Numerology is the study of numbers as meaningful constructs related to human consciousness. Numbers shape our lives in many ways, starting with number values associated with the letters of words, especially our names.
We have the numbers of our birthday, month and year. Most countries have a number range for citizens (in the United States this is the 9-digit Social Security Number or SSN). Most of us have a telephone number; When we drive a car, we have a license plate. Each word and set of numbers is reduced to a number between 1 and 9, and each of those numbers has a spiritual meaning.
This article examines the cards of the tarot that represent the number 4.
Six cards represent the number 4 in a tarot deck
There are five cards numbered 4 and one card that is reduced to number 4 in a tarot deck. The Emperor is card number 4 of the Major Arcana and there are four 4’s for each of the four suits (cups, coins, swords and wands). Death (13) is reduced to a 4.
An individual with life path number four works hard and is concerned about stability. That’s why they have the passion and energy to achieve lasting results, maintain systems and do what is necessary. Their personality develops through their efforts to establish themselves in the world.
As reliable people, they embrace traditions, security, financial stability and logic. Therefore, they become successful through persistence. As they persevere to succeed in life, they overcome challenges that come their way by surviving the challenge and using proven methods to succeed.
Each of the number 4 tarot cards exhibits some aspect of this energy.
The emperor
The Emperor is all about control through power and authority, making his archetype perfect for the expression of this number.
Meaning: The Emperor represents the masculine divine, the essence of command, order and power. The Emperor archetype is the fourth encounter for the fool and teaches us how to bring order out of chaos, how to shape the natural world to our needs, and how to build civilization.
Symbolism: An older man sits on a throne with the heads of four rams, symbolizing his masculinity. He holds an Ankh scepter, which represents life and power, and a golden ball, which represents earthly wealth and his rule over civilization. The burgundy cloth around his upper body and the red robe covering his lower body indicate the energy he exerts to maintain his authority. He wears armor under his clothing, evidenced by the greaves and sabatons on his legs. He wears a crown on his head that he has earned; it was not inherited.
Upright: authority, the rule maker, order, stability and sovereignty over society and civilization
Reversed: abuse of power, cruelty, dictatorship and narcissism
Dead
Although death is essentially about transition, it is one of the constants of life, which makes it ideal to represent the number 4.
Meaning: Death represents the end of the life cycle and the power of rebirth. Death, as an archetype, is the thirteenth encounter for the Fool. This card reminds us that life is finite, helping us realize how well or how poorly we are doing in our pursuit of life experience and soul growth.
Symbolism: The skeletal figure of death rides through the land collecting souls. No one escapes his visit, as is evident from the figures of the royal family, the priesthood, an ordinary girl and a child. His flag has a symbol in the shape of a rose, representing his role in the life cycle, also represented by the rising/setting sun in the background. The coming of death is always assured and rarely welcomed.
Upright: death/rebirth, transformation, inevitability and cycles
Reversed: arrogance, depression, hopelessness and severe sadness
Four of cups
The Four of Cups is an archetype for contemplation, taking time to assess emotions, calm down, and reflect steadily on important issues and relationships. Another sharp aspect of the number 4 is periods of rest and evaluation.
Meaning: Find some time to meditate, or at least rest; your emotions need comfort.
Symbolism: A man contemplates three cups in front of him while a divine hand delivers a new need that he will have to address, but which he does not yet see, feel or understand.
Upright: rest and meditation
Reversed: boredom and isolation
Four of Pentacles
The Four of Pentacles shows the archetypal energy of conservation and saving. The number 4 is a ‘conservative’ number, preferring to have ‘one bird in the hand, not two in the bush’.
Meaning: Be careful with your resources; it’s a good time to save and be conservative with finances.
Symbolism: A man sits on a stone bench in front of the backdrop of a city with a stern look on his face. The four pentacles represent the hard work and serious effort required to accumulate wealth and feel financially secure.
Upright: conservation and prudence
Reversed: stinginess and hoarding
Four of swords
Like the Four of Cups, the figure is at rest; the mind is at rest. He is also depicted as a protector or defender, another keen trait of individuals with the number 4 as their life path or destiny number.
Meaning: You need a mental break; you have to break away to save your sanity.
Symbolism: A warrior rests in a sacred temple; there are three swords hanging on the wall above him and one sword next to him. He benefits from a period of peace.
Upright: peace and contemplation
Reversed: burnout and stress
Four of wands
The Four of Wands represents the archetype of celebrations that are earned and shared by a group, community or society, which usually only happens when hard work and consistent values prevail. Energy number 4 makes it possible to enjoy such gatherings.
Meaning: Gather friends and family around you and celebrate together.
Symbolism: Two figures approach the four rods to celebrate an important day or great achievement. The roses and grapes in the garland around the sticks show abundance, good health and wealth of the land.
Upright: celebrate and socialize
Reversed: unfinished work and no time to celebrate
