The Nine of Swords: Weekly Tarotcast™ – Free Tarot Reading
2-01-22 through 2-08-22
The Nine of Swords is this week’s Tarotcast card. Not the happiest card in the deck, that’s for sure! Very few cards in the suit of Swords bring cheer when they show up in a reading. Although it’s hard to find the positive benefits here, they do exist. We must be willing to look for them. That’s the only way to overcome the downright stupidity and meanness that this card embodies.
The Elements
Here is the element of Air (mental energy) whipped into Martial aggression, conflict and anger. This results in despair, depression and self-torture. The relief for this “agony of mind” is the courage to do a seriously necessary reality check.
The Number 9
The Nines of the Minor Arcana bring things to a conclusion. They represent integration, fulfillment and attainment. Unlike the nines of the other suits, the Nine of Swords card is most unpleasant. On the other hand, and on a higher level, this card shows us that we can use fear to guide us on our path to maturity. Sometimes we must be cruel to be kind. Just like surgery, removing disease causes pain and risk but is worth the result.
Kabbalah
On the Tree of Life, the Nine of Swords card represents the formula 9. Sephiroth or sphere 9, Yesod (Foundation). The sphere of the Moon. In the suit of Swords (Yetzirah). The formative world. The element of Air – our mind, intellect, thoughts and mental processes. Plus, Mars in Gemini equaling Cruelty.
Astrology
The Nine of Swords corresponds to Mars in Gemini. It rules from 10 to 20 degrees Gemini, or June 1st to June 10th. So, if your birthday falls on or between those dates, you’ll be feeling this week’s energy even more than the rest of us. The challenge here: all-action Mars in all-talk Gemini, in the realm of the mind. The result is torture that doesn’t even provide sadistic pleasure to the torturer. Ugh.
In real-time astrology, the Sun is transiting Gemini’s fellow Air-sign, Aquarius. The New Moon in Aquarius on February 1st gives us the chance to recharge our spiritual energy. Our intuition and inner knowing are strong. If we free our minds, we can dream big. And we can lay the foundation that brings our dreams into reality.
“I can be cruel…I don’t know, why? Don’t know, why?”
Mercury stations direct in Earth-sign Capricorn on February 3rd. This brings a spark of ambition. Furthermore, it restores our confidence. Exercise care. In combination of this week’s card, perseverance can become obsession and brooding.
“But I still really want to pick pieces up – you can’t fool me with this lesson in cruelty…”
(no video – unreleased song)
Mars continues its transit of Capricorn, the sign of its exaltation. This offers great growth potential. Also, it further emphasizes the ways we solve life problems. Still, the earlier caution applies. The drive to rise to the top is admirable. But how we get there depends on our ability to think and act as our own best friend. Not worst enemy.
“Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.”
On February 8th the asteroid Ceres enters Gemini. This is the nurturing of the higher mind. And this energy is very helpful in mitigating all the negative energy of this week’s card. We seek to connect with and understand others. We use our intellect to adapt and adjust.
Shadow
Misuse, darkening or the shadow energy of this card includes feelings of shame and guilt. Also, terror, misery and hate. These turned inward on ourselves or outward onto an unsuspecting (and undeserving) world.
Light
Let’s focus on using our consciences – and our consciousness – to remove the source of our “dis-ease.” We can set ourselves free from self-torment. Refrain from the torture or aggressive destruction of others.
Alchemy
Power colors: dark purple, scarlet red, azure blue and emerald for Mars and orange or mauve for Gemini. Don’t combine colors this week. We want to choose either the lightness of Gemini or the strength of Mars. But we don’t want to reinforce them in combination.
Power stones: diamond, jade, agate and topaz for Gemini. Ruby, bloodstone and garnet for Mars. Wear these as jewelry or carry as power stones. They will help you to avoid cruelty, stupidity and mean-spiritedness.
Power metals: mercury and iron. Neither is great for wearing, but mercury reminds us to be adaptable and go with the flow. Iron is a good reminder of strength and endurance.
Power fragrances: hazel, wild rose, allspice, pine, and tobacco (the scent, you don’t need to smoke it!) to enhance your positive thought processes and mental clarity.
Power foods: foods prepared with parsley, dill, thistle (think artichokes!). Also foods seasoned with allspice, cayenne, garlic, ginger and pepper. And all provide the same beneficial effects already described.
The Tarotcast is a free Tarot reading with a new post every Tuesday!
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- Lyrics quotes: “Cruel” ~ Tori Amos (Tori Amos)
- “Lesson in Cruelty” ~ Elvis Costello (Elvis Costello/Steve Nieve)
- “Don’t Be Cruel” ~ Elvis Presley (Otis Blackwell)
Copyright 2022© Dona C. Murphy, Destiny Tarot®
“Destiny Tarot” and the Destiny Tarot logo are the registered trademarks (servicemarks) of Dona C. Murphy. All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced without my permission. Tarot card images: Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot © copyright Ordo Templi Orientis, International Headquarters, JAF Box 7666, New York, NY 10116 USA. All rights reserved.