We’re drawing near the end of our exploration of the suit cards in the Tarot de Marseille. Today, I’m looking at the Nines, which take their meaning from the Hermit and the Sun among the trump cards.
The theme that strikes me with both of these cards is one of illumination. The sun is, well, an obvious source of illumination. It’s the big shiny thing in the sky. But the Hermit also carries a source of light with him; it’s the lamp he lifts that lights his way. Thus, we have two cards that are about shedding light on things, providing clarity and insight. The Sun does this from outside, and the Hermit offers a more introspective, personal sort of illumination. I’ve written in my Tarot journal: Nines clarify and illuminate.
How does this theme appear in each of the suit cards? The Nine of Bâtons is clarity about our action. This is a card that explains why—as such, it is a card of curiosity and demonstration.
The Nine of Coupes is clarity having to do with peace and well-being. For the first time, my interpretation of this card more or less lines up with traditional RWS meanings. I see this as a card of satisfaction and wish fulfillment.
The Nine of Deniers is clarity about resources. This, to me, is a card of power and influence; having resources available to you and knowing exactly what to do with them.
The Nine of Épées is a clarity of suffering. This reads to me as a card of deep, profound grief, of suffering and loss. It is the purest, sharpest pain there can be.
All together, these are the meanings I’ve ascribed to the Nines:
Nine of Bâtons: explanation, curiosity, demonstration
Nine of Coupes: wish fulfillment, happily ever after, satisfaction
Nine of Deniers: power, influence, clout
Nine of Épées: grief, sorrow, suffering
Jack Chanek 
Dude, I love all this deep meanings behind Tarot cards. Absolutely in love!
LikeLike