The Drama Queen Cometh

The Nine of Swords is one of those cards that make people cringe a little.  The image of a woman reclining on on a bed with her left hand at her brow and her right hand dramatically flung out screams "Woe is me!"  Nine swords hang horizontally across a window through which a crescent moon can be seen.  It's as if they are cutting her off from her intuition and inner guidance.  She is caught in her ego, feeling helpless, perhaps even victimized by her circumstances. There is a sense of isolation here.

From the Witches Tarot
by Ellen Dugan
http://www.ellendugan.com/

The good news is that whatever drama is unfolding is nearly over.  It has run its course and will soon be replaced by something else.  (Something better, hopefully!)

When the Nine of Swords appears in a reading, it can mean one of several things.  The most blatant interpretation is that you are over-reacting to something and being petulant about it.  The ego has been wounded and you are milking it for all its worth.

Another interpretation is that you are having to deal with someone else who is draining your energy.  A psychic vampire, if you will.  Is someone else's drama encroaching on your life?  Is someone blaming you for their troubles?

It can also be an indication of karma in action.  Are you getting what you deserve, maybe?  Have your actions caused harm to someone else?  Are you now being slighted because of it?

This card is a card of sorrow and regret.  It is also a call to action.  Is it time to pick up the "sword" and defend yourself?  Almost invariably, the answer is yes!  It is not a call for revenge.  Be careful not to let righteous indignation turn sour and inspire negative or hurtful behaviours.  Instead, use that anger energy to assist you to get out of that bed you made and make some positive changes.  Whether that is to take ownership of your actions and make amends or to set healthy boundaries to prevent the circumstance from repeating itself will be determined by other cards in the reading.  Either way, the Nine of Swords is a wake-up call; a reminder that you have choices.

Personally, I love this card.  It invites you to take a good, hard look at yourself and take the opportunity to establish a better practice.

It is easy to blame others.  It's much more difficult to accept responsibility.  The Nine of Swords arms you with the defense you need to end the sorrow and regret.  Far from encouraging violence, the sword is a symbol of defense meant to be used to "cut" out the negativity that is currently keeping you from moving forward toward inner peace.

Brightest blessings!