The Nine of Swords reversed represents our need to overcome the biggest adversities that come in our life. Whether they are external or internal, it’s a scary card to see.
Is it the worst tarot card you can pick? It is certainly a card that brings up many negative emotions. Let’s analyze what this truly means.
The Nine of Swords Reversed
Fear. Anxiety. Guilt. These are all emotions that we experience during this physical existence called life. As spiritual beings, we are sensitive when such emotions come to the surface.

Some choose to handle these emotions by working harder. Others choose to medicate. Some choose to get professional help, while others choose tarot cards. Everyone is choosing a path they feel the most comfortable with.
This tarot card is considered to be quite stark and negative. It’s heavy for the mind to process and meanings are different between psychic readers, but one thing’s for sure – the dark energy surrounds it.
Card meaning
This is a No card. We’ve used the Rider-Waite series to analyze the Nine of Swords reversed. You are welcome to use any tarot deck that you desire.

We see a man on this deck. He is in bed but doesn’t feel at peace. In fact, his thoughts are stopping him from a peaceful night because of the guilt, shame and challenges that have been thrown his way.
He can’t find light or stillness in the moment. He bury’s his head in his hands to cover his eyes. What he doesn’t realize is that his blanket holds clues. It’s telling him some answers.
By using blankets, we feel safe. As a child we always would hide under the blankets to stop the monsters coming to attack us. His blanket has messages. The zodiac sign means that he is connected with the entire universe and is merely source energy in a physical manifestation.
Here we can also see roses. This means that he is beautiful and loved despite not providing anything tangible. Roses are temporary as is the man, so this is a recognization of temporary darkness.
Most importantly, his bed is rock-solid. It’s immovable. This means he has already created safe and strong foundations for which to grow, love and nurture himself…if he could only open his eyes.
Inner sabotage
This man is sabotaging himself on the Nine of Swords reversed. Perhaps things were said to him or experiences have recently happened which has sparked his challenges in the moment. He’s let those thoughts linger and dwell within him.
He’s in the shadows and in the darkness of the night. This is where such thoughts and emotions really do come to the surface. In the light, such thoughts diminish right away. If you light a candle, the darkness has to escape. It has no choice.
Indeed, he has internal light that needs to shine. He’s caught up in the moment and doesn’t see the messages before him that can quickly switch on that light. If only he would trust his faith and intuition to find his way forward in the moment.
A grand awakening
We are all light and love. Spiritual authors have pushed this notion for years…because they are right! If we can just see us for what we truly are, behind the mask, then we can have our grand awakening.
When yoga teachers remind us to stay true to ourselves, they are warning us. They are warning us against the notion of self-harming thoughts. We should stay true to our core essence.
Such an essence started as a child. We started this life in a warm and shining bubble. As children, we had so much potential for more. From playtime to learning, we knew as kids what was truly possible. As adults, we’ve had to dim the light for fear of judgement.
It’s time to take a stand. To rise beyond the call of duty. To become more than we ever envisioned. If we fall short, at least we’ll still be among the stars.
Stepping forth
Our freedom comes initially by shifting our perspective. By finding magic in the moment and radiant light surrounding us. The source of our joy comes from within, not expectations placed upon us.

If you do fall into the challenging times that the man on this tarot card shows, then remember that you’re the conductor. You have the power to change your dominant thoughts in a moment.
Take a breath…then take another! Start breathing and believing. Remember that this quest isn’t over. In fact, it’s still beginning, or the start of a new beginning.
Have faith that this is part of the process. This could be the worst card or best card you’ve found this year. Such meaning is derived from our perspective.
What are you going to choose?
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.