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The Nine of Wands card present defy and resistance against a threatening situation or experience. At the same time, it points out that in reality there is no objective threat (as opposed to the Seven of Wands), only the memory of our past painful experiences evoke these fears and the defensive reaction. It indicates a closure, often referred to as "cone heart" in the tale. In general, he says that we do not want to take steps that are important for our own development. In some cases, however, it refers almost completely to the opposite: we have just made a decisive step, and now we are closing the door with full force, cutting off the path of retreat. In this case, it's meaning is much more positive and developmental, but it shows that we did not do something right: we ran away and we fear that the past will catch up. However, true farewell means that we have already closed the given period of experience in our lives, we have already defeated it and no longer fear the past.

NINE OF WANDS : STRENGTH

These cards are attributed to Yesod. After the double excursion into misfortune, the current returns to the middle pillar. This Sephira is the seat of the great crystallization of Energy. But it takes place very far down the Tree, at the apex of the third descending triangle, and a flat triangle at that. There is little help from low, unbalanced spheres like Netzach and Hod. What saves Yesod is the direct ray from Tiphareth; this Sephira is in the direct line of succession. Each of these cards gives the full impact of the elemental force, but in its most material sense; that is, of the idea of the force, for Yesod is still in Yetzirah, the formative world. Zoroaster says:

“The number Nine is sacred, and attains the summit of perfection.”

Egypt and Rome, also, had Nine Major Deities.

The Nine of Wands is called Strength. It is ruled by the Moon and Yesod. In “The Vision and the Voice”, the eleventh Aethyr gives a classical account of the resolution of this antinomy of Change and Stability. The student should also consult the works of any of the better mathematical physicists. Of all important doctrines concerning equilibrium, this is the easiest to understand, that change is stability; that stability is guaranteed by change; that if anything should stop changing for the fraction of a split second, it would go to pieces. It is the intense energy of the primal elements of Nature, call them electrons, atoms, anything you will, it makes no difference; change guarantees the order of Nature. This is why, in learning to ride a bicycle, one falls in an extremely awkward and ridiculous manner. Balance is made difficult by not going fast enough. So also, one cannot draw a straight line if one’s hand shakes. This card is a sort of elementary parable to illustrate the meaning of this aphorism: “Change is Stability.”

Here the Moon, the weakest of the planets, is in Sagittarius, the most elusive of the Signs; yet it dares call itself Strength. Defence, to be effective, must be mobile.

This card is referred to Yesod, the Foundation; this brings the Energy back into balance. The Nine represents always the fullest development of the Force in its relation with the Forces above it. The Nine may be considered as the best that can be obtained from the type involved, regarded from a practical and material standpoint.

This card is also governed by the Moon in Sagittarius; so here is a double influence of the Moon on the Tree of Life. Hence the aphorism “Change is Stability”.

The Wands have now become arrows. There are eight of them in the background, and in front of them one master arrow. This has the Moon for its point, and the Sun for the driving Force above it; for the path of Sagittarius on the Tree of Life joins the Sun and Moon. The flames in the card are tenfold, implying that the Energy is directed downwards.

THE NINE OF WANDS - STRENGTH

Astrology: Moon in the 2. decan of Sagittarius Tree of Life: Yesod through Fire

Now the fiery Wands have reached the happy Nine, the number that reflects on itself, entering the fields of Yesod - imagination and reflection back in the middle of the Tree of Life. 

Thus the Nine of Wands remembers the own qualities, showing the full powers of the fiery element rising again. So the card shows strength, determination and discipline, preparing itself for the final step to completion. 

The shadow site of the card implies a warning - that we should use our spiritual consciousness to concentrate on our inner strength and master our will, and make it effective in the world we live in.

Drive: Spiritual truth, realization 

Light: Combination of the consciousness with the unconsciousness, great success but with strife and energy, victory preceded by apprehension and fear 

Shadow: Conflicts, Contradictions

THE NINE OF WANDS - Power - Saturn - Venus - Reluctance

Keywords: Sun in Sagittarius, power, perfection from the combination of conscious and unconscious energies

Advice: You are on the path where you discover your true strength. Trust your inner leader! Perhaps you would like to participate in groups that can help you develop and develop your potential.

Questions: Do you feel some fear about your own strength? In which areas of your life does this fear come to light?

Suggestion: Listen to your dreams, what are you dreaming about lately!

Revelation: I know more and more who I am. This realization leads to the full development of my potential strength.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 47. Kun (The Exhaustion, Anxiety)

Mythology: The Reluctant (Tobias)

Keywords: protective armor, defensive behavior, countermeasure, reaction to perceived threat

Learning to protect someone's back does not guarantee protection.

NINE OF WANDS

General Meaning

This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Nine of this suit usually indicates a need for rest; some time out to mend wounds and savor victories. Although it may be hard to do, this card would have you leave the field to fresher teammates for now. Release any attachment you may feel to being in a leadership role for now.

In the pictured Tarot decks, the protagonist is shown as too exhausted to be effective in defending his gains, yet resisting the suggestion to ask for help or step down. He or she hasn't had the chance to totally heal from past blows, and is still up there taking another beating. This is the fix that comes from making oneself irreplaceable. Fight off the maniacal thought that only you can save the day! Stop rejecting loved ones who want to help you.

In the Reversed Position

Avoid a situation that seems like a losing battle. Seek new perspective. When the Nine of Wands is reversed, it is time to question your motives. Are you truly defending the high ground because of humanitarian motives? Or are you merely competing with others? If you truly don't belong at the forefront when all is said and done, you will not be seen as a hero for obstructing others.

In the Advice Positon

When the Nine of Wands is in this position, you have done everything you can to bring a situation to a successful conclusion. The full range of possibilities has been exhausted and all the creative energy that is available has already been put to use. This may be a great time to lay down your concerns and enjoy a rest. There is nothing more to bring to the mission unless you regenerate and restore the energy you have put into the cause.

While it is praiseworthy to give all you have for something or someone that means a lot to you, masochism and martyrdom are ill advised. Take a break. No one can fault you for it now.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.