NINE OF SWORDS

• WORRY
• GUILT
• ANGUISH

ACTIONS

worrying

doubting all will go well
brooding
making yourself sick over your troubles
going over and over an issue
feeling anxious and tense
getting worked up

feeling guilty

regretting some offense
refusing to forgive yourself
wanting to turn back the clock
focusing on your "sins"
being hard on yourself
denying that you did your best
getting overwhelmed by remorse

suffering anguish

despairing
feeling you've reached your limits
having sleepless nights
feeling depressed
going through a dark night of the soul
forgetting joy
wanting to cry

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

• Star - serenity, peace of mind
• Judgement - lack of guilt, absolution
• Three of Cups - being on top of the world, in the flow
• Six of Cups - innocence
• Ten of Cups - joy, peace, delight

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

• Devil - despair, lack of joy
• Ten of Wands - worrying
• Three of Swords - anguish, heartbreak
• Six of Swords - depression, sadness

DESCRIPTION

It makes sense that the figure on the Nine of Swords is in bed because it is during the night that our griefs and regrets come to mind most intensely. The quiet darkness strips away the distractions of the day, leaving us alone with our thoughts. Who has not lain awake at 4 A.M. filled with worries that refuse to go away? The Nine of Swords represents this unhappiness which can strike us at any time.

Unlike the pain of the Three of Swords which seems to come from without, the Nine of Swords represents the pain that we generate from within. What tortures we put ourselves through when our fears and doubts overwhelm us. Worry is probably the most common. Have I done enough? Will everything work out OK? What am I going to do? The thoughts go round and round - impossible to turn off.

Guilt is another source of pain. When we have done something that we feel is wrong or hurtful - or failed to do something we think we should have - the distress can be very real. It is worse when nothing we do relieves the bad feelings or makes them go away. Finally, there is just pure anguish. Sometimes the pain of life is so total that all we feel like doing is crying into our hands.

Needless to say, the Nine of Swords is not the most pleasant of cards, but it doesn't always indicate major distress. Often it is just a sign of some element of unhappiness or trouble - a vulnerable spot in your life. This card is often a warning from your Inner Guide that the path you are going down may be a difficult one. If you approach the Nine of Swords in this spirit - as a caution sign - you will be able to use it constructively. Examine your situation carefully to be sure you are making the best choices. Even a small change can make all the difference.

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