Nine of Swords

Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.

What we explore in this episode:

• The Nine of Swords as a card of mental anguish, guilt, and obsessive thought

• Symbolism across decks: vultures, bed-bound figures, circled despair, and pain

• Why this card often asks us to examine our inner saboteur and the fears we internalize

• The connection between anxiety, shame, and past trauma

• How we can speak to the part of ourselves that tries to protect us through fear

Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:

• Anima Mundi Tarot Deck by Megan Wyreweden 

• Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom

• The Sasuraibito Tarot deck by Stasia Burrington

In this episode, we dive deep into the heavy emotional terrain of the Nine of Swords. Often associated with anxiety, panic attacks, and restless nights, this card doesn’t just speak to external threats; it reveals what happens when our own mind becomes the battlefield. From vultures circling in the dark to telescopic views of despair, the Nine of Swords asks: Whose voice are you listening to? Is it your own or an echo of past pain?

This card is not here to shame you. It’s here to remind you that your thoughts aren’t always facts, and that the part of you trying to protect you from pain may be pulling you deeper into it. Through self-compassion and awareness, we can gently take the wheel back from our inner saboteur and choose a different path forward.

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

• Season 1 - Tarot basics

• Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits

• Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture

• Season 5 - Tarot Spreads

• Season 6 - Suit of Wands

• Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles

Today's Tarot Pull:

From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Thief (upright). This card speaks to risk, desire, and making your own way—even when it seems selfish. The Thief once acted out of necessity, but now craves the thrill of breaking rules and grabbing what they want. The message? You don’t need permission. Take the opportunity. Trust your instinct. The life you want won’t be handed to you, you have to choose it and forge your own destiny.

Reflective prompts on this card:

• What would it mean to claim what I need, even if others don’t approve?

• Where have I let fear of judgment hold me back from taking action?

• What would change if I let myself want more, and go after it?

Ways to Connect & Support

• Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.

• Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.

• Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re Local to the Greater Puget Sound area check out the Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group for the latest event postings. 

• If you’re NOT local to my area, you can join me for a VIRTUAL tarot card creation event on Friday June 20th at 5pm Pacific Daylight Time. I’ll give you a list of recommended supplies, we’ll meet online, and I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own cards. Get the date on your calendar now and be on the lookout for the signup page coming soon!

• Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.

• Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com