Nine of Swords Reversed

Well, I've had it. 
The pandemic has reached the worst it has ever been. I wish I could say it's the worst it'll ever get, but honestly I thought that was four months ago. And six months before that. And six months before that. So really, who knows? On this date in time, the Omicron virus is spreading so rapidly that an hour ago my kids' school sent a notice that they were moving back to remote learning, effective immediately. They made it 80 days into the 21-22 school year before they had to call it. They just don't have the staffing. Everyone has the virus.

On the plus side, I'm now in two kinds of therapy - talk and medical! I have been prescribed panic attack medication, anti-anxiety medication, anti-depressant medication, and the latest: ADHD medication. I am FLYING HIGH. It's great.

It is both these ups and downs that the reversed Nine of Swords represents. It is either intense fear and giving up (the viral worst!) or it could be a light at the end of a difficult tunnel (my new meds!) Or it's both! 

Don't mind me, I'm going to mow down on some potato chips and rewatch Groundhog day, because right now I feel like I'm reliving the past 700 days over and over and over again. 

Upright, the Nine of Swords is a card of anxiety, pain, and nightmares.

Reversed, it is often about seeing the light at the end of a tunnel, being able to let go of some of the anxiety and negativity, and taking help when it is offered.

However, in rare instances it might be even worse than its upright meaning, and could represent extreme night terrors or a complete nervous breakdown.
 
Questions answered by the reversed Nine of Swords:
Who? A guilty person 
What? A bad dream
Where? At the therapist’s office; at recovery
When? The first week of June; When the light at the end of the tunnel becomes apparent; nine days
Why? “Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.” ~Steve Maraboli
Yes or No? No. Do not start serious things now

The reversed Nine of Swords as:
…an action?

• Practice coping mechanisms
• Accept or ask for help
• Write in a journal

 
…a place in your house?

• A chair in the bedroom
• The light in a dark closet

 
…a place in your city?

• A tunnel
• A bookstore

• A recovery center
• A self-help group

…a place in the world?

• The Portland Underground
• Montreal, Canada
• Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
• Spain 

…something to eat?

• Salty food
• Coffee
• Tapas
• Honey

…something to clean?

• The attic
• A dark drawer or cabinet

 
…where to find the missing item?

• In your bed
• Under the furniture

 
…a color? White, Yellow
 
…a movie theme? Learning to cope; accepting help

• Groundhog Day
• The Incredibles

 
…a new career?

• Early shift work
• Tunnel or cave maintenance
• Psychoanalysis

 
The reversed Nine of Swords
Before any card: Severe anxiety associated with (card)
After any card: Nightmares, Being frightened

Need to journal your worst nightmares? Pick up a copy of the Applied Divination Journal. With spaces for drawing, writing, and a helpful daily quote, this journal is... oh, what the hell. It's a blank journal. Just do whatever. I give up today.