“Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” – Doe Zantamata You’re absolutely exhausted right now. Recently, it feels as though you’ve done nothing but struggle, barely keeping your head above water. You’ve done so well, and the fact that you are still fighting is proof of how strong you are. Take some time to rest and recover; you’ve earned it! By giving yourself time to heal, you are preventing burnout and setting yourself up for future success. It’s okay to let those around you take over for a little while. Have faith that they can shoulder your share of the border while you take some time to recover. Not only will this show you who your true allies are, but it will build trust with them for the future. A strong support system that is willing to be there for each other even when they are wounded is a vital component of any successful individual. If you have been considering reaching out for support but have been too nervous to make that first phone call or send that first text message, take this a sign that it is time to prioritize your own well-being. You will be surprised to find how proud those around you will be upon hearing you admit that it’s time for a break.

Your romantic life has been less than spectacular lately. It may feel as though you’re constantly adjusting yourself to meet the expectations of your partner, much to the detriment of your own mental health. However, you’ve reached a point where it doesn’t feel as though it’s worth it anymore. If they can’t appreciate and support you when you’re struggling, then they don’t deserve you at your best. Take some time to appreciate yourself and your own sense of beauty and confidence. If this means ending a toxic relationship, then this is what you may have to do for the sake of your own health. You’re hurting inside, and you need some time to recover. Perhaps you are actively seeking a new relationship, but it feels as though you’ve had no luck lately. Take this as a sign to focus on yourself; you don’t need the validation of others to realize your own worth! You are a beautiful and strong individual, and now is the time to learn to love yourself again.

WANDS. NINE.

The figure leans upon his staff and has an expectant look, as if awaiting an enemy. Behind are eight other staves—erect, in orderly disposition, like a palisade.

Divinatory Meanings: The card signifies strength in opposition. If attacked, the person will meet an onslaught boldly; and his build shows that he may prove a formidable antagonist. With this main significance there are all its possible adjuncts—delay, suspension, adjournment.

Reversed: Obstacles, adversity, calamity.

Your performance at work has taken a hit lately. You are standing on the cusp of a major burnout, and at times you feel as though you just want to quit. However, the exhaustion that you are currently dealing with does not mean that it’s time to give up. Instead, consider looking in to taking some time to recover and recuperate. If you have hours that you can take off of work, now is the time to use them. Spend some time doing what you enjoy doing instead of worrying about work all of the time! If taking time off is not an option, you may also want to consider having a conversation with your superiors. Be open with them about what you’ve been dealing with lately; they will most likely appreciate your honesty. If they are unable or unwilling to give you the time and space that you need to recover, it may be time to consider finding new employment somewhere that will have a better appreciation of your worth. If you have been actively seeking new employment, take this a sign to take a moment to breathe. As hard as you may try to find a new job, there is nothing you can do to force employers to hire you. Don’t be too hard on yourself; remember, there may be hundreds of applicants vying for the same position. The fact that you haven’t been hired yet is not a direct attack on your character or your capabilities. Take a moment to breathe and relax. Overstressing will not expedite the process. By letting yourself recover and calm down, you will find yourself in an even better position to throw yourself wholeheartedly back into the hunt for a job.

If things consistently seem as though they are totally pointless or a waste of effort, there is a possibility that you are focusing in on the wrong opportunities. When The 9 of Wands appears in the reversed position, this may be a sign that you need to start picking and choosing your battles. Some things simply aren’t worth stressing and tearing yourself apart over. Consider this quote from Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the first telephone, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Take a moment to step back and consider why you are continuing to fight despite the fact that it seems as though victory is nearly impossible. What else can you dedicate all of that time and effort to? Perhaps you could take up a new hobby, pursue a lifelong dream, or rekindle a relationship that you have pushed to the wayside.