Quick Answer — Upright: guarded but hopeful feelings, showing loyalty and resilience (Yes, but with caution). Reversed: exhaustion, defensiveness, or emotional walls (No).
Introduction
The Nine of Wands (Minor Arcana) is the card of perseverance, resilience, and guarded strength. In love and feelings readings, it reveals how someone processes emotional wounds, whether they are ready to keep fighting for a relationship, or if they feel too tired to continue.
When upright, the Nine of Wands shows loyalty, hope, and persistence in love — despite past difficulties. Reversed, it signals exhaustion, defensiveness, or emotional barriers that block intimacy.
Nine of Wands as Feelings (Upright)
When the Nine of Wands appears upright in a feelings reading:
- The person feels guarded but committed.
- They may have been hurt in the past but still want to keep going.
- Feelings are mixed with hope, loyalty, and caution.
Upright in Different Contexts
- New Relationship → Excited but cautious; they don’t want to rush.
- Ongoing Relationship → Protective of the bond, willing to fight for it.
- Ex Feelings → They may still hold emotional walls but haven’t fully let go.
- Commitment → Hesitant but considering long-term loyalty.
- Friendship/Family → Shows reliability, but also emotional caution.
Example Scenarios — Upright
- If you ask how your crush feels about you → They’re interested but cautious. They’ve been hurt before, so they may take time before opening up fully.
- If you ask how your partner feels in your relationship → They love you and are willing to fight for the bond, but they may still be healing from past arguments or difficulties.
- If you ask about an ex’s feelings → They still hold some affection, but they’re guarded. They might not want to be vulnerable again just yet.
Nine of Wands as Feelings (Reversed)
When reversed, the Nine of Wands shows emotional exhaustion or defensiveness.
- The person feels burnt out, insecure, or too wounded to move forward.
- They may be on the verge of giving up emotionally.
- Defensive walls may prevent genuine connection.
Reversed in Different Contexts
- New Relationship → Fear of opening up, too many past wounds.
- Ongoing Relationship → Feeling drained, struggling to keep trying.
- Ex Feelings → Likely letting go or too defensive to reconnect.
- Commitment → Avoiding deeper promises due to fatigue or fear.
- Friendship/Family → Could signal emotional distance or withdrawal.
Example Scenarios — Reversed
- If you ask how your crush feels about you → They might feel attracted, but emotional scars hold them back. Fear of rejection or vulnerability stops them from expressing their feelings.
- If you ask how your partner feels in your relationship → They could be emotionally exhausted and considering stepping back, even if they still care. They feel burdened by effort.
- If you ask about an ex’s feelings → They’re closing themselves off. The connection feels too draining for them to revisit.
Symbolism of the Nine of Wands in Love & Feelings
- Bandaged man → Represents past wounds and emotional scars.
- Wand in hand → Persistence and willingness to keep fighting.
- Wall of wands → Defensive boundaries, self-protection.
- Posture (alert stance) → Guarded energy, not fully relaxed in love.
👉 In love, this symbolism reflects someone who has been hurt before but is still trying — or, when reversed, someone too exhausted to risk more pain.
Nine of Wands Feelings — Summary Table
| Position | Feelings Description | Yes/No | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright | Loyal but guarded, hopeful, protective | Yes (cautious) | resilience, endurance, protection |
| Reversed | Emotionally drained, defensive, insecure | No | exhaustion, burnout, fear of intimacy |
Nine of Wands Yes or No in Love
- Upright = Yes, but with caution. The person is interested, but careful.
- Reversed = No. Too much emotional exhaustion or defensiveness.
Related Card Comparisons
- Seven of Wands vs Nine of Wands → Seven shows active defense, while Nine shows resilience after wounds.
- Nine of Wands vs Ten of Wands → Nine = guarded but enduring; Ten = overwhelmed and burdened.
FAQs
Q1: What does the Nine of Wands mean as feelings in love?
It shows guarded but loyal emotions. They may be hurt but still willing to try.
Q2: Is the Nine of Wands a yes or no for feelings?
Yes if upright (hopeful resilience), No if reversed (exhaustion/defensiveness).
Q3: How does the Nine of Wands show commitment feelings?
Upright = hesitant but committed. Reversed = avoids commitment due to fear.
Q4: What does the Nine of Wands reversed mean in love readings?
It signals burnout, insecurity, or emotional withdrawal.
Q5: What if you pull Nine of Wands when asking how someone feels about you?
It means they’re interested but hesitant. Upright = loyal yet cautious. Reversed = emotionally closed off.