Nine of Wands Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Nine of Wands Keywords 

• Upright: persistence, grit, drained energy, guardedness, last stand, endurance, built strength
• Reversed: retreat, avoidance, burnout, lack of boundaries, defensiveness, exhaustion, insecurity

Nine of Wands: Description and Symbolism

The Nine of Wands corresponds with the element of fire, presenting themes of willpower and passion. A wooden wand with sprouting leaves is used to symbolize this fiery suit, representing the creative potential behind taking inspired action. Within the card, eight of the wands are used as a barrier to protect the man, suggesting strong boundaries and preparation for the next challenge. The ninth wand is used as a staff, symbolizing the motivation to support yourself by building inner strength.

Numerologically, the number ‘9’ emphasizes the need for reflection and compromise in order to complete a cycle. The man depicted in this card has used his passion and willpower to get to his current point. There is a clear blue sky to represent the clarity he has gained through his endured experiences. Green mountains are depicted in the background, symbolizing the challenges he has overcome.

The man in the Nine of Wands wears a bandage on his head, suggesting his energy has been strained by past struggles. Despite his exhaustion, his hopeful expression symbolizes willpower and determination to see his goals come to fruition. He has worked hard to feel grounded in his efforts, represented by the flat ground he stands upon. A firm footing symbolizes self-trust, preparing him to overcome one last challenge.

Nine of Wands – Upright Meaning

When the Nine of Wands appears in a reading, it suggests you are close to accomplishing your goals. You have endured many lessons through your commitments, allowing you to handle new challenges with confidence. If you are growing tired or weary from the hard work you have put in, this card reassures you that your efforts will pay off.

Another interpretation of the Nine of Wands is that your current situation could require you to set firm boundaries. Perhaps you have been working longer hours at work, or your communication within your relationship has become less constructive. Whatever might be depleting your energy, this card reminds you to advocate for your needs unapologetically.

Love Meaning – Upright Nine of Wands 

When the Nine of Wands appears in a love context, it suggests that you have overcome many challenges within your relationship. Shared lessons have strengthened the connection you share with your partner, motivating you to remain consistent in your efforts. If you have been working towards a major goal like starting a family or buying a home, this card offers reassurance that you are close to achieving shared goals.

If you are single, the Nine of Wands reminds you to keep your head up as you make new connections. Whether you have been healing from an old heartbreak or recent dates haven’t gone to plan, this card suggests your inner strength will lead to a fulfilling partnership.

Another interpretation of the Nine of Wands is feelings of guardedness within your relationships. Use your discretion to determine whether your boundaries are constructive or hindering deeper connections.

When reading for how someone feels, this card depicts a love interest who feels wary towards new love. Even still, this person is likely to push through if you have a deep connection.

Career Meaning – Upright Nine of Wands 

In a career context, the Nine of Wands encourages you to remain persistent in making progress towards your goals. You have overcome various challenges within your work and finances, enabling you to properly manage possible setbacks. It is worth budgeting and planning your next steps before proceeding with your next task.

The Nine of Wands could also serve as a reminder to set intentional boundaries and expectations. If you are feeling overworked or tired of mundane regimens, this card encourages you to push through a little longer to see your vision become a reality.

Health Meaning – Upright Nine of Wands 

As you work towards your health goals, the Nine of Wands suggests you may be growing tired of the habits and regimens you have set. Perhaps your lifestyle has grown mundane, or the hard work may be wearing on you. Even still, this card reassures you that you are close to achieving your goals if you continue to persevere.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Nine of Wands 

The Nine of Wands applauds you for how far you have come on your spiritual journey. You have endured many difficult lessons that you deserve to give yourself credit for. Remain consistent with your boundaries and efforts, and you will soon feel a lasting sense of peace and contentment.

Nine of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Upright 

When the Nine of Wands appears, it suggests you are mustering the strength to handle new challenges after the many you have overcome. This card reminds you to protect your energy to maintain your confidence.

Nine of Wands As Actions Meaning – Upright 

The Nine of Wands serves as a symbol of grit and resilience. It would benefit you to set intentional boundaries in order to handle new challenges. Once you have fortified your energy, you will soon achieve the goals you have set.

Nine of Wands – Reversed Meaning

When the Nine of Wands appears reversed in a reading, it suggests you may be growing exhausted or burnt out from prolonged efforts. Whether you are tired from unprecedented challenges or avoiding making necessary changes, you may benefit from reassessing your approach. Once your motivating factors are clarified, you will be able to achieve your goals with resilience.

Another interpretation of the reversed Nine of Wands is that you may be neglecting your true needs and values. Perhaps your boundaries have grown thinner than you would like, or you could be prioritizing commitments that hold little meaning to you. This card gently reminds you not to lose sight of your long-term goals. Otherwise, you may unknowingly put others’ best interests before your own.

Love Meaning – Reversed Nine of Wands 

When the Nine of Wands appears reversed in a love context, you may feel that your efforts are leading to few rewards within your relationships. Perhaps the dates you have planned have fallen through, or an ongoing conflict could be straining intimacy. If you are in a relationship, this card gently reminds you not to give up hope. Understandings will be reached once you advocate for your needs.

Another interpretation of the reversed Nine of Wands is that your boundaries have been weaker than you would like. Whether you want to set the right impression within a new connection or you are advocating for suppressed needs with your partner, it would be a good time to set clear expectations. This way, you will have the energy to pour into both your relationship and your personal needs.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Nine of Wands depicts someone with unclear boundaries and expectations. This romantic interest may need time to rejuvenate their energy before they can pursue the connection.

Career Meaning – Reversed Nine of Wands 

In a career context, the reversed Nine of Wands suggests you may feel burnt out by recent challenges or demands at work. It may benefit you to invest your time and resources into a passion project to reconnect with your purpose. As advice for prolonged efforts, this card reassures you that your hard work pays off, but you may need to take a break before taking on new tasks.

Alternatively, the reversed Nine of Wands could signify that boundaries set around your spending or work schedule have been weaker than you would like. It would benefit you to reassess your budget and plans to ensure you have the energy to stay aligned with your long-term goals.

Health Meaning – Reversed Nine of Wands 

In a health context, the reversed Nine of Wands suggests you may need more mental and physical rest. Work demands or social expectations could be depleting your energy, so it would not hurt to set new boundaries around your time. When looking for advice about your health goals, this card encourages you not to give up. You have made adequate progress and will soon see the results of your hard work.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Nine of Wands 

When the Nine of Wands appears reversed, it suggests that a lack of boundaries could be preventing you from staying aligned with your purpose. Consider which areas you tend to give in to meeting others’ expectations at the expense of your own. Once you identify the ways you overlook your true desires, you will restore confidence in pursuing your spiritual path.

Nine of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Nine of Wands suggests you may be feeling more insecure or defensive than you would like. It may be time to reassess your boundaries to spend your energy intentionally at this time.

Nine of Wands As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

When the Nine of Wands appears reversed, it suggests you could be avoiding necessary challenges to achieve your goals. Whether you are exhausted from prolonged efforts or tempted to give up on a commitment completely, this card gently reminds you to believe in your capabilities. Don’t hesitate to set necessary boundaries to keep yourself motivated now.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Nine of Wands refers to previous challenges that you have overcome. You learned the importance of setting strong boundaries to protect your energy, which are now fortifying your current efforts.

Present Position

The Nine of Wands in the ‘present’ position suggests you are actively preparing for the next challenge in order to achieve your goals. You may be feeling tired after making prolonged efforts, so it would benefit you to be protective of your needs at this time.

Future Position

When the Nine of Wands appears in the ‘future’ position, it predicts you may go through a period of exhaustion as a result of your current efforts. You are encouraged to persevere, as the lessons you learn now and in the future are likely to lead you towards success.

Yes or No Meaning of The Nine of Wands 

• Nine of Wands Upright: Yes
• Nine of Wands Reversed: No

When the Nine of Wands appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. You have the inner strength and wisdom to persevere through any challenge that might present itself in your situation.

When reversed, the Nine of Wands gives you a ‘no’. A new approach may be necessary in your given situation to rejuvenate and prolong your energy.

Advice and Message of The Nine of Wands 

The Nine of Wands appears as an empowering reminder of your capabilities. Even through the exhaustion of prolonged challenges and hard work, you learn valuable lessons that will forever support you. With this in mind, you are encouraged to set the boundaries necessary to protect your energy as you achieve your goals.

Summary of The Nine of Wands Tarot Meaning

When the Nine of Wands appears in a reading, it is a promising sign that you are close to achieving your goals. You may be feeling worn down from enduring challenges, but the lessons you have learned will continue to support your progress. When reversed, this card suggests you may be feeling too exhausted to proceed. To rejuvenate your energy, it would benefit you to reassess your boundaries and choose commitments that are worthy of your resources.