Card Meaning: Nine Of Wands
General
When this card appears you can expect some difficulties, but this card also
brings a strength to endure. The wands in the background are set as a defense
wall, suggesting that the person on the card, though visibly worried and even
wounded is
protected. This card speaks about our opposition and how to overcome it. This
card has some similarites with the Seven of Wands but is not entirely the same.
While the Seven of the Wands speaks about holding one's ground in some specific
situation, this card speaks about our attitude in everyday situations. This is
the last card before the Ten of Wands, the final manifestation of the Wand suit
so it is reasonable to conclude that this is the last step, the last trial
before total acomplishment. The last step is usually the most challenging one.
It is important to know your strength and opponent's weaknesses and to choose
your battles wisely. Sometimes you must find a balance between waiting and
acting, especially when you are going against all odds. The orderly set of wands
also implies the need to maintain control and discipline in order to overcome
all ordeals.
Reading
Positive: victory against the enemies, end of opposition, order, control, hidden
reserves, perseverance, discipline, self-assurance.
Negative:
obstinacy, suspicion, delays, adversity, unproductive.
A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying.
Divinatory Meanings: A card of many significances, and some of the readings
cannot be harmonized. I set aside that which connects it with honour and good
faith. The chief meaning is oppression simply, but it is also fortune, gain, any
kind of success, and then it is the oppression of these things. It is also a
card of false-seeming, disguise, perfidy. The place which the figure is
approaching may suffer from the rods that he carries. Success is stultified if
the Nine of Swords follows, and if it is a question of a lawsuit, there will be
certain loss. Reversed: Contrarieties, difficulties, intrigues, and their
analogies.
— The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite