The number nine is the number of the wisdom of the Moon.  It is also a mathematically magical number - its square root is three and the sum of any number multiplied by nine equals nine when added together (e.g.. 9 x 8 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9).  Nines also represent attainment, integration, completion and bringing things to an end.  Nines are about the natural flow of things and things proceeding smoothly.  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.  It is about emotions flowing smoothly and moving forward, developing in a natural progression.  Emotions rise easily to the surface and into our awareness.  This card is often referred as the "wish card". 

The Fradella 9 of Masks shows us a bare-chested man wearing a very old-fashioned white wig lounging back and surrounded by 9 semi-nude women.  Each woman is touching him in some way, but there is something artificial in their intimacy.  The man is Maliferous, a nemesis to the group known as The Minutemen.  The mask that each woman wears prevents the viewer from seeing her true expression; gauging her true feelings towards Maliferous.  Do they all truly find him irresistible or are they trying to lower his defenses for some other purpose?  His expression makes it clear that he believes his magnetism and charisma drew the women to him.  It is almost the ultimate wish fulfillment for any man - to be surrounding by a bevy of barely clad, adoring women.

Anna K's 9 of Cups shows a couple dancing joyously amidst a group of family and friends who obviously are celebrating with the couple.  The woman wears a floral wreath and the man wears a narrow headband.  It would appear that they are the focus of this celebration.  Perhaps its a wedding reception or an anniversary party.  It is obvious that the couple are happy to be together and the other celebrants share their joy and happiness.  The are chalices filled with flowers stacked up all around the party-goers.  It is apparent that those gathered at the part wish the couple well and that the couple is sure their wishes will come true together.

Both cards take different routes to express similar concepts.  The 9 of Cups is often referred to as the wish card, but obviously every wishes for different things.  Maliferous on the Fradella 9 of Masks wishes for a bevy of attractive women to adore him.  He does not necessarily want an emotional connection with them - if anything he seems rather remote and distant from the scene.  The couple on the Anna K 9 of Cups wish for a happy and joy-filled relationship and wish to share their joy and happiness with their friends and loved ones.  Their wishes are to include everyone in their cheerfulness and delight.

This certainly speaks to what I've been wishing and hoping for lately.  We're trying to find a solution to the issue of my in-laws that doesn't involve institutionalization for either of them.  Of course the reality is that this may not be possible.  Wishes are wonderful things but there comes a time when wishes and reality part ways.  There comes a point when all the wishing in the world won't change things.  I think we've reached that point.  That doesn't mean we won't find a positive resolution to the matter, it simply means that it's time to stop wishes and start taking the steps necessary to make them real.