Rev. Colleen Irwin

From Three to Four: Finding Structure in the Sacred Square

If the Threes are where the creative spark ignites and ideas begin to take form, then the Fours are where that energy starts to settle. Four is the number of foundations—the legs of a table, the walls of a home, the seasons in a year. It brings in the energy of stability, containment, and reflection. Sometimes this feels like comfort. Other times, it may feel like restriction. But always, the Fours ask us to pause, to notice where we are, and to consider what needs tending in order to grow.

The Fours of the Minor Arcana:

The Fours in each suit illustrate the establishment and consolidation of the suit’s core energy:

Four of Wands

Following the initial enthusiasm of the Three of Wands, the Four of Wands brings a sense of celebration, harmony, and the establishment of a stable base. It signifies the successful completion of an initial phase, a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and appreciate the foundations that have been built. This card often represents home, community, and a sense of belonging.

Upright Meaning: celebration, stability, homecoming, unity, joy
Reversed Meaning: tension at home, instability, disrupted plans, lack of support

Ask yourself:

• What foundations in my life need to be celebrated?
• What group/organization are you no longer part of?
• How are you helping create a better community?
• Am I open to feeling secure and joyful in the present moment?

Four of Cups

After the emotional connection of the Three of Cups, the Four of Cups can indicate a withdrawal, a sense of apathy, or a feeling of being emotionally stagnant. It suggests a need to reflect on what truly brings contentment and to avoid becoming complacent or closed off to new possibilities. The “stability” here can be a comfortable rut that needs re-evaluation.

Upright Meaning: contemplation, emotional withdrawal, boredom, introspection
Reversed Meaning: new outlook, awareness, seizing opportunities, emotional renewal

Ask yourself:

• What am I ignoring that could bring me joy?
• Why are you rejecting other’s advice?
• Are you coming out of a depression?
• Have I become too comfortable in my dissatisfaction?

Four of Swords

Following the pain of the Three of Swords, the Four of Swords offers a space for rest, recuperation, and mental stillness. It signifies a need to withdraw from conflict and allow for healing and the rebuilding of inner strength. This “consolidation” comes through taking time for introspection and finding peace.

Upright Meaning: rest, recovery, solitude, mental clarity, healing
Reversed Meaning: burnout, restlessness, refusing to slow down, mental overload

Ask yourself:

• Where do I need to rest and restore before I move forward?
• Do you need to compose yourself?
• What are you trying to avoid?
• What might I hear if I allowed myself more stillness?

Four of Pentacles

Building upon the initial skills of the Three of Pentacles, the Four of Pentacles often represents a desire for security, control over resources, and a potential clinging to what one possesses. It signifies the establishment of material stability but can also highlight the risks of being too rigid or possessive. The “foundation” here is built on tangible assets, but the card advises on the healthy management of these resources.

Upright Meaning: security, control, saving, stability, material foundation
Reversed Meaning: greed, fear of loss, overspending, financial instability

Ask yourself:

• Am I holding on too tightly to what I have?
• Do you need to care for yourself before other?
• Why are you so worried about money/finances
• What does true security mean to me?

The Fours in the Major Arcana:

The Emperor (IV)

This card perfectly embodies the energy of the number four. The Emperor represents authority, structure, order, and control. He signifies the establishment of rules, boundaries, and a solid foundation upon which to build. His presence often indicates a need for discipline, logic, and a practical approach to situations. The “stability” here comes from clear leadership and well-defined systems.

Upright Meaning: authority, structure, leadership, fatherhood, discipline
Reversed Meaning: domination, rigidity, lack of control, chaos

Ask yourself:

• Where do I need more structure or boundaries in my life?
• Are you struggling with authority figures?
• Who has over-powered you?
• How can I step into my personal authority with confidence?

Death (XIII)

While numbered thirteen, which reduces to four (1+3=4), the Death card signifies a different kind of stability – the inevitable and transformative end that creates space for new beginnings. It represents the stripping away of old structures that no longer serve us, leading to necessary change and renewal. This “consolidation” comes through release and the acceptance of endings as a natural part of life’s cycle.

Upright Meaning: transformation, endings, rebirth, release, cycles
Reversed Meaning: resistance to change, fear, stagnation, clinging to the past

Ask yourself:

• What am I being asked to release so I can evolve?
• What or who are you mourning?
• How might death bring renewal to you?
• Where in my life is change trying to break through?

The Fours Are a Lasting Framework

The number Four in Tarot signifies a move toward structure, stability, and the establishment of firm foundations in various aspects of life. After the initial growth and manifestation of the Threes, the Fours bring a moment to solidify gains and create lasting frameworks. Whether it’s celebration, stillness, re-evaluation, or letting go, the Fours remind us that rooting down is a powerful act—as long as we remember not to turn our foundations into cages.