Twinn Swan

When the Nine of Swords appears, it usually reminds us to WAKE UP and smell the roses. Has anyone ever told you to wake up and smell the roses? The saying is generally used in a positive sense. It reminds us to take time to enjoy the finer or more enjoyable aspects of life, especially when one has become overworked or overly stressed. Are you aware of what is really happening? The time has come to realise the truth of one’s situation…

In the imagery of the Nine of Swords, a person sits up in bed with his head in his hands. Is he experiencing real or imagined fears? Regardless of whether his fears are real or imaginary, what is clear that is that he is in mental and perhaps even spiritual anguish. The card usually indicates that the querent in question is experiencing an unhealthy amount of stress, anxiety and worry. But why?

A big part of the problem is probably the lifestyle. Are they getting enough rest? Are they getting enough sleep? When the Nine of Swords appears, it reminds us to get adequate rest each day. While the Nine of Swords is generally ‘a negative card’, it can also be perceived in a positive light.

You may be wondering, what could possibly be positive about: conspiracy, betrayal, self-doubt and self-imposed pressure? Come to think of it, not much. But perhaps, this ‘dark’ chapter of your life is, indeed, paving the way for a much brighter future. As I mentioned earlier, the time has come to wake up and smell the roses!

Can you think of the antonyms of those terrible words I just used above? Conspiracy could transform into a great and loving team. Betrayal could transform into loyal and faithful partners. Self-doubt can transform into self-belief. Self-imposed pressure can transform into surrender to God.

The black landscape–or anything ‘dark’, really–is usually interpreted in a negative way. It indicates an absence of light. But if you close your eyes and choose to listen, instead, you will find that your inner voice is trying to help you and guide you. But are you listening? When the Nine of Swords appears, it reminds us that we have to listen to the guidance that is provided to us (see the High Priestess). We cannot ignore the warning signs and nor should we. The real question is: which is the voice of our fear and which is the voice of our intuition?

SURRENDER

The Nine of Swords can remind you that if you are experiencing needless stress and anxiety, especially at levels that are unwarranted, you must take the baby steps necessary to wake up and smell the roses! The quilt on the card is decorated with roses. If you’ve ever gone to a temple or a church, roses are one of the flowers that are typically offered to the Divine. Why not leave your worries and anxieties with God? Perhaps the time has come to make an offering to God.

When the Nine of Swords appears, it reminds us to put our stress into perspective. Do not allow your fears to magnify over time. Instead, make an offering of beautiful roses at a place of worship. Whatever you are going through, you do not have to go through it alone. Seek help from a Higher Power.

If you are having a true Nine of Swords moment where you feel overwhelmed by fear, it’s most important to remember that you are not alone. Help is available to you. Be brave and ask others for help. We all need extra support sometimes. It is how we ride out the most tumultuous mental storms.

Sometimes, due to the mental anguish that the Nine of Swords person is facing, they are not sure who they can trust. Well, you can always put your trust and faith in God. God is bigger than any demon or any nightmare that you’re going through. Place your trust in him and surrender all at his lotus feet.

Till next time, sweet dreams!