9 of Swords as Feelings: Love & Emotions Decoded

By Lauren Williams
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The Nine of Swords in Tarot, often depicting worry, anxiety, and distress, delves into the deeper, more troubling aspects of emotions and relationships. This card, whether upright or reversed, speaks to the mental and emotional challenges that can arise in love and how we cope with them.

Upright, the Nine of Swords reflects a state of emotional turmoil, characterized by worries, fears, and guilt. It portrays a period where negative thoughts and anxieties dominate, often leading to sleeplessness or a sense of despair. This card captures the essence of being overwhelmed by emotional stress, highlighting the impact of such mental strains on relationships and personal well-being.

9 swords on a wall with a man crying.

In its Reversed form, the Nine of Swords suggests the beginning of recovery from these intense emotions. It points towards a phase of confronting and gradually overcoming worries and fears, indicating a shift towards healing and resolution. This reversal highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find solace and solutions amidst emotional upheaval.

Upright Nine of Swords as Feelings

General Meaning

The Upright Nine of Swords in tarot readings is often associated with worry, anxiety, and guilt, especially in the context of emotions and relationships. This card typically signifies a period of mental anguish or distress, where one might be overwhelmed by negative thoughts or fears. It suggests a time of emotional turmoil, often marked by sleepless nights, excessive worrying, or a sense of despair about relationship issues.

How They Feel About You

When the Upright Nine of Swords appears in relation to someone’s feelings towards you, it may indicate that they are experiencing a great deal of worry or anxiety about the relationship. They might be plagued by doubts, fears, or guilt, which could be causing them significant distress. Their feelings are likely overshadowed by these worries, preventing them from experiencing the relationship in a more positive light.

For Singles and New Relationships

For singles, the Upright Nine of Swords suggests a time where fears and anxieties might be dominating your thoughts regarding love. It can indicate apprehensions about starting a new relationship or fears of repeating past mistakes. In new relationships, this card warns of letting anxieties and worries cloud your judgment, potentially causing unnecessary stress in the budding connection.

For Existing Relationships

In existing relationships, the Upright Nine of Swords can signify a phase of anxiety and worry, possibly due to specific issues within the relationship. It may highlight concerns about the future, trust issues, or unresolved conflicts that are causing mental and emotional strain.

Old Flame/Ex

Regarding an old flame or an ex, the Upright Nine of Swords might represent lingering anxieties or regrets related to that relationship. It can indicate a need to address and process these feelings to find peace and move forward.

For Those Seeking Love

For those seeking love, the Upright Nine of Swords advises caution against letting worries and fears dominate your thoughts. It suggests seeking ways to manage anxiety and build confidence, ensuring that such concerns do not hinder your pursuit of happiness in love.

Reversed Nine of Swords as Feelings

General Meaning

The Reversed Nine of Swords in tarot readings often suggests the beginning of overcoming worries, anxieties, or guilt in the realm of emotions and relationships. This card reversed indicates a shift away from the intense mental anguish and towards finding solutions or ways to cope with emotional stress. It signifies a period of healing, where the fears and anxieties are being confronted and gradually resolved.

How They Feel About You

When the Reversed Nine of Swords appears in relation to someone’s feelings towards you, it might suggest that they are starting to overcome their worries and fears about the relationship. They may be finding ways to address their concerns or beginning to see the situation in a more positive light, allowing for a healthier emotional connection.

For Singles and New Relationships

For singles, the Reversed Nine of Swords indicates a time of moving past anxieties and fears related to love. It suggests a phase of healing and gaining a more optimistic perspective on romantic prospects. In new relationships, this card signifies overcoming initial anxieties and building a more secure and confident connection.

For Existing Relationships

In existing relationships, the Reversed Nine of Swords can signal a period of resolving anxieties and addressing the sources of worry within the relationship. It may point to effective communication and problem-solving, helping to alleviate stress and improve the overall emotional health of the partnership.

Old Flame/Ex

Reflecting on an old flame or an ex, the Reversed Nine of Swords may highlight a process of healing from past regrets or anxieties associated with that relationship. It suggests moving towards closure and emotional recovery.

For Those Seeking Love

For those in search of love, the Reversed Nine of Swords brings a message of hope and healing. It encourages releasing past fears and anxieties, embracing a more positive and confident approach to finding love, and opening yourself up to new possibilities without the burden of past worries.

Summary

The Nine of Swords in Tarot, both Upright and Reversed, underscores the importance of addressing and managing emotional and mental distress in the context of relationships. Upright, this card serves as a caution about the toll that unchecked anxieties and fears can take on one’s emotional life. It urges acknowledging and confronting these feelings to prevent them from causing further harm.

Reversed, the Nine of Swords offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that relief from such distress is possible. It encourages seeking help, whether through personal reflection, communication with loved ones, or professional support, to overcome emotional burdens. This card reassures that with time and effort, one can move past anxiety and fear, emerging stronger and more emotionally balanced.

Overall, the Nine of Swords highlights the challenges of mental and emotional turmoil in love, while also offering a pathway towards healing and recovery.

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AUTHOR

Lauren Williams
Lauren merges ancient wisdom with modern insights, offering a fresh perspective on life's mysteries. She's passionate about guiding individuals through the world of astrology, lunar cycles, numerology, and tarot. When she's not charting the stars or reading tarot, she enjoys getting out in nature, hikes and yoga.