Nine of Wands: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Nine of Wands Tarot Card Meanings
Keywords - Upright and Reversed
Upright Keywords: Ongoing Battle, Fatigue, Battle Weary, Drained of Energy, Close to Success, Nearly There, Courage, Perseverance, Persistence, Backbone, Learning From Past Failure, Fight your Corner, Gather your Strength, Guarded, Last Stand, Wounded, Holding Out, Expecting Trouble, Not Working Out as Planned, Strength of Will, Setbacks
Reversed Keywords: Stubborn, Refusing to Compromise/ Give in, Rigid, Last One Standing, Obstinate, Not Learning From the Past, Chronic Fatigue, No Fight Left, Stalemate, Withdrawal, Retreat, Falling at the Final Hurdle, Weakness, Lack of Courage, Dropping your Guard, Giving Up, Unexpected Trouble, Chip on Shoulder
Description
The Nine of Wands depicts a frail-looking man with a wand, surrounded by eight other upright wands. The man appears to be wounded, but he appears eager to fight another battle and has a tremendous determination to win. He has a hopeful and determined expression on his face, which should help him get through that final battle. It’s a card that depicts a mixture of difficulties, optimism, and triumph.
Upright Meaning
General Meaning
The Nine of Wands emphasizes the importance of gathering your remaining strength and pushing forward with determination. It highlights your inner courage and the ability to hold your ground in the face of adversity. This card urges you not to give up, even when you feel drained or tempted to retreat.
The Nine of Wands upright suggests that you’ve been through some tough times and are feeling exhausted and drained of energy. However, this card is a reminder that you’re close to achieving your goals and just need to muster the last bit of strength to press on. It represents bravery, perseverance, and willpower, and advises you to keep fighting even when the going gets tough. This Minor Arcana card encourages you to learn from your past mistakes and make your final stand, as success is within reach.
Finances and Career
Love and Relationships
When it comes to love and relationships, the Nine of Wands indicates that you and your partner may have been through a rough patch recently. You may be feeling drained and tempted to give up, but this card advises you to persevere. If you’re single, this card suggests that past hurts are preventing you from finding a healthy and happy partnership, but reminds you that you’ve made it through the worst and to keep moving forward.
Health and Spirituality
In a health and spirituality context, the Nine of Wands suggests that you may have spent a lot of energy fighting an illness or difficult situation. However, this card reminds you that you have the strength to keep going and encourages you to prioritize your energy levels. Meditation or other spiritual practices may help restore your energy and keep you on your path.
Journal Prompts (Upright)
- Where in my life am I feeling battle-weary but close to the finish line?
- What lessons have I learned from my past setbacks that can help me now?
- How can I better protect my energy while still pushing forward?
Affirmations (Upright)
- I am strong, resilient, and determined to see this through.
- I’ve come too far to give up now—my breakthrough is near.
- I protect my energy and fight only the battles that matter.
Reversed Meaning
The reversed Nine of Wands indicates stubbornness and an unwillingness to compromise.
However, it can also be a reminder to be flexible and open to new ideas. This Minor Arcana card may represent a need to let go of past hurts and move forward with a more positive mindset. It could also indicate a lack of willpower or courage but encourages you to keep pushing forward and not give up. If you’ve encountered unexpected setbacks or danger, this card advises you to regroup and find a new approach.
Journal Prompts (Reversed)
- Am I being too rigid or defensive in a situation that calls for flexibility?
- What am I holding onto that is draining my will to persevere?
- Where do I need to drop my guard and let healing begin?
Affirmations (Reversed)
- I allow myself to pause, reset, and re-approach with clarity.
- Letting go of the past gives me room to grow.
- I am open to compromise and wise in choosing my battles.
Keywords The Nine of Wands tarot card interpretation, Symbolism of the Nine of Wands card in tarot, Exploring the Nine of Wands tarot card, Tarot symbolism and meanings, Minor Arcana tarot cards
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