Nine of Wands
权杖九
Resilience and vigilance
Upright · a modern reflection
Experience encourages vigilance, but rest and renewed trust also matter.
Reversed · another perspective
Historical record: Obstacles, adversity, calamity. Read this in context, without treating the card as evidence about another person.
These are our original interpretations of RWS imagery, not word-for-word translations of Waite. Reversals offer another angle, not a verdict of bad luck.A. E. Waite · Nine of Wands
“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…”This English excerpt comes from the original card chapter. We use Pamela Colman Smith’s original RWS images from the Commons Pam-A scans. The design originated in 1909; this scan set is dated 1910.
Read this card’s original chapter ↗Historical imagery and symbolism
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. Divinatory Meanings: 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.
Card image: Pamela Colman Smith’s original RWS design, using the Commons Pam-A scans.
Historical reversal and interpretation
Obstacles, adversity, calamity.
Contemporary reading
Consider the historical conditions above; a reversal is not a uniform opposite. Compare them with our modern theme: Relate the card to confirmed facts, unfulfilled commitments and conditions for your next step.
Relate it to your question
Separate known facts, unconfirmed information and available actions. Which part of this symbol fits, and which does not?
Read the original English and source
Pamela Colman Smith · Image source / Public domain ↗
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. Divinatory Meanings: 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.
A. E. Waite · Nine of Wands ↗Bring the symbol into your day
How might “Resilience and vigilance” relate to your circumstances? List the facts you already know, then consider one action within your control.
Primary texts you can consult
《周易》· Chinese Text Project ↗
Read the judgments and line texts separately from the later commentarial Wings. Traditional authorship accounts are not treated as established historical fact.
Zhouyi, received text · Digital Chinese Classics ↗
Each hexagram’s classical text is extracted from its chapter. Traditional characters and editorial punctuation are retained; modern annotations are not reproduced.
A. E. Waite · The Pictorial Key to the Tarot ↗
First published in 1910; our reference is the 1911 text transcribed by Sacred Texts. Written by A. E. Waite, with original card designs by Pamela Colman Smith.
Historical imagery and symbolism
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. Divinatory Meanings: 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.
Card image: Pamela Colman Smith’s original RWS design, using the Commons Pam-A scans.
Contemporary reading
Experience encourages vigilance, but rest and renewed trust also matter.
Relate it to your question
Separate known facts, unconfirmed information and available actions. Which part of this symbol fits, and which does not?
Read the original English and source
Pamela Colman Smith · Image source / Public domain ↗
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. Divinatory Meanings: 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.
A. E. Waite · Nine of Wands ↗