Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands

The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)

The Nine of Wands is the ninth card in the Tarot’s Minor Arcana within the Wands suit and symbolizes endurance, determination and vigilance. The card’s image shows a person holding a wand and standing in front of eight other wands, indicating that they are ready to defend themselves and their territory. It represents that sometimes we must be vigilant and persistent in our efforts to protect what we have worked hard to achieve.

Upright Meaning

When the Nine of Wands appears upright in a Tarot reading, it signifies a time of endurance, determination and vigilance. The card urges you to be prepared to defend what you have worked for and to hold firm to your convictions even when faced with opposition or challenges. It is a time for being strong and fighting for what you believe in, as well as being watchful and aware of any threats or dangers that may come your way.

Reversed Meaning

If the Nine of Wands is reversed in a reading, it can indicate that you are feeling tired and exhausted from ongoing pressures or that you are struggling to stand up against opposition or challenges. It can also mean that you are overly protective or paranoid. The card urges you to find balance between being vigilant and trusting in your abilities, as well as taking care of yourself and your own wellbeing so that you have strength to face any challenges or threats.

Example Reading

If the Nine of Wands appears in a reading alongside the Queen of Pentacles and Three of Swords, it can be interpreted as that through endurance and determination (Nine of Wands) you will achieve material security and wellbeing (Queen of Pentacles). But it can also mean that you will encounter some heartbreaking or painful experiences (Three of Swords) along the way. The card urges you to be vigilant and persistent, while also taking care of your emotional wellbeing and processing any emotions that may arise.

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The Nine of Wands is a card that represents resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges and obstacles. It is associated with the archetype of the wounded warrior, who has been through battles and struggles but continues to stand strong and defend their territory.

Behavioral Patterns

When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual is currently facing a difficult situation or is feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. They may be feeling exhausted and worn down, but they are still determined to push through and protect what is important to them.

The Nine of Wands can also represent a defensive attitude or a need to guard oneself against potential threats. The individual may be on guard and ready to protect themselves from any potential harm, whether physical or emotional.

Integration and Shadow Work

Psychologically, the Nine of Wands suggests the need to acknowledge and confront one’s own wounds and vulnerabilities. It may be a reminder to not let past traumas or challenges define one’s identity, but rather to use them as sources of strength and resilience.

This card also encourages the individual to find healthy ways to cope with stress and pressure, rather than constantly being on guard and defensive. Shadow work may involve exploring any underlying fears or insecurities that may be driving the need for protection and working towards healing and self-acceptance.

In order to integrate the energies of the Nine of Wands, it is important for the individual to find a balance between protecting themselves and being open to vulnerability. They may benefit from learning healthy boundaries and finding ways to recharge and rest when needed, rather than constantly pushing through their struggles alone.


More Tarot Cards In "Wands"

Page of Wands

The Page of Wands is a tarot card representing a young person who is full of energy and creativity. It also symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities that await and is a sign that you should be ready to take the chance and follow your intuition.

Page of Wands

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes a woman who is emotionally stable and self-assured, and who has a strong will and great self-confidence. She stands for creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and she inspires others to reach their goals.

Queen of Wands

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands symbolizes strength and courage to stand up for oneself and one's beliefs. It also represents the fight for what one wants and being ready to defend what one believes in. This means that one must stand up against adversity and try to find a way to move forward.

Seven of Wands

Six of Wands

The Six of Wands tarot card symbolizes victory and triumph. It represents success, recognition, and strength. It is a sign that one has succeeded in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. It is a sign that one will receive the recognition they deserve.

Six of Wands

Ten of Wands

The Tarot card Ten of Wands symbolizes responsibility and burden. It represents that you have taken on too much and that you should prioritize your commitments and restrain yourself. It urges you to let go of what is no longer necessary and to focus on what is important.

Ten of Wands

Three of Wands

The Three of Wands tarot card symbolizes attentiveness, planning, and anticipation. It also represents preparation for success and the ability to see the bigger picture. It can also signify that one is about to embark on a new project or take a step forward.

Three of Wands

Two of Wands

The Two of Wands in Tarot symbolizes planning, decision-making, and expansion. When upright, it indicates a time for considering various possibilities, long-term planning, and being open to new ideas. When reversed, it suggests difficulty making decisions, fear of change, or uncertainty about plans and goals. In a reading with the Queen of Swords and the Five of Cups, focusing on planning (Two of Wands) can lead to better clarity, insight, and communication skills (Queen of Swords), helping overcome feelings of loss, grief, and disappointment (Five of Cups) and fostering personal growth and self-understanding.

Two of Wands

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands tarot card symbolizes new beginnings, creativity, and energy. It stands for new opportunities and potential that are ready to be tapped into. It also signifies a time for recovery and renewal, which can help one get back on the right track.

Ace of Wands

Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes speed, movement, and change. It also represents success and progress and stands for a period of intense activity and quick results. It can indicate that it is time to take initiative and take big risks in order to reach one's goals.

Eight of Wands

Five of Wands

Five of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes conflicts and rivalry. It also represents struggles and competition that can lead to exhaustion and resistance. It encourages to address issues in a constructive way to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Five of Wands

Four of Wands

The Four of Wands tarot card symbolizes victory and triumph. It represents joy and celebration, and is a sign that a goal has been achieved. It stands for feelings of security, stability, and long-lasting happiness.

Four of Wands

King of Wands

The King of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes leadership, ability, and confidence. It is a card that stands for passion, creativity, and a willingness to take initiative. It can also represent a strong, loyal, and secure leader who is ready to make decisions and lead others.

King of Wands

Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands symbolizes an adventurous, impulsive, and creative mindset that is ready to take on new challenges. It also stands for courage, enthusiasm, and a desire to change. It is a sign that there are great opportunities to take on new projects or ventures.

Knight of Wands