Defensive Stance

From Hadar's Le Veritable Tarot de Marseille, the Nine of Swords; from the Greek Alphabet Runes, 'Phi:'

          According to Bursten's interpretation of the Marseille Tarot, the Sword suit represents 'defending' and the Nine is the result of one's efforts. Looking at the boundary created by the curved swords, there is a sense of being walled inside of a fortress. But is this worry without an evident cause? The flower buds at the four corners point outward as if they too are an attempt to be a part of the boundary. But they have been cut off from the plant and therefore have no chance to blossom. The fortress created may end up becoming more of a prison for the person inside. Phi is the Greek letter in mathematics associated with the golden mean, a special ratio found in nature and intentionally produced in art and architecture. It was thought this ratio made creations more pleasing to the eye, and thus this letter symbolizes an appreciation of beauty. Together with the Nine of Swords, these draws suggest not letting anxiety become so much of a focus that it completely blocks out all else, including the beauty and joy of life.