Nine of Wands

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Saturn/Venus as defenders and protectors.

NINE OF WANDS The Nine of Wands signifies stubbornness, resistance to some situation or event from which we expect nothing but trouble. At the same time, it tells us that there is in fact no real threat — only our memories of past troubles, from which our present "defensive" state arises. It personifies the state of soul that fairy tales call a "cold heart." Translated into everyday language, this means that we bristle with all our quills and resist any change, even though we suspect that such change may be very important for our further development. Although sometimes it may signify the exact opposite — if, for example, we have taken the decisive step and closed behind us all the doors that might lead to retreat. In such a case this card has a positive meaning, but it also points to a mistake we have made: we have shamefully fled from responsibility for our past out of fear that it might overtake us. In order to free ourselves from it, we must finally let go of our past, transforming it into the foundation of our further transformations, rather than feeling ourselves its hostage.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

NINE OF WANDS Strength The second decan of Sagittarius, from December 2 to December 10. Astrological equivalents: the sign of Pisces, the planets Jupiter and Neptune, the Twelfth House. The second decan of Sagittarius symbolizes the expansion of consciousness, its dominance over the world, and its expansion into all spheres of being. Its ruler is traditionally considered to be the Moon. Energy here is transformed into a heightened receptivity to ideas and feelings and an intuitive understanding of the holistic picture of the world, which contributes to the construction of a firm worldview. Reliance on past traditions serves as a source of spiritual wealth and practical knowledge of the present. Sagittarius relies not on himself, but on what is hidden behind him: on his worldview and on the objective ideals of society. He is inclined to idealize the experience of the past. This is the most romantic decan of the Zodiac, establishing a living connection with the past and drawing spirituality from the depths of the ages. It is driven by a striving for independence, a love of travel and other cultures, as well as a tendency to take on responsibility for what is happening — sometimes more than a person can bear. Excessive expansion leads to a dispersal of the personality (which can be given by Jupiter conjunct the Moon). And in order not to make empty promises, vainly raising the hopes of those around him, it is important to control the completion of each stage of activity according to the principle: "Finish the deed and walk freely!" The effectiveness of work strengthens confidence in one's ideas and gives an impetus to new achievements. The NINE OF WANDS is the ever-vigilant mind that ensures that our will does not weaken. In the famous prayer, in which the Lord is asked for the strength to change what can be changed; the humility to accept what cannot be changed; and the wisdom always to distinguish the one from the other — the NINE OF WANDS is the third part: the mind evaluates, watches. It is, as it were, a constant self-control — a person does not allow himself to grow lax — vigilance, having been tested in deeds, awareness of one's actions.

The trap — you are tired, your attention has become dulled.

UPRIGHT POSITION In the upright position, the NINE OF WANDS signifies penetration to other levels of consciousness. This card symbolizes a change in one's perceptions of oneself, the beginning of seeing oneself in a different light. On the social level, the NINE OF WANDS may be expressed in the choice of a false system of values, false authorities. Through the number nine the strong influence of Neptune penetrates; and the card is to a very great extent connected precisely with authorities, with one's affiliation with this or that cultural tradition, with views, with a system of values. The NINE OF WANDS symbolizes the anticipation of difficulties and changes, the anticipation of stormy periods of life and the foreboding of them, the foreseeing of enmity, hidden enemies, breakdown, destruction. Unlike the other Nines, the NINE OF WANDS reflects the character of Pisces rather than of Sagittarius. The influence of Neptune here is stronger, and that of Jupiter weaker.

REVERSED POSITION In the reversed position the card indicates rigidity of thinking, narrowness of outlook, a closed mind, loss of contact with reality; various obstacles, opponents; problems that arise overnight, delays, everything that causes dissatisfaction, disappointment, hopelessness — barriers that arise and that must be overcome, dead periods, poor health. The appearance of this card in a spread may signal that a very slippery stretch lies ahead in your life. It is important to traverse it without stumbling. The suit of WANDS is the last on the ladder of suits, and its symbol is the attainment of life experience. It is known that the closer one is to the goal, the stronger the resistance, and the darkness is thickest just before the dawn. This applies fully to the NINE OF WANDS. You are now very close to the final stage, and it is important not to succumb to illusions. These are the situations of the sign of Pisces, and especially of the Twelfth House.