine of Wands turns up, then the answer is YES. As long as you don’t quit.
TIMING: Does The 9 of Wands Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 The nine of Wands is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the 9 of Wands is about 9 weeks. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 12 weeks.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The 9 of Wands Reversed?
When the Nine of Wands is reversed then the wand drops out of your hands, and you lose your crutch.
✔️You feel unable to deal with life’s challenges and have been pushed beyond your limit. You immune system is weakened. Time to rest and recover.
✔️You are not thinking clearly, this is not the time to make any big decisions.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: trapped far from home, pushed beyond your limits, obstacles and delays.
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Nine of Wands Symbolism
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Complete List: Tarot Card Meanings
Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
