Nine of Wands
Secret whisperBandaged yet standing; keep one more watch and the gate is yours.
Upright meaning
Upright keywordsresilience, persistence, the last stretch, courage
You are tired, but almost there. Stay resilient — the final stretch rewards persistence and the lessons you have already learned.
Reversed meaning
Reversed keywordsexhaustion, suspicion, stubbornness, burnout
You are running on empty or guarding yourself too fiercely. Rest, and let someone help you carry the load.
About the suit of Wands
Wands belong to Fire: will, passion, ambition, creativity and work you care about. They speak of energy and action, of what you want and how boldly you go after it.
Reading the Nines of the tarot
Nines are the near-culmination: fulfilment, intensity and the last stretch.
In Waite’s own words (1910)
From A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, public domain. Original English text.
Divinatory meaning: The card signifies strength in opposition. If attacked, the person will meet an onslaught boldly; and his build shews, that he may prove a formidable antagonist. With this main significance there are all its possible adjuncts--delay, suspension, adjournment.
Reversed: Obstacles, adversity, calamity.
The picture
The figure leans upon his staff and has an expectant look, as if awaiting an enemy. Behind are eight other staves--erect, in orderly disposition, like a palisade.
