The Threes in Tarot provided us with the raw material, the creativity and the support needed to carve out our destiny. When we arrive at the Fours, it’s time to mature and apply diligence to fulfill our wants and needs.

The Quality of the Fours

Stability and order are hallmarks of the fours in tarot. A firm foundation is being set in place depending on the particular suit and their appearance can signify ideas taking shape. This is the first time we realize we have the ability to manifest something for ourselves. We feel secure in ourselves and have established a sense of external security, too.

There’s also a bit of lonesomeness that emanates from the Fours, with the Four of Wands being the exception, indicating celebration and balance between the internal and external worlds of the querent. I don’t mean lonesome in the negative sense, however, but the fours have to do with reaching a secure point in life, and taking the time to relish in those accomplishments for yourself. Even in the Four of Wands, there’s the indication of reaching a milestone or going through a rite of passage.

In the Fours, you will find themes of achievement, relishing sovereign moments, and conservation. There is also a confident energy and some self-centeredness as well because we’re seeing our aspirations resist pressure from external forces. These aspirations more practical too, as they can stand on their own and are worth building upon.

Numerology of Four

The number four in numerology operates from a stable inner foundation, but with an urge to innovate. In personal numerology, the number four is ruled by the planet Uranus, and thus, the ability to think creatively and construct a new system is the energy of the number four. But, it is the rationality of the four that gives it the foresight to plan for a better future. Reliability, mastery, pragmatism as well as form, authority, and justice are themes for the number four.

Order and Control: The Emperor & Death

The Emperor in the major arcana share some of the same keywords mentioned before and relates to the archetype of the father. The Emperor is stern but fair; the ultimate provider and ruler who possesses an iron will. He is the active masculine counter part to the Empress, who favors a go-with-the-flow approach. In a more gender neutral sense, he is dominant and represents an authority figure for the querent. When the Emperor appears in a reading, it’s time to deal with a situation with confidence and a strong will.

Death is the number 13, and when you add 1 + 3, you get 4! The reason I included the Death card here is because, in a way, there is an element of transition and change to the number four. The Fours in tarot represent reaching a milestone –an upgrade– which has a transient quality. When Death appears in a reading, it can reveal the shadowy parts of life that must come to light and come to an end. The appearance of the Death card can also highlight themes of control. One question to ask is what is in your life you have a white-knuckled grip on that you know must be released. I liken this energy to the Emperor reversed, who seeks internal control by exerting external force.

Keywords for the Fours in Tarot

Upright Keywords:

• Stable foundation is built
• Relishing and/or reaching a milestone
• Becoming sovereign in a way
• Gaining dominion over something
• Resource conservation
• Energy conservation
• Reaching a secure and safe point in life
• Taking accountability and being diligent
• Rest and recovery
• Meditation

Reversed Keywords:

• Fear of responsibility
• Dislike of authority
• Reclamation of power
• Delays in reaching a milestone
• Relinquishing sovereignty
• Feeling materially, emotionally, or spiritually unstable
• Feeling stuck
• Isolation
• Apathy

Fours in Tarot Overview

Four of Wands

Congratulations! You’ve reached the finish line on something you’ve been working on for so long, and now it’s time to celebrate with those you hold dear. Home life is joyful and the domestic arena of life may be highlighted at this time. Parties at home or seasonal celebrations are coming soon.

Four of Cups

Contemplation and meditation can be inferred by looking upon on the figure’s visage. Detached from the real world, there may be a feeling of self-centered overthinking or daydreaming. Too much detachment can build apathy and might make the querent miss opportunities they so desire. It could be that, after all that partying in the Three of Cups, the querent is hung over and needs time to recover.

Four of Swords

Another card of lonesome contemplation, although this time, it’s about recuperating one’s energy from so much mental strife. The Four of Swords is about purposeful confinement and healing, like being at the hospital for treatment or locking up oneself in their room to process. Coming to terms with something, prioritization, and creating sanctuary are themes of this card.

Four of Pentacles

Having built a respectable amount of resources, there’s now this urge to hoard it. The Four of Pentacles is the card of savings and investments and it’s worth looking at the cards surrounding this one to see what’s affecting them. This card can point to a gnawing feeling about the money and resources you’ve accumulated, so it’s important to question what it is that you’re so desperately holding on to. On the other hand, it’s a good indicator that long-term financial goals are reaching their full potential.

Deck used: Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan