The INDIAN TAROTS – Nine of Wands

After experiencing the dynamic potential of the Eight of Wands, there now comes an anxious repose. The figure in The Nine of Wands has been beaten but not defeated. The card tests your strength against adversity. While the card seems bleak, there is an undercurrent of hope that a new day will dawn and that a better future will come. To receive that hope, the card suggests that you persist through all challenges.

The figure in the card wears a bandage around his head. Perhaps this is the man from the seven of wands and he is recovering from the battle there. Perhaps the bandage is metaphorical, representing a fixed worldview. In any case, the bandage illustrates self-care and recovery. Eight of the nine wands stand vertically behind the man. It is unclear if he is aware of them or not for, he is looking the other way. If this were the case, the eight wands could represent the resources unknown to us that we need to look for. If the figure is aware of the wands, then they could represent his ability to organize his resources into a wall of protection.

The figure holds onto one of the wands with both hands. He appears to lean against it, using it for support. While the wands were used as weapons previously, the Nine of Wands reveals their versatility. The image of the Nine of Wands appears bleak as the figure is injured and in repose. Despite this, the landscape behind him is still green and fertile. The landscape can reveal that even in our darkest moments, hope persist. Juxtaposed with the green landscape is the grey floor that the figure stands on. The green landscape may be what the figure sees but the grey floor is what the figure feels. It denotes the bleakness of the figure’s injuries while also suggesting the unbiased wait of the figure’s repose.

Upright meaning

This card often represents resilience, persistence, and courage. It suggests that you have been through a lot of challenges and setbacks, but that you have the strength and determination to keep going. The card encourages you to stay focused on your goals and to be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.

Reverse meaning

This card can indicate giving up, exhaustion, or feeling defeated. You may be feeling like you can’t keep going or that you’ve reached the end of your rope. The card suggests that you may need to take a break, regroup, and find ways to recharge your energy and motivation.