The INDIAN TAROTS – Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords depicts a figure waking up from a bad dream. Above him hovers the nine swords. The card is an allusion to the dark night of the soul where a person faces an existential crisis. While the card contains pain, it also contains the hope that this dark night will turn into a bright morning of enlightenment.

The figure in the card is seen in a state of shock and epiphany. He buries his face in their hands to reveal his disbelief. This posture illustrates the painful aspect of enlightenment, sometimes referred to the dark night of the soul. The nine swords float above the figure, as if they are a representation of the figure’s epiphany. The swords are notably caught in the light, creating a juxtaposition between them and the black background. The arrangement of the swords conveys a sense of pattern and design to the figure’s epiphany.

The black background further illustrates the concept of the dark night of the soul. It tells of the suddenness and unexpected nature of spiritual epiphanies. Through the black background we are able to see the void within the figure’s consciousness. Along the bedframe, there is carved people fighting each other. This carving illustrates the conflicting voices within the figure’s psyche. Such a disharmony naturally comes from states of spiritual epiphanies. On one hand, you have your old beliefs and on the other you have your new encounter.

If the carving represents the figure’s disharmony, the roses on the bed represent the figure’s harmony. Like a rose, there is an undeniable beauty in spiritual revelations. They can shock us out of our sleep and also comfort us back to rest. There are various zodiac symbols on the quilt. Like the arrangement of the swords the zodiac symbols (Raashi) point to a divine plan or design. Spiritual epiphanies naturally come from an endorsement of the cosmos.

Upright meaning

This card often represents anxiety, fear, and worry. It suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of dread or unease, and that you may be struggling to find peace of mind. The card encourages you to take steps to address your worries and to seek support if needed.

Reverse meaning

This card can indicate relief, release, or a reduction in anxiety. You may be finding ways to cope with your worries or to let go of past fears. The card suggests that you may need to focus on finding a sense of peace and tranquillity in your life.