Tarot Spread: Enduring Ardor
To continue on this journey of tarot spreads inspired by the minor arcana, I have created the Enduring Ardor spread to illuminate or clarify the potential meanings and lessons of the 9 of Wands. As with many cards in tarot, the 9 of Wands can offer a range of possible meanings that are not always easy to distinguish. This card can be a positive affirmation of the strength of your convictions and of your ability to withstand trials and tribulations. But it can also be a sign of exhaustion and fatigue, of the last straw of those aforementioned trials that could break the proverbial camel’s back.
Often when I get the 9 of Wands and am unsure how to interpret it, it’s because I’m wondering whether I’ve gone through the hardest part and am now able to move into the final phase of my work (the 10 of Wands) or whether what I thought was hard is just the beginning and a real beatdown is coming. Is it that I have the strength to finish, as demonstrated by what I’ve been through, or that I need to find the strength because there’s a real uphill climb waiting for me. Of course, there’s usually a bit of both.
Reading the spread as a whole can help guide you to see that the card is leaning in one direction or the other when you need simple clarification, but the real power of Enduring Ardor is in helping you find the tools by which you can endure when you need to because, let’s face it, at some point you’re going to need to.
Astrologically speaking, the 9 of Wands is tied to the Moon in Sagittarius, so Pamela Colman Smith’s imagery of the battered guard standing his ground can feel strange in that context. Both the constantly moving Moon and explorative, free-bounding Sagittarius suggest progress rather than any fixed position. But so much activity and movement can be tiring, so we can understand the need to pause and reassess before venturing further forward or retreating backward. The Moon is reflective and Sagittarius is wise in seeking out new domains, not foolishly rampant, so it makes sense to check in and measure progress before losing the ground that’s already been gained.
The Scar: What demonstrates my experience and tenacity?
Staking Claims (3 cards): How can I ground my desire to stay strong in reality?
The Crutch: On what can I rely when I feel as if I can’t go on?
Flickering Candles (2 cards): What everyday signs will help me see where I need to lean in or move on? (a sensory cue exercise)
Looking Ahead: What awaits me on the other side of this?
The Spark: Where can I find new energy to help drive me forward?
See my blog post “Sensory Cues and Intuition” for more on sensory cue exercises.
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