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A Year in the Number 9

A Year in the Number 9

Last updated on: February 27, 2025 at 10:00 am by Rev. Emily Guenther

A Year in the Number 9 2025-02-06T12:29:05-06:00 Rev. Emily Guenther

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2025 is a 9 year. In January I wrote a blog that touched on some of the astrological and numerical predictions for 2025. One of the things I like to do to help me “get a read” on the year is to find out what the tarot card for the year is and learn about the Chinese astrology for the year ahead. I’ve been thinking about this year’s tarot card and numerology for a long time. Long before 2025 was here. And as most things in life are, it is a mixed bag.

Let’s take another look at The Hermit card and the meaning of number 9.

The Hermit Card

2025 marches to a different tarot beat than 2024 did. The tarot card for 2024 was Strength. But 2025 will be ruled by The Hermit card. The Hermit card is card number 9 in tarot. This card invites introspection. Instead of pushing forward, this card advocates for a strategic withdrawal, a pause for self-reflection and understanding.

The Hermit Tarot Card from the Tarot of the Hidden Realm, The Everyday Enchantment Tarot, and the Magical Dogs Tarot

Meaning of the Number 9

The energy of the number 9 represents completion, but not necessarily finality. Think of it more in a cyclical sense; it’s about the ending of one cycle and the potential it creates for another cycle to begin. The 9 in numerology acts as an usher in this process of transition or transformation, guiding and empowering us with its wisdom.

This number is a humanitarian at heart. It is compassionate, kind, and intent on putting its efforts toward creating the greatest good. The 9 in Numerology has gone through its fair share of hardship and is wiser, stronger, and more aware as a result. These first-hand experiences make it especially understanding of others who are struggling and willing to provide valuable support.

Nine reproduces itself when the number is multiplied. All the numbers in the multiples of nine add up to the number nine. In Norse mythology, Odin hung himself from the Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights to learn the secrets of the runes. Nine has become the number of ambition and rewards.

If we look at it this way, we can see that the number nine is where we can find the culmination and the consequence of evolution: whether for success or for disappointment. This number is where you will find your wishes fulfilled.

The Number 9 in gemstones

The Number 9 in Tarot

The number nine in tarot brings all of the energies of the previous numbers to a culmination. The transformation from the spiritual to the tangible that took place in the number eight finally settles itself into something real. This is where we see the consequences of all the energies that were set into motion. The number nine is typically seen as a trinity of threes: the first stage of Creation was established in three, then consciousness was harmonized in six, and finally we see the realization in the nine.

Nine is three times three, thrice the power of creation, bringing the process of creation to its result. It is a number that brings the beginning and the end together. The number nine is actually where the journey of numbers in tarot wraps up.

Nine in the Minor Arcana

The 4 nines of the minor arcana represent the final stage of action, reflection, thoughts and deeds of the four suits. It heralds the end of a cycle and the natural winding down or closing stages of a period of your life. This does not mean that the situation is over and done with or gone forever. It means that it has run its natural course and is the peak of all you have done.

The 9 of Wands, 9 of Cups, 9 of Swords, and 9 of Pentacles from the Radiant Rider Waite (Smith) Deck

The four minor arcana suits enter a spring cleaning mode when you get to the number 9. This is a time to carefully sift through all that they have accumulated on their journey or cycle. You must be quite ruthless about certain things because not everything can be taken forward into their new cycle. You should only take what you discovered to be useful and valuable and of course what has extreme sentimental or emotional attachment. There must be a thorough cleansing of the mind, body, emotions and spirit before moving into the next cycle.

The four suits will be expected to have gained much experience, which can be utilized and applied in the next cycle. They are almost at the end of their Journey with their goals and dreams in sight but have yet to carry out one last task. These tasks are related to their individual suits and governing element. Their tasks are also based on how they managed their journey and how close they have come to realizing their individual goals.

In the Nines, they are all allowed to stop for a moment before taking any more action. They should be relieved they are so close to the finish line with their quests and endeavors for it has been a long and difficult journey. Introspection, retrospection and reflection are some of the strongest associated words with the four nines of the minor arcana.

Upcoming Nines

In my upcoming blog, I am going to focus on each of the minor arcana suits and what that particular 9 means. Each suit reflects the meaning of The Hermit card back to us in some way. If we can study and understand the meaning of each of the minor arcana 9 cards, we will be able to see the whole picture behind The Hermit. And since study is part of The Hermit card meaning, it feels rather appropriate to do a deep dive.

Many people do not like change. As humans we have a tendency to fear the unknown and we never know what is on the other side of change. I hate it as much as the next person, but change is necessary. Change is the only constant. Without change, without endings, life would be very stagnant. Even when we don’t like change, even when we fight it, it can be good for us. Perhaps now is the time to left go of the things you’ve been fighting to hold on to. If we can let go, and embrace the change, something good will come of it. Easier said than done, I know. But it’s going to happen anyway, so we might as well make it easy on ourselves.

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February 10, 2025

Three Rings of Magickal Protection

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March 10, 2025 The Meaning of the Number 9 in the Minor Arcana

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