# NINE OF SWORDS The Nine of Swords shows a woman who has woken up during the night. Her head is in her hands, weeping or anxious, having been woken by a nightmare. Nine swords hang on the wall behind her; the seventh, eighth, and ninth swords appear as if they’re piercing her head, throat, and heart. Her quilt contains images of roses against a yellow background, reflecting the conflict of emotion and reason, as well as various astrological symbols, and symbolizing the all-encompassing feelings of her grief. The carving on her bed depicts a person being attacked or murdered, adding to the ominous and disturbing atmosphere. A black wall reflects her feelings of despair and hopelessness. ## 키워드 **정방향 (Upright):** Anxiety, fear, nightmares, stress, resentment, guilt, mental anguish, consumed by worry, dark night of the soul **역방향 (Reversed):** Releasing fear, recovery, opening up, secrets, total breakdown, inner turmoil, negative self-talk ## BEGINNINGS ### 정방향 (Upright) Sleepless nights, fear, and anxiety are haunting you. You’re paralyzed by it all, unable to move forward. **실천 사항 (Action):** Try not to let the negative thoughts run in your head on repeat. Reach out for help, and work on a positive mind-set. ### 역방향 (Reversed) You’ve been through dark times recently, and may still be in the midst of them, but can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. **실천 사항 (Action):** Try not to be too hard on yourself as you take these next steps. Don’t fall into the trap of negative self-talk. Focus on healing. ## CAREER ### 정방향 (Upright) You’re worried about your job, or you are experiencing stress or overwhelm from work. **실천 사항 (Action):** Likely the stress you’re facing is affecting your mental health. It’s probably time to look for another job. If you’re set on staying, you must release stress. ### 역방향 (Reversed) The reversed Nine of Swords can signify things either getting better or worse with your career. If worsening, you’re feeling the stress pile on and your mental health is taking a nosedive. If they’re getting better, you’ve found clarity or peace at work. **실천 사항 (Action):** Listen to your intuition on the situation and make adjustments. ## MONEY ### 정방향 (Upright) Are you waking up during the night in a cold sweat, worried over money? The Nine of Swords suggests that constant worry over how you will pay the bills has you not sleeping too well at night. **실천 사항 (Action):** Ask for help on getting things situated and figured out. Once you sit down and take a level- headed look at things, they’ll probably be more fixable than you were envisioning. Practicing gratitude for what you do have will make your problems seem smaller. ### 역방향 (Reversed) The reversed Nine of Swords suggests one of two things: your financial is becoming more overwhelming, or you’re working your way through it and things are looking up. What’s the direction you’re headed? **실천 사항 (Action):** As with much of the reversed Nine of Swords guidance, asking for help is key if you’re feeling overwhelmed. ## LOVE ### 정방향 (Upright) Your relationship is causing you great stress and worry. It’s possible that you have an unfaithful partner or you’re agonizing over mistakes made in the past. If single, fears about never finding “the one” are becoming more worrying, or you are worried about getting hurt. **실천 사항 (Action):** The first step is to talk things out with your partner and see where things are with them. From there you can suss out the situation and figure out the next move. ### 역방향 (Reversed) You’re worried about your relationship, but the reversed Nine of Swords suggests that things may not be as dire as you’re making them out in your head. If single, you may be recovering from heartbreak. **실천 사항 (Action):** Things might be tough, but the reversed Nine of Swords sees improvement in the future. Hang in there and try your best to work through issues with your partner. ## FRIENDS & FAMILY ### 정방향 (Upright) Family worries have you majorly stressed out. This card can also signify a toxic friend or family member reentering your life. **실천 사항 (Action):** Do your best to work through things. Know that if you need to, it’s okay to step away for a bit. ### 역방향 (Reversed) Did something happen with a friend or family member that keeps bugging you? **실천 사항 (Action):** The reversed Nine of Swords asks you to address this now before your resentment and anxiety continue to grow. ## HEALTH ### 정방향 (Upright) Your mental health has taken a hit, and things are feeling overwhelming or all consuming. **실천 사항 (Action):** This card is a sign to reach out for help. You can’t go on like this! ### 역방향 (Reversed) You’ve been through some cloudy gray days health-wise, and you are feeling the warm sun beams kiss your face again. The reversed Nine of Swords is a card of overcoming and finding peace and clarity. **실천 사항 (Action):** Continue taking positive steps forward for your health and focusing on the good. ## HIGHER GUIDANCE ### 정방향 (Upright) Your anxiety feels so overwhelming, it’s hard to know where to begin. Your guides see your struggle and want to wrap you in a big hug! **실천 사항 (Action):** Take comfort in the fact that the way you’re feeling is temporary. You’ve got to pull yourself from the anxious loop and into something more productive. How can you channel your fear and anxiety to help move through it? ### 역방향 (Reversed) The negative Nancy (sorry to any Nancys) voice in your head is running the show—and you’re hypercritical of yourself and everything you’re doing right now. It’s not a fun place to be! Fortunately, the reversed Nine of Swords also signifies that you’re getting tired of your own sh*t and are ready for a change. **실천 사항 (Action):** Time to say “adios” to Nancy! Try working daily with affirmations or guided meditations. You’re more than worthy, and it’s time to own it! ## OUTCOME ### 정방향 (Upright) Continuing down that path you’re on will bring pain. The Nine of Swords is pretty clear about that. **실천 사항 (Action):** Figure out where things aren’t aligned in your life. How can you work toward healing now so things don’t become more painful down the line? A key component of the Nine of Swords is asking for help when you need it, so please reach out to someone for guidance. ### 역방향 (Reversed) Though painful, you’re on a journey to heal pain and trauma that’s been plaguing you for awhile. The road won’t be easy, but you’re driven by the light at the end of the tunnel. **실천 사항 (Action):** When things get hard, resist the temptation to fall back into misery. Keep hope front and center.