The Nine of Wands in tarot represents resilience, perseverance, and the determination to push through challenges. When this card appears in a reading related to intentions, it often signifies an unwavering resolve to keep going, even when faced with adversity.
This guide explores the Nine of Wands in both its upright and reversed positions, offering insights into what it reveals about one’s intentions.
Let’s dive into:
🌕 Nine of Wands Upright: Intentions
🌔 Nine of Wands Reversed: Intentions
🌓 7 Key Points About the Nine of Wands as Intentions
The Nine of Wands Upright: Intentions & Basics To Know
Here’s an overview of the essential things to know about the Nine of Wands as intention (upright). Let’s walk through the key points.
💟 The Basics of the Nine of Wands (Upright)
In its upright position, the Nine of Wands reflects resilience, courage, and the determination to persevere through obstacles. This card suggests that while the journey has been challenging, the individual is close to the finish line and intends to stand strong, even when feeling weary. It’s a card that speaks to inner strength, persistence, and the intention to protect what has been gained.
💟 Intentions Behind the Nine of Wands (Upright)
- Perseverance Through Challenges: The Nine of Wands upright indicates a strong intention to keep pushing forward despite difficulties. There’s a refusal to give up, even when the odds seem stacked against the person.
- Defensive Stance: This card also suggests an intention to protect oneself or one’s achievements. The individual may feel the need to stand guard, prepared to defend against any further obstacles or threats.
- Persistence and Endurance: The Nine of Wands speaks to an intention to see things through to the end. The person is committed to enduring the final hurdles and has no intention of backing down.
💟 Reacting to the Nine of Wands’ Intentions (Upright)
When the Nine of Wands appears upright, it’s important to recognize the value of persistence and to encourage resilience. While the battle may feel exhausting, this card reminds you that you are close to your goal. It’s a sign to gather strength, protect your progress, and remain determined despite the challenges.
The Nine of Wands Reversed: Intentions & Basics To Know
Now, let’s take a look at the reversed Nine of Wands and what it reveals about intentions.
💟 The Essence of the Nine of Wands (Reversed)
When reversed, the Nine of Wands suggests exhaustion, burnout, and possibly a feeling of defeat. The struggles have taken their toll, and the person may feel they no longer have the strength to continue. There could also be an over-defensive attitude, leading to isolation or a reluctance to accept help.
💟 Intentions Behind the Nine of Wands (Reversed)
- Fear of Being Overwhelmed: Reversed, the Nine of Wands may reflect an intention rooted in fear—fear of failure or being overwhelmed. The person might be unsure whether they have the energy to keep going, and their intention could be wavering.
- Reluctance to Let Down Defenses: The reversed Nine of Wands can indicate an intention to remain overly guarded. The person may be struggling to trust others and might be unintentionally isolating themselves due to a constant defensive stance.
- Giving Up Too Soon: The reversal of this card can also point to an intention to give up just before reaching the finish line. The exhaustion and obstacles have become overwhelming, and there’s a temptation to walk away rather than push through.
💟 Reacting to the Nine of Wands’ Intentions (Reversed)
When the Nine of Wands appears reversed, it’s time to assess where you’re feeling drained or overburdened. While it’s important to be persistent, this card suggests it might be time to reconsider whether certain battles are worth fighting or if rest and self-care are needed. There’s also a reminder to be mindful of overly defensive behavior that may lead to unnecessary isolation.
7 Key Points About the Nine of Wands as Intentions
Here are seven key points to keep in mind when interpreting the Nine of Wands in the context of intentions, encompassing both its upright and reversed meanings:
- Perseverance and Grit: The Nine of Wands (upright) indicates a strong intention to keep going, no matter how tough the circumstances. It’s a card of resilience and determination.
- Standing Guard: There’s an intention to protect what has been achieved. The person is ready to defend themselves or their work against any new threats or challenges.
- Endurance to the End: This card reflects the intention to push through to the end of a tough journey. Even though they may be tired, the person is committed to seeing it through.
- Wavering Strength (Reversed): The Nine of Wands reversed suggests an intention that is losing strength. The individual may feel unsure if they can continue and might be considering giving up.
- Overly Defensive Behavior: In its reversed position, the Nine of Wands can point to an intention to remain overly guarded. This defensiveness can prevent them from receiving help or connecting with others.
- Burnout and Exhaustion: Reversed, this card reflects the toll that ongoing challenges have taken. The intention may be clouded by fatigue, signaling a need for rest or recovery before continuing.
- Knowing When to Retreat: Sometimes the Nine of Wands reversed is a call to step back and assess whether continuing is truly the best course. It can suggest an intention to let go of a fight that is no longer worth the effort.
Last Thoughts
The Nine of Wands as intentions, whether upright or reversed, centers on themes of perseverance, resilience, and protection. When upright, the card speaks to a determined will to keep going, no matter how hard things get. It encourages pushing through challenges and maintaining defenses until success is achieved.
In its reversed form, the Nine of Wands warns of burnout, over-defensiveness, and the temptation to give up just before the finish line. It encourages reassessment, urging you to decide whether it’s time to rest, rebuild strength, or reconsider the path forward.
In both positions, the Nine of Wands reminds us of the importance of balance between standing strong and knowing when to rest or let down our guard.