This Tarot card often depicts someone who has fought a lot, who has built up their strength, is alert and defensive, but also to the point where they are constantly looking for battle, even when their enemy has already surrendered. Some betrayals, losses and wounds just never seem to heal, no matter how hard we try to put them behind us. This is a card of safety, defence, holding your ground and setting boundaries.
Shaheen Miro’s Uncommon Tarot shows an image similar to the classic 9 of Wands, with a man standing alert and defensive, with a barrier of Wands behind him. He holds a Wand like a weapon at the ready, but with a stance and look about him of having already been wounded. The stong colour red, covering most of the image in an almost two dimensional way, creates a sense of anxiety and paranoia. This man has experienced a set back, he is wary, but holding his ground. If he is prepared to defend himself, he will, against the odds, make it.
The Porcupine that M J Culliane depicts in her Guardian of the Night Tarot, brings it’s defences with it wherever it goes, setting a constant boundary between itself and the outside world. This spikiness is it’s secret to endurance and boxing it’s way through life’s challenges. However, the porcupine could cause damage unintentionally if it doesn’t be careful not to over do it. Taking on too much can get you into danger or cause injuries. It’s a sign to take a break and set boundaries and not to fall into the trap of playing the victim or the viking, as neither attitude will help you to find fulfilment and satisfaction. This 9 of Wands is about safety, protection and realistic self self-awareness.
A different take on the 9 of Wands is by Gabi Angus-West in her Bonfire Tarot and it shows a wounded man escaping from a cave, ablaze with fiery wands, he holds one victorious in his hand. With streaks of grey through his hair, he appears middle aged, maybe he is having a midlife crisis, an episode of major change. He is breaking out of the cave, freeing himself from something. The cut on his head, where his third eye would be, will scar. Will this forever taint his further actions or could his healing bring him enlightenment? This card gives us the courage to make a change and to break free from old ways of thinking or ways of living, but it also reminds us that no act like this will leave no one unharmed. There cannot be no regrets. There are still bones burning in the cave he leaves behind.
The 9 of Wands can indicate trust issues, being overly suspicious and defensive. The Wands, typically depicted behind the figure can represent their resources, or their problems - constantly creeping up on them. It can also symbolise perseverance and taking a stand. That despite the odds against you and the setbacks you have experienced, you can make it. You have the strength and the energy to come charging out of that cave and free yourself from whatever it is that is holding you back.
