Meaning behind 9's

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Mar 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Silverkitten	23 Mar 2005
I did a reading for myself yesterday and in the spread, all the minor cards were 9's of various suits. I know that there has to be some significance behind them all turning up the same number. Can someone tell me what if any sybolism there is in the number 9? And if there is anything to having all the same number come up in a spread? Thanks :) Blessings, Donna

Keslynn	23 Mar 2005
I see 9s as relating to the Hermit. Thus, they're often cards of personal achievement. Despite the achievement, in RWS decks, the figure is often shown alone. I see it as personal effort paying off but the celebration might be solitary as well. In a key phrase I'd say "solitary achievement." :) Kes

Thirteen	23 Mar 2005
Kes makes an excellent point. Another way to look at the 9's is as physical completion (as Kes says, accomplishment), while tens are spiritual completion (or accomplishments that have a much wider and worldly effect than the solitary 9's). So, for example, with 9/pentacles you can say you have succeeded in aquiring all the wealth you need to be *physically* comfortable, like, in the Rider Deck, that lady in her lovely garden. 9/Cups is creating a loving family and friends who offer you all the physical affection and love you could wish for (it's also the "wish" card), 9/swords can be seen as an end to the nightmares and mental anxieties of those swords--back to the physical body, to reality, and 9/wands is putting in that last burst of energy to bring your project to a successful completion. But 9's are not total completition--there are the 10's which are either spiritual completition or the doorway back to a new beginning. 10/Pentacles, for example, indicates not merely having all that material wealth, but passing it on, using it to secure a legacy. Going beyond the physical to the spiritual. Taking your accomplishment to the next level. Getting all 9's would indicate to me that you've reached a plateau, gone as far as you can physically in accomplishing what you want to accomplish--but there is a further step you can go before starting afresh, if you want.

Fudugazi	23 Mar 2005
Keslynn wrote: I see 9s as relating to the Hermit. Thus, they're often cards of personal achievement. Despite the achievement, in RWS decks, the figure is often shown alone. I see it as personal effort paying off but the celebration might be solitary as well. In a key phrase I'd say "solitary achievement." I see the Hermit in all 9s also because 9 can be a time of crisis, strangely enough, after the balance and perfection fo the 8: and that is very much in line with human experience - when you succeed at something, when your dreams come true, you feel sated, almost turned-off - wondering "is that all there is?" - it's the anti-climax after the climax (most famous sexually, but it also exists when you have just finished a story, sent off an important report, etc.) It often leads people to want to be alone - paradoxically. This "success seeking solitude" thing is played out most forcibly in the 9 of pentacles, but something of that is seen in all the 9s. But it is a passing phase: the 10, afterwards, bring you the rewards, or the the finality. Your story is published, you are paid a good bonus, you reach the end of your troubles and you can once again think clearly etc. There is also something of the Moon (1+8) in the 9s - it is a time when your unconscious is likely to be strong (we see this played out in the 9 of swords), when your imagination is flying (9 of cups).

psychic sue	24 Mar 2005
This is how I interpret combinations of 9 - One 9 - You will keep your problem under control. Two 9's - close together - legal docs and contracts. Three 9's - prosperity and good health (even if one is 9 of swords - you will work through the issue) Four 9's - All difficulties overcome and reward and recognition for accomplishments. Just my 2 pennys worth. Sue

paradoxx	27 Mar 2005
I try to associate the cards with familiar phrases, these are darker and more sobering interpreations but very useful for those times when the card readubg is trying to convey something that is not positive. 9 of cups-too much food on your plate 9 of swords-too much stress to sleep 9 of wands-being too wary and paranoid 9 of pentacles-too much free time IX Hermit-too much time alone

Silverkitten	27 Mar 2005
Thank you everyone for all your insight and wisdom on the meaning behind the 9's. Much of your interpretations are actually very applicable to things that are going on rightnow in my life. So I will take this as a very literal and profound reading for me at this time. Thank you again, I very much appreciate everyones willingness to provide some extra insight :) Blessings, Donna

The Meaning behind 9's thread was originally posted on 23 Mar 2005 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.