Nine of Wands

Element: Fire

The inspiration for the Nine of Wands comes from the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, specifically the story of Zhuge Liang’s “Empty Fort Strategy.” With enemy troops led by Sima Yi approaching, Zhuge Liang, left alone to defend an “empty” city, boldly opens the gates and calmly plays his zither on the walls, while a few townspeople sweep the grounds as if nothing is amiss. Sima Yi, suspecting a trap, retreats. Like the original Rider–Waite depiction of a wounded man still standing guard, this card shows that only in pressure-filled situations can one’s true strength be tested.

Keywords: Caution, defense, alertness, persistence, readiness, challenge

Relationships:
1. Emotional scars from past relationships
2. Guarded heart
3. Presence of a romantic rival

Career & Study:
1. Anxiety and overthinking
2. Challenges and setbacks
3. Perseverance leads to eventual success

Finance:
1. Cautious investment
2. Fear of financial loss

Mental & Spiritual Health:
A tense mindset and self-protective energy

Keywords: Letting down one’s guard, giving up, delay, lack of motivation, defeat

Relationships:
1. Trouble in the relationship
2. Avoidance or giving up
3. Pessimism in love

Career & Study:
1. Loss of drive
2. Anxiety and negative outlook
3. Abandoning goals or failure

Finance:
1. Giving up on investment opportunities
2. Excessive worry about finances

Mental & Spiritual Health:
Overwhelmed by pessimism and despair