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 can represent struggle, attainment, and having the end in sight.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 9 of Pentacles often represents abundance and plenty in one's life. 

The Fradella Adventure 9 of Discs shows a woman in a long slit cheongsam standing in a water garden with floating lights surrounding her.  A small green dragon rests on her left hand.  A green half mask obscures some of her features.  A waterfall rushes down behind her.  In the distance, an Oriental style roof if visible.

The Anna k 9 of Pentacles shows a mature woman garbed in a purple gown sitting on the edge of a well.  A vine with red leaves crawls around the gray stone well.  Pentacles decorate the side of the well and are visible on the top of the water.  The woman holds a golden pentacle in her hand.  The sky behind her is golden and the sun lights up the horizon.

Both of these cards offer a sense of serenity and solitude.  The images show that even if someone "has it all", they still need a place that will help them repair their spirit and rest their wounded souls.  Sometimes that solitude can become so seductive that we become lost in it and forget to find our way back into the outer world but for now the goal is to soothe the tattered spirit. 

Having drawn this card reversed today, I took it as a reminder that my place of refuge need not be mine alone.  Others might benefit from the healing energy I feel when I visit my house in Greenwood Lake.  I think today's lesson was that sometimes sharing that healing energy with others makes it more special to me.

Today hubby and I invited several friends and relatives to the house for a barbecue.  The day was beautiful (with a few burst of rain) and everyone had a wonderful time.  It was a time for enjoying each other's company and catching up; for reminiscing and rejoicing.  They key to the day was giving everyone an opportunity to heal body and soul.  The joy we felt at being with each other made us all feel lighter and happier.  Our ability to remember the good times and celebrate the fun we had gave us all a much needed boost when we returned back to our daily lives.  I'm just happy I was able to provide the place for this wonderfully magical event to occur.