The Nine of Wands is an interesting card because the man looks like he has already been wounded on the job or in school. He seems cautious and is looking over his shoulder. He is afraid of something or someone. I've found that when there is a break in the suits as seen in this card with a gaping hole in between the row of Wands in the background, that there is something missing or that the Querent is the problem on the job or at school. The Querent may be causing their own problems on the job. What might take be? Well, the figure is holding onto a dying wand. Certainly, that in itself does not look as if the job (or school, etc.) is in his best interest. The job is dying. It seems as if he is holding onto the job for the security of a weekly pay check, the benefits or the security. It could signify gossip or rumors. He doesn't want to get involved in any of the negative aspects of the work environment again, so he is trying very hard to defend himself. As you can see, his first color if white so we know he is a sucker (too giving, caring, loving, kind, generous, honest and has a hard time saying NO to those who drain his energy and use his time). He is trying very hard know to get a bit more grounded as we see by his beige tunic and his greenish boots indicate that more prosperity is coming if he starts looking towards the future and does not continue to concentrate on the past. If he turns around, he will see a bright, clear blue sky showing that his problems are nearly over and all good things will follow him from now on. The green mountains across the whole card means that there are wonderful financial opportunities ahead of him but he must grab them or they will pass him by. Also, notice all of the wands behind him. Those are many more job opportunities than he currently now has. Even though he is standing on cement, it is gray so his whole foundation is fear, doubt, worry, anxieties, etc. He must be positive, take action and rid himself of this negative job or school situation. He must be proactive in making his future happy and positive. I also use this card as a health related issue, so if the burdens are not lifted and the anxieties/worries about the job are not addressed, your health will suffer in some way.