3 Card Tarot Reading

The Ten Of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Suit of Swords, as in all suits, is a story of progression.

There are different levels of growth, opportunities for change that are presented to get you through the story from the beginning, middle and then to the end. The Ten of Swords is a culmination of all of the negative aspects of the Suit of Swords. Either you are just going through a cycle of having to survive through desolation or you have actively chosen to refrain from following the advice of those who know you in your life or even the advice presented in the cards or through higher source energy. Whatever the case may be, you are experiencing a really challenging cycle where you feel as though you have been utterly destroyed.

This card is symbolic of despair, of lack, a metaphorical death of an aspect of your life. This is usually the card that presents itself when you have been participating in something like a relationship that makes you feel victimized and instead of looking at the signs to get out of it when you had the time, you let it destroy you. Now you must figure out how to get out of this mess so that you can start anew in the form of the Page of Swords immediately following this card. Try not to be too discouraged: No matter how far we have fallen, there is always room to get up, brush yourself off and try again.

The image that is shown on the card is that of a person who has actually been pierced by ten swords. Up until this point, the swords were always present in the background or surrounding the individuals in the card, however these cards have actually thrust themselves through flesh to symbolize how deeply and integrally you are feeling this pain and this hurt. The sky above this seemingly dead person is black. This card symbolizes the defeat found in war, a disruption of home life as well as the ruin of plans or projects. Despite the violent imagery in this card, this is not a card of violent death. This is simply a card depicting the absolute end of something. Often times when the Ten of Swords is in your life, you feel as though you have been horribly and miserably abused, the end of this cycle is hard for you so the pain of the swords is how you feel.

One way to push through this time of your life is to spend a whole bunch of time giving. This may sound almost obscene given your current circumstances. But there is a need to rebuild in your life, and to do so you need to have a new perspective. You need to see that others may either also have it bad or maybe even worse then you. When you give over of your nurturing and compassionate self, not only does healing come faster for you, but you will be genuinely bettering the circumstances of those around you. This kind of fellowship and brotherhood, caring for your fellow man is going to help pick you up off of that metaphorical floor.

Remember that tomorrow always is capable of bringing new hope. You literally cannot fall any lower then you have fallen, and, in a sense, there is hope to be found there. Let go of the fears that have led you to this negative thinking, the ones that helped to create your conscious choice that things would not work out. Consider what the active role you played in this situation was and then seek to not repeat the same thought processes again. Allow yourself the freedom to learn from this lesson and to not get stuck in the same bad situation over and over again. Fighting pointless battles will never get you anywhere, so stop trying.

The lessons that you are learning at this time are going to move you closer to harmony, a balance between the material and spiritual things of the mind. Through living through this devastating experience to its unfortunate conclusion, you have been released and are allowed to start over, free of the old Karma. The old self is actually, metaphorically dead. You were killed as a result of your own thoughts. Consider the role of your creative mind and do what you can not to allow yourself to get stuck again. You have matured in multiple levels and from this point on will find that decision making that brings you toward ultimate emotional health will be easier to make than ever before.

The Ten of Swords in Love

The Ten of Swords only presents itself in a love reading when you have been completely obliterated by a love situation. You will get no more from this relationship, and you must start over. This is often a card that appears after a bad break up. You were so attached to the unhealthiness of your relationship that you had become accustomed to it, and you structured your whole life around it. It wasn’t a happy life, but it was a living situation that you perpetuated daily and so it became routine. The Universe knows that you simply cannot stay unhappy and unhealthy and it presents ways for you to get out of it, the Ten of Swords is this way. You would not listen to reason, so, the Universe had to pull the rug out from under you causing you to fall flat on your face to shake you out of your addiction to bad and unhealthy relationship pursuit. Now you must be grateful, allow for the change, and be alone for a little while to get yourself back on track.

The Ten of Swords in Health

When the Ten of Swords shows up in a reading about health, the news is not generally good. This often comes up as a result of accidents that have caused broken bones or other random injuries that make you feel as though you are completely inept and broken, as well as destitute. If you are not injured at this time, consider this a healthy warning to keep track of your thoughts so that you do not accidentally create room in your life to become injured. Take time to slow down, to relax, and to ponder your next move before making it. Do not get caught up in busy-ness and if there is anything that is making you feel victimized or frustrated on a consistent basis then you must treat this as a potential disease or injury, you must eliminate it from your life right away before you create something that you can’t get out of.

The Ten of Swords in Work and Wealth

The Ten of Swords in Work and Wealth is referring to a time in which you allowed yourself to mess around with your finances, jumping through financial hoops or making poor judgments or investments and now you are feeling the repercussions of this. You must start over again. You will find that your finances will not get better until you learn how to handle your money. Many of us gamble away our finances every month by using more credit than we could ever pay back and we find that every month we are doing a balancing act. And many of us can keep this up, however your balancing act is no longer working for you. This card cautions you to not make any more random purchases until you can feasibly put aside some money for emergency purposes and can afford comfortably with no guilt, to buy something else. Break the cycle and gain financial freedom.

Ten Of Swords In Reversed position

When you have received the Ten of Swords in the reversed position then you are going to be experiencing a time of overthrowing of evil forces. The devastation of the Ten of Swords is a passing phase and is cycling out of your experience. Now you are moving on to acquire some success and profit. You have begun to rebuild and have found the courage to start over again.

Upright Ten of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Low point in life
• Preparing for happiness
• Hitting rock bottom
• Accepting darkness
• Better days coming
• Feeling numb to pain
• Fresh start

Reversed Ten of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Sacrifice for a greater good
• Neglecting yourself
• Putting other's needs first
• Lack of motivation for success
• A puppet on strings
• Hidden potential
• Accepting your 'fate'

The Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The balancing act of the tarot and the story that it tells is no more apparent than with the Nine of Cups.

Coming from a place of pain and moving on to new yet unsecured horizons seen in the Eight of Cups makes way for a hopeful and positive time in the Nine of Cups. It truly is one of the most positive cards in the deck and a welcome addition to any reading. When you see this card in your reading you can be glad that good things are coming your way.

The yellow background in the background of the Nine of Cups indicates happiness and emotional security. In the center of the card a man sits, arms crossed with satisfaction and before him nine filled cups. This truly is a wish-fulfillment card and it tells you that whatever you put your mind to that you are bound to get. It’s a very positive card in many rights and can influence many aspects of your life. The card is highly emotional and intellectual, showing satisfaction in both of these areas but it is also one of the few cards that are well rounded and reflects physical pleasure as well. Now is the time to act on what you want and keep a positive attitude, knowing that you can find success. You truly have to be able to believe to achieve!

The Nine of Cups in Love

Moving on from a dormant time in love, the Nine of Cups appears and offers you hope for new reunions and rekindling in relationships. Usually appearing during a recent change in a relationship when you are hoping for the best and it’s an excellent card speaking of building on what is already present. With this card showing up for someone who is currently in a relationship it states that now is a good time to show your desires and start to make plans for the future. It may not be time to talk about them yet, but that time will come soon.

For those of you looking for love, this is still a great card. With the possibilities open for you in this card, you should really be on the lookout for a new interest coming your way. The card also has strong indications that now it is a time to put yourself out there and show the world what you have to offer. You are in a good place emotionally but more importantly, a healthy place to be looking for love. You are aware of your own shortcomings as well as knowing your own worth. Luck is a good helper when it comes to finding love, but knowing how to market yourself is also key.

The Nine of Cups in Health

The Nine of Cups in health has a positive note, as in all other areas but specific to wellness there is also a warning. Because the card is so positive often there is reasons to celebrate and the card can indicate overindulging can be a health concern at this time. Be sure that while your life may be having turns for the better that you do not take your health for granted.

The Nine of Cups in Work and Wealth

The man on the Nine of Wands is a confident character and you should be too! With this card showing up in your reading there is a hint of smugness, like he knows the secret to success. Wishing and hoping for success is good but it isn’t going to get you all you want. Hard work, diligence, and knowing when to act are all part of good business practices. When the Nine of Cups card comes up it is likely that you are in a place where you can make things happen or yourself financially speaking whether it is finding a job that suits you, advancement, or knowing what to do with your money. Pay attention to remarkable opportunities and pounce! Don’t let a good thing slip through your fingers by being unsure. Go off of your instincts and make your dreams happen!

Nine of Cups Advice

When you draw the Nine of Cups in an advice reading you should take time to reflect on what you have and all that you should be grateful for. This card is often linked to materialism, and it may be suggesting you’ve become overly concerned with the things in your life, rather than the people around you. It can also refer to a state of prosperity and happiness, you likely have a lot to be pleased about right now. This message of advice can be read more as a reminder, sometimes we allow ourselves to enter a state of continual unfulfillment. Make sure you appreciate what you have and don’t wish it away too fast. Practise affirmations of gratitude and revel in your own contentment, you’ll likely find you have everything you need to be happy right at your fingertips, the only thing needed is an adjustment in your perspective.

Nine of Cups Yes Or No

When seeking a yes or no answer in a tarot reading, the Nine of Cups is a big and certain yes! This card is linked with feelings of joy, contentment and general happiness. It often highlights a bright future in which your ambitions are achieved. In this sense, the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the entire deck, and there is no obscurity here; the answer to your question is a definitive yes. Considering the positive prospects that so commonly go along with this card, the outcome of your current situation is likely to be a good one. 

Nine of Cups Past

In the past position, the Nine of Cups usually refers to a previous period of happiness, or more likely a big achievement in your life, one which may still define you to this day. It could be a project which you received great acclaim for, marrying the love of your life or even just a golden chapter of life in which everything seemed to be going right. While we can certainly draw strength and inspiration from past happiness, it is right to be mindful of not becoming stuck in the past. Use your past successes to propel you forward in the present; they should remind you of your strength and capability. Avoid falling into the trap of endless dwelling, remembering the good times is a lovely thing, but letting them overtake your present day entirely only spells disatsafication in your future. 

Nine of Cups Present 

The Nine of Cups is a great card to draw in your present position because it indicates success and happiness coming your way. If you’re currently hard at work on something, or going through a dark period, you can rest easy knowing your endurance will be rewarded. This coming happiness may take many forms, it could be a new lover or friendship, but more likely it will be something you have made happen through hard work and perseverance. The end result will be blissful and worth the wait. If that happiness feels far away right now, don’t give up, you may not be able to see it but this new bright period is just around the corner. If you’re already feeling content and happy, make the most of it! You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now is the time to kick back and enjoy it. 

Nine of Cups Future and Outcome

When the Nine of Cups appears in a reading relating to the future you should feel inspired and relieved; this is a card of hope. No matter how hard, challenging or unsatisfying your life seems right now, good times are on their way. Remember, the only thing that can stop the coming of this happy period is your own self-sabotage. You must preserve in your current situation, and you will reap the rewards in the future. Whether this means remaining kind and helpful, rather than bitter and resentful, in an period of emotional difficulty - or, keeping on with a task or project you are currently failing at, the outcome will be the same: ultimate success. You have lots to look forward to, and many lessons to learn along the way - so keep doing what you’re doing, and enjoy the journey, too.

Nine of Cups Love Reconciliation

In a love and reconciliation reading, the Nine of Cups points to a blossoming relationship that’s going from strength-to-strength. An already stable love will become even more committed and intense. Those in a couple will find their happiness is more blissful and dream-like, as well as passionate and fresh, than ever before. This card sometimes appears after you’ve reconciled with an old flame, you are likely experiencing all the throes of passion you have missed in the time you spent apart. If you’re single, this card doesn’t necessarily mean your soulmate is soon to come round the corner. Instead, it suggests you have reached a place of happiness and self-contentment. You have bettered yourself and so, you will be better prepared to deal with a happy, healthy relationship should one come your way. Your primary focus should be maintaining this best version of yourself, do that and everything else - romantic or otherwise - will fall into place naturally. 

Nine of Cups As Feelings

If you are trying to understand how another person feels about you then the Nine of Cups is generally associated with presence and affection. That means, in this context, the person’s feelings you are trying to understand are very much positive. This person is certainly aware of you and you are likely important to them. In fact, you may make them feel positively about themselves and they enjoy your company. While this card doesn’t explicitly suggest a romantic side to their feelings towards you, it forcefully implies positive emotions and the potential for a prosperous relationship (platonic or otherwise) between you and this other person. 

Nine of Cups As Friendship

In a friendship reading, the Nine of Cups is a very positive omen. You are surrounded by loving, supportive and genuine friends - this card suggests relationships are reciprocal and fulfilling. You should certainly feel grateful for those around you, and know that they are grateful for you, too. Now may also be a good time for you to meet new people and connect with others. Overall, this card is a sign of happiness, the kind that celebrates the beauty of human friendships.

Nine of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

When the Nine of Cups appears reversed in a love and romance reading it can indicate trouble in paradise. Often this comes after a particular event or rocky patch, you or your partner have been left feeling disappointed. Sometimes this happens after a relationship’s initial flame goes out; it’s easy to feel caught up in the passion at the start, but if nothing remains once that period has fizzled out, it might be time to call it quits. While the upright version of this card indicates prosperity and happiness, reversed it suggests things have gone stale, you might not be outrightly sad, but you’re certainly not happy, either. If you are single or dating, this card reversed indicates an imbalance in your romantic life. Perhaps you have been meeting the wrong kind of people or dating too much. It’s important to remember that fulfillment first and foremost comes from within. You must focus on loving yourself before you try and build a meaningful relationship with anyone else.  

Reversed Nine of Cups in a Reading

With the Nine of Cups in the reversed position, there is even more positive energy around than in the normal position… almost too much. This card in this position can be cautious of being too overconfident or conceited in your endeavors. Be careful about putting yourself on display or taking on too much. You will wind up not being able to complete tasks, falling behind, and ruining your reputation. Consider ways in which you are reaching too far and falling short.

Nine of Cups reversed - Family and Home

In reading about family and home, the reversed Nine of Cups suggests you have become overly concerned with the material world. You are letting money and objects take priority over your family. Oftentimes, people feel they are doing this for the good of their family - for example, working extra hours for a nice holiday or new car. But ultimately, happiness in the home comes from the strength of personal relationships. Now is the time to take stock and figure out what really matters most to you. 

It’s okay to strive for success so long as this reflects your own wishes and those of your loved ones; don’t let yourself fall into the trap of prioritizing things that project the best image to others.

Upright Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Happy romance
• Prosperity and bliss
• Well deserved holiday
• Getting what you want
• Wishes coming true
• Satisfaction

Reversed Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Superficiality
• Not getting what you want
• Cannot handle problems 
• Stinginess
• Too Materialistic 

If you have received the Nine of Wands in your reading you will be receiving a strength of vision that you never thought was possible in the past.

This vision is going to be equally balanced with emotions, spirit and physical health. You are making the right choices for yourself. You have gained much knowledge from what you have been through and now you must establish a certain level of mastery. As a part of this mastery over your reality, you must hear what others have to say so that you can gain multiple perspectives which will help you make better decisions, choose better roads to cross and will teach you a tremendous amount about yourself.

In the Rider Waite Deck, we see again, the fellow that has been fighting all along the Suit of Wands. His wounded head indicates that he has been through a struggle in order to protect what he loves and even though he is tired he is prepared to fight some more. He is protecting a boundary made of the previous 8 wands. This means that right now you are in an intermission as far as the struggles you have been pursuing to get through to your initiatory phase, so you must regain your strength after resting and regrouping and speaking to others about what you should do. There are those in your life right now that have excellent advice to offer you. You must not be stubborn in this moment because you will benefit greatly from the help should you choose to accept it. The 9 of Wands says that you should accept as much help from genuinely helpful people as is possible. Remember this is a card of fire, but consider this moment as a time to gather more fuel so that you can burn brighter than ever.

The Nine of Wands is a card of self respect. The man depicted in the card is not afraid of losing, instead he has enough faith in himself and in his cause that he is willing to die for it. Obviously the card does not suggest that you go the lengths of having to die for a cause, but in this case, the willingness to be uncompromisable about your values is an important aspect of developing a strong sense of self. In this fiery phase a sense of self is extremely important to the overall success of your battle. If you are going through a hard time right now where you feel that you can’t go on, please know that the Nine of Wands is saying that you have already come far, that you have done well and you only have a little bit farther to go.

One of the best ways to prepare and win a battle is to give your body a chance to develop its muscles. In this you should consider your emotions, your physical state and your spirituality all separate bodies whose muscles need to be tones and strengthened. You have a huge amount of charm and attractiveness to both sexes, so you won’t have to worry about or fear not getting attention, but you need to focus on yourself, on your personal journey and on the work that you have yet to do.

The Nine of Wands in Love

In love, the Nine of Wands portrays you as someone who is very attractive to both sexes. Anyone who has fought as hard as you have, will have a certain kind of ‘extra’ physique about them that will send out signals to other people letting them know that you have a strong and good character. The light that you radiate illuminates all that is dark around you, and will attract many people, somewhat like a moth to a flame. However, for you, the love that you must illuminate needs to encompass not only yourself and those that love you, but you must also challenge yourself as part of your learning to love those that you find thorny to deal with. Embrace the people who are making your life difficult. You will have no problems in love at this time, but right now you must focus your attentions on bettering your circumstances so that you are ready for the final phase.

The Nine of Wands in Health

When the Nine of Wands appears in your spread regarding health there is going to be some level of anxiety and worry that you are going to have to push through. There is heaviness and a fear of losing grip on what you possess in your life. Whether that is love, possessions, money, or relationships, the Nine of Wands gives you hope because it is lending you the strength that it has and it is orbiting all around you to help you.

The Nine of Wands in Work and Wealth

Now is the time to protect the work that you have started and create a savings from it. When it comes to money and abundance, now is not the time to be frivolous. You are protecting yourself by buying insurance and making sure that if anything should happen that could create a financial bump that you are prepared to handle it. But you should not spend randomly. You must take care of what you have now so that you will have later when life gets rocky again. On the card shows a person that has been hurt in the past at work, maybe corporate bullying. This card can imply putting up a barrier and protecting yourself. In some instances, it can also suggest being paranoid. You need to have faith and keep on going. The person in the card I would say represents yourself carrying a burden, he can build a fire with those wands and fight his position, but he is wounded. There is a focus that you can overcome obstacles when this card is drawn in a work position, you may be hiding under a psychological wall and in the past suffered pain at work. This card also indicates that a goal is out of reach and this is a good outcome at work. The number nine is Eremita which represents knowledge and wisdom at work. The card also focuses on patience, sometimes doing nothing is defensive in itself. The card is also about moving when the time is right, to get to the end goal. Sometimes doing nothing or delaying in life is better than taking action at the wrong time.

Reversed Meaning - Nine of Wands

If you have received the Nine of Wands in the reversed position in your reading this means that you are going through a phase of feeling defeated because something has happened to make you feel that your defenses, the ones that you worked very hard on, have failed. You have burdened yourself with problems that are bigger than you can handle and you feel weak and incapable of holding them back. Why are you giving away your personal responsibility? The Nine of Wands exemplifies that you are in control of your life and your reality; therefore, nothing is happening to you that is out of your control. Right now you just feel like it is because it is easier than admitting that you need to start over again. It is challenging to go through this because you have already risked so much. But the Nine of Wands assists you in being fearless. You must push yourself to continue the fight or you will lose to it.

The Nine of Wands Card Keywords Upright

• Stamina
• Protection
• Magic
• Soul seeking
• Inner peace
• Push forward
• Healing Wounds
• Rejuvenation
• Rebirth
• New attitude
• Improvement

The Nine of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

• Old lessons
• Temptation
• Going back
• Compromise
• Feeling crushed
• Devastation
• Hopelessness
• Gaining strength
• Hungry ego
• Lots of pride