47. Le Neuf d’Epee

The Nine of Swords from Tarocchino Arlecchino

About the Card

English Name(s)

The Nine of Swords

Correspondences

  • Grand Etteilla: Card Number 55
  • Petit Etteilla: Nine of Spades

Image Description

Eight curved swords form an almond shape, with four on each side. The swords have black blades with red tips, and a middle section decorated in gold with blue or green. Pink ribbons are woven through the swords at the top and the bottom. A gold plate covers each of the places where the swords cross, at the top and the bottom. The upper plate has a picture of a Harlequin in a bishop’s costume. The lower plate has a picture of baton-wielding Harlequin looking back over his shoulder. A large sword with a red, blue, and green diamond pattern crosses through the almond, pointing downward.

Meanings

Upright

Ecclesiastic, apostle, pope, cardinal, bishop, abbot, priest, monk, hermit, nun, recluse, anchorite, vestal, religious, piety, devotion, celibate, virginity,  cult, religion, temple, church, monastery, convent, hermitage, sanctuary, rite, ceremonies, ritual.

Reversed

Justifiable mistrust, well-founded suspicion, legitimate fear, mistrust, doubt, misgiving, qualm, timorous conscience, timidity, modesty, shame, conjecture.