Nine of Wands: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the Nine of Wands card upright

A bandaged man leans on a wand and looks back over his shoulder at a row of eight wands behind him. He has been through many battles and is wary but not beaten. The card tells you that you are close to the finish and that the last effort is a matter of endurance.

Nine of Wands reversed

• exhaustion
• paranoia
• not wanting to go on

Reversed, the Nine shows total exhaustion, distrust of everyone or a decision to quit just before the end. Look at what drains you, and distinguish real danger from fear based on old wounds.

Nine of Wands in love and relationships

In love it means guardedness after past hurt, a trust that returns slowly or persistence in a difficult relationship. Reversed, suspicion that spoils a good thing.

Nine of Wands in work and finances

At work this is the last stretch of a hard project, resilience and use of experience. Reversed, burnout or giving up too early.

Symbolism of the Nine of Wands card

The bandage on his head is a mark of earlier battles. The eight wands behind him form a fence he has already built. His wary look back shows that experience has made him careful.

Nine of Wands in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, Nine of Wands upright reads as “yes” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (endurance, a last push), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.