The Meaning of Number 9 in Tarot

 

The number 9 has been on my mind since Virgo season. This would probably be more of a Virgo season post, rather than late Libra/early Scorpio. But I thought I would talk about what the number 9 means in tarot and in each of the individual minor arcana suits. Sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into naughty number 9 (Schoolhouse Rock, anyone?!)

The number nine is the culmination of the journey.  It signifies fulfillment, completion, success, contemplation and introspection. It can represent attainment, but also deep turmoil and burnout. 

The Major Arcana includes nine with the Hermit card and the Moon card (18=1+8=9). The Hermit card is part of the Heroe's journey part where the hero looks beyond herself and contemplates a larger meaning in her life. She seeks solitude and while going within, she finds wisdom and light. She finds deep, spiritual knowledge that her subconscious had hidden away.  The Hermit symbolizes wisdom, introspection, knowledge, and deep reflection. 

Meanwhile, The Moon (number 18 in the major arcana), symbolizes the moon reflecting the light of the sun (a lunar eclipse) while blocking the light of the sun.  This can represent hidden aspects of ourselves or something that is "blocking" our light from being fully seen. The Moon tarot card encourages introspection, reflection, and promises clarity once you baby step into the dark without fear. It can also represent illusions, deception, and falsehoods.

Diving into the minor arcana, we find the Nine of Swords, with the anxiety before the dawn. We see a figure sitting up in their bed, hands over their face. It looks like they just woke up from a horrible dream, or they are having a difficult time falling asleep. Their mind is riddled with turmoil. This card signifies that it is time for you to release your worries and your burdens. It also says that it is okay for you to ask for help and that you are not alone. It is okay to release the worries.

Next, we have the Nine of Pentacles, which represents independence and self-sufficiency. This is a good card to see regarding career, business, or finances. This card represents you can take care of yourself, and not rely on others. You are self-sufficient. It also represents your harvest is here after putting in the hard work of the Eight of Pentacles and having patience with the Seven of Pentacles. This card says "treat yo self!".

After the Nine of Pentacles, we have the Nine of Wands. The Nine of Wands represents perseverance. This is your cheerleader card saying, "Don't quit yet! Keep going! You're almost there!". You have been through a struggle and feel weary. You may think about throwing in the towel. But when it appears upright, it says to rest, not quit. I actually love seeing the Nine of Wands in my own personal readings because it validates how exhausted I am and yet it lovingly nudges me to rest and not give up. Try again tomorrow. But for now, sleep. This is also the card of boundaries, strength, and persistence.

And last, we have the Nine of Cups. This is the card of contentment and fulfillment. This is "the wish card" of the tarot deck. When you draw this card, it means that your wish is fulfilling, has fulfilled, or will fulfill. This is more about emotional contentment, fulfillment, and gratitude rather than actual physical attainment, but it can also mean that in some readings, depending on the surrounding cards. This is the card you want in a relationship reading or career reading. This is the result of what happens when you choose you, over something that no longer fills your cup, as depicted in the Eight of Cups. it is also the card of realizing what you have already and indulging in life's blessings.

What does number nine symbolize to you? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Are there any other numbers you would like to hear my interpretation of? Let me know in the comments. Don't be shy! Thanks for reading :-)

(An example of how awesome Schoolhouse Rock was. This was from the song, "Interjections!" from Grammar Rock)