WHAT DO THE FOURS MEAN IN TAROT?

Do you ever feel like you’re being thrown around by the storm of life, and all you want is to see the safety of the shore?

If a Four shows up in your Tarot card reading, it could indicate that a beautiful golden stretch of sand is not very far away at all. 

However, when we are talking about the Minor Arcana, a Four can also have a flip side… 

It’s one of the few cards that indicate potential negatives as well as potential positives.

Luckily, it’s not that bad…

THE MAIN MEANING OF THE FOURS IN TAROT IS STABILITY

It’s a card which brings relief to your clients. It’s a breath of fresh air when they’ve been muddling through seemingly endless upheaval in their lives.

It can show after an unexpected house move, some changes with their work, the end of a relationship or even the loss of a loved one or pet. 

HOW TO REMEMBER THE 4’S IN TAROT

I like to think of a table with four legs or the pillars of a temple. The Fours are these pillars, holding the structure up and making it stable. Remember, the meaning will change along with the suit, and we’ll dive into that in a minute.

And the negative twist?

Some people thrive off routine, predictability and security. For others, it's a drag. 

The alternative meaning for the Fours is a sense of stagnancy, lack of movement, and boredom. 

It can show up when your client has been in the same job for too long, has been in a relationship that’s going nowhere, or just does not have enough excitement and adventure in their life.

To get it right, take a look at the other cards that show up in the spread. They’ll usually tell you straight away. You can also ask your client how they feel about what is going on for them right now, explaining that a Four can indicate either stability or boredom. 

They will be happy to open up and finally discuss what has been on their mind, trust me!

Let’s take a look at the suit-specific meanings, along with some transformational tarot coaching questions:

FOUR OF SWORDS TAROT MEANING

If the Four of Swords shows up, it’s time to rest your weary mind. 

Perhaps your client’s brain has been in overdrive, and they need to take some time off to deal with stress. Perhaps they’ve experienced an ending or upheaval in their lives, and it would be healthy for them to process these events. Perhaps they’ve reached a point in their lives where they need to contemplate everything they’ve been through to step onto a happier new path. 

A good coaching question for this card would be:

“How can you create space in your life to de-stress and reflect on things?”

FOUR OF CUPS TAROT MEANING

When emotions and stability join forces, it can be a good thing. Perhaps your client has been healing and has finally come to a place of calm and forgiveness. 

However, it's a different story when emotions and boredom join forces. 

If this is the case, your client will likely be re-evaluating things, including their emotions and reactions to others. They’ll be trying to tune into how to break free from this emotional boredom or stagnancy. They will want to follow their heart, and maybe even do something wildly unexpected! 

A good coaching question for this card would be:

“What emotions are challenging you and how can you feel better?”

FOUR OF PENTACLES TAROT MEANING

Happy days! Because Pentacles are all about the physical world, a Four of Pentacles showing up could indicate that financial security is coming in. 

Check the other cards in the spread first - it could mean your client is in for a healthy performance bonus at work, it could mean that they are finally seeing the fruits of their investments, or it could mean they’ve had a great business idea, which, if they pursue, will bring great rewards. 

A good coaching question would be:

“What big or small changes can you make to increase your physical or financial stability?”

FOUR OF WANDS TAROT MEANING

The wands are all about energy and inspiration. 

If the Four of Wands shows up, the energy around your client will be very stable and secure. 

Their basic survival needs are being met and they have the time and space to show up as a valued member of their community or expand their projects, hobbies, spiritual gifts, and anything else that’s important to them.

A good coaching question would be:

“What fulfilling new things can you explore?”

And finally…

Overall, the Fours are a useful indicator of your client’s emotional, financial, mental and spiritual state. 

Just remember to determine whether the cards are suggesting stability or stagnation - this is usually subjective and comes down to your client’s perception.