Nine in the Tarot Cards - Culmination of Evolution

The number Nine in the Tarot brings all of the energies of the previous numbers to a point of culmination. The transformation from the spiritual to the tangible that took place in the number eight finally settles itself into something real over here. This is where we see the consequences of all the energies that were set into motion. Let’s take a look at how these energies of the number Nine show up in the various Tarot Cards.

The number Nine is typically seen as a Trinity of Threes: the first stage of Creation was established in Three, then the Consciousness was Harmonized in Six, and finally we see the Realization in the Nine. Thus, the number Nine is often depicted as a nine pointed star. Nine is also depicted in the form of Three Triangles, one within the other.

The Meanings of the Number Nine

Nine is three times three, thrice the power of creation, bringing the process of creation to its final culmination. It is a number that brings the beginning and the end together. The number Nine is actually where the entire journey of Numbers in Numerology (from 0 to 9) wraps up. In Pythagorean Numerology, which is the kind of Numerology that is commonly used, the number Nine is the limit for all numbers since all numbers are found within the number Nine. It is within this number that one can find the complete picture of the Three Worlds: the Physical World (1, 2, 3), the Intellectual World (4, 5, 6), and the Spiritual world (7, 8, 9).

Pregnancy lasts for nine months – culminating in the birth of a baby. In Celtic and Chinese traditions, Nine is visualized as a combination of Eight Directions + The Center.

Nine reproduces itself when the number is multiplied: all the numbers in the multiples of Nine add up to the number Nine.

In Norse mythology, Odin hung himself from the Yggdrasil (World Tree) for Nine days and Nine nights to learn the secrets of Prophecy. Nine thus becomes a number of Ambition and Rewards.

In this way, we can see that the number Nine is where one can find the culmination and the consequence of evolution: whether for success or for disappointment. This is where you will find your wishes fulfilled.

Let’s see the journey of the numbers through the eyes of Kabbala. At first there is the endless nothingness of Zero, which brought forth the singular energy of One, and that led to the need for connection with another in the Two. One and Two merge to manifest the creative energy of Three, which stabilizes and forms a structure with the Four. But that structure would be disrupted by the Five and the newly emerged consciousness finds harmony in the Six. This consciousness tests its material and spiritual limits in the Seven, leading to the dissolution and transformation in the Eight. Finally, in the Nine, this process culminates into the final consequence. Here is where all the energetic processes find their destined fulfillment, for better or worse.

The Number Nine in the Tarot Cards

Let’s look at the Tarot Cards where the number Nine shows up, both directly and indirectly as a sum of the digits on that card.

The Number Nine in the Major Arcana

Here are the Major Arcana cards associated with the number Nine.

9: The Hermit
18: The Moon

In the image of The Hermit card, we see the quintessential Wise Old Man, complete with a long white beard. His age symbolizes the length of his life’s journey, and thus his life experience, his accomplishments. He becomes that Wise Old Man because he has learned so many things in the course of his life, which he is now ready to share with the world. He holds up that lantern, full of the wisdom gained through these experiences, showing us the light of this knowledge. He stands juxtaposed against the cold snowy ground and the twilight-ish atmosphere. We get a feeling that he is rightfully placed at this point of culmination, from where he can guide all those who come to him with questions.

A similar twilight-ish atmosphere follows us into The Moon card – but here, the atmospheric effect is a result of an eclipse. Here the Moon, while reflecting the light of the Sun, also blocks the light of the Sun. The contemplative face in the Moon tells us but one thing: all the clarity of the Sun remains obscured and will only bear fruit upon reflection. Below, on the ground, the pathway opens up for the primal instincts and the subconscious elements to forge ahead, and to find their culmination. Where will these instincts and subconscious elements finally take us? That answer will only be discovered by those who undertake this journey!

The Number Nine in the Minor Arcana

Let’s see what the Minor Arcana cards associated with the number Nine tell us about the energy of the number Nine showing up in the regular world.

9 of Wands
9 of Cups
9 of Swords
9 of Pentacles

In the 9 of Wands, the journey of passionately working on one’s desires brings one to a place where one is protective of oneself even as one is eager to forge ahead. Even though the young man has had some bumps along the road (the bandage on his head showing us how he’s been hurt), he protects himself with that fence or wall of wands, but stands ready to go forward with that one wand in his hand. In the 9 of Cups, however, we see a different picture. Here the young man sits in front of all his cups, showing them off as if they were his trophies, his accomplishments. He looks quite happy and content with his lot – his journey of exploring emotions having come full circle. The story swings about in the 9 of Swords, where the journey of the thoughts and the mind has culminated in giving the person in the card anxiety and nightmares. Although those nightmares won’t last long (based on the designs on his bed cover), he still suffers from he pain and disappointment brought about by his negative thoughts. Finally, in the 9 of Pentacles, we find hope and positivity – the journey of seeking material fulfillment has now been rewarded. The lady in the card stands in her lush garden, surrounded by material luxury and satisfaction.

The masculine energies of the Wands and the Swords find their culmination in the spaces of defensiveness and anxiety respectively, while the feminine energies of the Cups and Pentacles find their destinations in contentment and luxury. The Nines of the Minor Arcana show us how the stories of these energies evolve in their natural expressions, and find their distinct end points.

The Number Nine in the Tarot: Summary

Putting it all together, here’s the summary of the energy of the number Nine in the Tarot Cards:

The Hermit: Wisdom gained from life experiences, Accomplishment, Sharing Knowledge
The Moon: Contemplation, Reflection, Culmination after Crossing the Threshold
9 of Wands: Protecting Oneself, Being Defensive
9 of Cups: Contentment, Accomplishment
9 of Swords: Nightmares, Anxiety, Sleepless Nights
9 of Pentacles: Material Fulfillment, Enjoying Luxury

Nine has finally wrapped up the journeys of the numbers and the elements, and for better or for worse, brought them to a point of culmination.

Your Turn

What are your thoughts about the number Nine in the Tarot Cards? What conclusions did you arrive at, while observing the images of the Tarot Cards having the number Nine on them? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below!