This week I'll discuss the Fours of the tarot minor arcana.
Much of the tarot is focused on the future, and ways we might approach it. Often the past is affecting us and our situation in ways we hadn't anticipated or prepared for. The interwoven struggles, joys, sorrows and triumphs of our lives are laid before us, revealing the patterns of our past and possible outcomes of our future. The Fours, however, are mainly focused on the present moment.
The Fours can represent a respite, a pause for peaceful reflection or gathering strength for the challenges to come. A moment of grace perhaps, and a chance to catch our breath. As an even number, the Fours represent a period of stasis, of inactivity. There are indeed times of great effort ahead. But for now, for this present moment, we can simply be. Take a good deep breath. Take another. Allow yourself to be fully present and focused on right now.
The pips- numbered minor arcana cards- are sometimes illustrated with a simple depiction of the symbol for each suit. These can be beautiful; I generally don't recommend such decks for beginning readers. I myself found this style much easier to read and interpret once I'd had time to really learn the suits, what they represent, and how the numbers affect the meaning of each card.
The Four of Pentacles is commonly illustrated with a person holding four pentacles, sometimes under their feet and above their heads as well.
Upright, this card is about protecting what is yours. Spending wisely, saving and investing, and sharing the surplus with those whom you can trust to put your gift to good use. Anyone who has ever been through lean times, ever had to go without, (and that is quite a few of us) may find themselves relearning how to have a good relationship with money and abundance. How to manage it, encourage it to grow, while enjoying the good things that money can help make possible.
Reversed, this card can indicate selfishness, hoarding, and deep fear of loss.
The Four of Swords usually shows a tomb effigy of a knight surrounded by swords in his hands and placed nearby.
Despite the imagery, it's not about actual death. This card represents being mentally and possibly physically at rest. When you consider the card that comes just before- the Three of Swords, representing great anxiety, stress, and pain- the message here becomes even more emphasized. What's needed now is a timeout; a chance to step away from your difficulties, turn off the whirring gears in your mind, and simply rest.
Reversed, this card represents overwork, stretching yourself too thin, and not listening to your body's need to rest and recharge.
The Four of Wands shows the setting for a celebration; the wands are usually garlanded with flowers as for a wedding or handfasting.
This card is all about celebration. It depicts the brief moment of quiet before the music starts and all the guests arrive to share the joy. It's a message that reminds us to take the time to relax, have fun, and fully enjoy the present moment.
Reversed, this card can indicate false starts, plans gone awry, mechanical failures and just plain exhaustion.
The Four of Cups usually shows a pensive young man surrounded by three cups sitting nearby, while a fourth is proffered by the hand of an unseen being.
This card represents being focused on your inner life to the near exclusion of all else. The person depicted is not especially stressed or worried, just somewhat withdrawn. An unfulfilled goal, ambition, or desire has them reassessing their choices and the path forward. Eventually they'll be able to recognize and accept the opportunity being presented to them, symbolized by the cup waiting unnoticed nearby.
In the reverse position this card can indicate boredom, apathy, and feeling powerless to choose something new and different.
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Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.
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Last time I tried to do two stories in the same day here, it wasn't allowed. That's why I'm adding this bit at the end of this story instead of giving it it's own.
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