9 of Swords - The Decans of Gemini Part 2

The second decan, or 10 day segment of Gemini starts on 1st June. Whereas the first decan was pure Gemini energy and ruled by Mercury, the second corresponds to Gemini + Libra, the second of the air signs ruled by Venus. Libra is the sign of relationship, peace, harmony and fairness with the principle ‘I Balance’ - it’s symbol is the scales of justice, which not only speaks of the Libran search for equilibrium but also echoes the dual nature of the Gemini Twins and the search for unity seen in the Tarot card The Lovers.

Swords in Tarot

Swords represent our intellect and communication, the challenges we experience in these areas and our mind body connection. They also symbolise duality as they can be used for harm or for good - think of the sword of a warrior that kills and maims or that of Lady Justice, the corresponding card for Libra in the Major Arcana, who uses hers to cut away anything that hides impartiality, discernment and truth.

9 of Swords

The corresponding Tarot card for the second decan of Gemini is 9 of Swords. If we haven’t learned the lesson of releasing self-imposed negative thoughts and victim mentality of 8 of Swords, 9 shows the sleepless nights and dark, anxious thoughts that result in not seeing things from a clear and balanced perspective.

Take a closer look at the card. The bottom of the bed depicts a fight scene, which represents mental conflict simmering away beneath the surface in the darkness of our subconscious mind.

It’s the card of overwhelm, catastrophising and the dark night of the soul, when all our deepest fears and insecurities consume us. This is the true stuff of nightmares, not the fabled monsters under the bed (or the murderer under the bed from that episode of Luther that actually did give me nightmares - anyone else remember that?).

What can 9 of Swords teach us?

Rather than focusing on the thoughts hanging over us we can use the swords to cut through illusion, confusion, despair and negativity. We can break free of the worries that weigh heavily on us by bringing our subconscious fears into the light, maybe by talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Even writing them down can help, externalising our problems diminishes their hold over us and lets us reclaim our power, perspective and peace of mind.

If you’re an air sign and specifically a Gemini or second decan Gemini I’d love to hear if this card resonates with you. If you feel called to share please comment below or get in touch with me directly if you’d prefer not to comment in an open form.

I’ll be back on 11th June to introduce our third and final decan card, 10 of Swords and it’s tale of exhaustion, betrayal and the new dawn that awaits us when we finally hit rock bottom.