noun
obstacle
AHB-stuh-kuhl/ˈɑːbstəkl/
Something that blocks movement, progress, or achievement.
The fallen tree is an obstacle across the walking trail.
Etymology
The pieces describe something that “stands in front of” you. This image connects a physical barrier with any difficulty that blocks progress or makes success harder.
In context
the nine of wands is saying there's an obstacle there's something that needs to get past