The 9 of Swords (Mars in Gemini) is a card that represents mental anguish, anxiety, and deep-seated fears. In love and relationship readings, it usually signifies anxiety around the relationship, such as fears that your love interest is cheating on you. However, it could also signify worries rooted in abandonment issues that are projected as fear about the future of the relationship. The traditional Rider Waite 9 of Swords image depicts a figure sitting up in bed, head in their hands, with nine swords hanging above them on the wall. It is a powerful image of psychological distress and inner turmoil.
The corresponding Archangel for the Suit of Swords (Air) is Archangel Raphael.
Go to the Angelic Tarot Ritual for Peace of Mind
Jump to the ‘Fear Be Gone!’ Tarot Spread
9 of Swords as Feelings of a Love Interest (Upright)
When the 9 of Swords appears upright in a love reading, it suggests that your love interest is experiencing intense anxiety and worry about the relationship or themself. They may be plagued by negative thoughts, self-doubt, and fears of abandonment or rejection. This state of mind can lead to sleepless nights and a constant state of mental agitation.
In the context of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, the 9 of Swords might indicate an imbalance in the intimacy component, where one partner’s fears and anxieties are preventing them from fully opening up emotionally. The love interest may be struggling with commitment issues, stemming from their insecurities or past traumas. However, this card could also indicate mental health issues that have nothing to do with the relationship. Regardless of the source, this level of fear and anxiety is likely to make you feel as if your love interest is emotionally unavailable at times.
9 of Swords as Feelings when Reversed or Ill-dignified
When reversed, the 9 of Swords can indicate a gradual release from anxiety and worry. Your love interest may be starting to overcome their fears and negative thought patterns. This shift could signify a willingness to confront and work through their emotional baggage, potentially leading to a healthier emotional state and improved relationship dynamics.
However, in some cases, the reversed or ill-dignified 9 of Swords might suggest that your love interest is repressing their anxieties rather than addressing them, which could lead to more severe emotional issues down the line.
9 of Swords When You Are Single and Looking
For singles, the 9 of Swords can represent a period of intense self-doubt and anxiety about finding love. You may be experiencing fears of rejection or feeling unworthy of love. This card encourages you to confront these negative thought patterns and work on building self-confidence before entering a new relationship. Addressing your mindset is the key to successfully attracting a healthy reciprocal and interdependent relationship. If you have never had counselling, now might be a good time.
9 of Swords As Your Attachment Style in the Relationship
The 9 of Swords often correlates with an anxious attachment style in relationships. If this card represents your attachment style, you may struggle with:
- Constant worry about your partner’s feelings
- Fear of abandonment
- Tendency to overthink and analyse every aspect of the relationship
- Need for frequent reassurance and validation
9 of Swords As the Attachment Style of Your Love Interest
If the 9 of Swords represents your love interest’s attachment style, they may exhibit similar anxious behaviours. They might struggle with trust issues, have difficulty communicating their needs, or constantly seek reassurance about the relationship’s stability.
9 of Swords As the Energetic Connection
When the 9 of Swords appears as the energetic connection in a relationship, it suggests a bond fraught with tension and unspoken fears. There may be a lack of open communication, with both partners struggling to express their anxieties and insecurities. This energy can create a cycle of misunderstanding and emotional distance.
9 of Swords As the Potential Outcome
As a potential outcome, the 9 of Swords warns of the need to address underlying anxieties and fears in the relationship. If left unresolved, these issues could lead to a breakdown in communication and trust. However, if both partners are willing to confront their fears and work through them together, this card can also represent an opportunity for deep emotional growth and strengthening of the relationship.
9 of Swords in a Relationship Breakdown
In the context of a relationship breakdown, the 9 of Swords aligns closely with the intrapsychic phase in Duck’s Phase Model of Relationship Breakdown. This is where one or both partners are experiencing intense internal conflict and distress about the relationship’s future. The 9 of Swords card can indicate:
- Anxiety about the future and fear of being alone
- Obsessive thoughts about relationship problems
- Difficulty sleeping or eating due to stress
- Feelings of guilt, regret, or self-blame
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
Angelic Love Tarot Ritual for Peace of Mind
To perform this ritual, you will need:
- The 9 of Swords tarot card
- A yellow or white candle (tea light is fine)
- A quiet, comfortable space
- Light the candle and place the 9 of Swords card in front of you.
- Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
- Invoke Archangel Raphael with this prayer:
“Archangel Raphael, ruler of the Element of Air and divine healer, I call upon your presence. Please help me release my fears and anxieties about love. Fill my mind with peace and clarity.” - Gaze at the 9 of Swords card and visualise all your worries and anxieties flowing out of you and into the card. Then turn the card face down.
- Imagine Archangel Raphael’s healing green light surrounding you, dissolving all negative thoughts.
- Repeat the affirmation: “I exhale fear and inhale love; I exhale anxiety and inhale peace.”
- When you feel ready, blow out the candle and thank Archangel Raphael for his assistance.
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
The ‘Fear Be Gone!’ Tarot Spread
Don’t allow fear to fester and become a self-fulfilling prophecy!
A 9 of Swords-inspired Tarot Spread for Releasing Fear and Anxiety about a Love Relationship
- The root of my anxiety
- My biggest fear in this relationship
- A hidden strength I can draw upon
- How this fear is affecting my behaviour
- Action I can take to release my fears
- My partner’s perspective on our relationship
- Potential outcome if I overcome my anxiety
Use this spread to gain insight into your fears and find a path towards emotional healing in your relationship.
Love Tarot Card Meanings + Rituals Index