Deviation Actions
Description
The 4s of all the suits carry a measure of crystallization, of hardening and consolidation of the creative flux of the previous cards. The planetary ruler of the 4s is Jupiter, the old Roman ruler of the gods, but power is only one aspect of this dominance, the term "jovial" also derives from it, and so the cards tend to show also a certain mental relaxation and ease of spirit that comes with stability and quiet. The number 4 gives you the four points of a square, one of the most stable geometric shapes of all.
In the material realm stability is a good thing. Stock market jitters usually show that upheaval and wealth don't mix well. So consolidation translates into security, stability, completion, power, an unerring sense of direction, status, influence, position and structure. However, the card also points to the danger that we become so afraid of rocking the boat that we invest everything into feeling secure, and the price of security can be our sense of freedom and our ability to let go and take risks.
The Rider-Waite deck shows us a crowned figure crouched down with two coins under his feet, another clutched to his chest and a fourth one on his head. Behind him we see the outline of a city. He has power and wealth, but he also looks nervous and shrunk in on himself. The Crowley-Harris deck depicts an aerial view of a castle with four square towers surrounded by a moat, another image of seemingly unassailable stability and security.
For my card I wanted to find a more positive image that shows how we can achieve a sense of stability and security without becoming fearful and stifled by material constraints. I chose a cluster of four ancient fig trees. They are anchored to the ground and would not have the freedom to uproot themselves and walk away, but their security is an organic choice, the patience of many years of sinking down roots and of grounding themselves, not of walling themselves off in some artificial structure that promises a false sense of safety. Their trunks may be stable, but their branches will still move with the wind and they will not stop growing and changing.
When we draw this card it means that we are at the point where we have achieved a lot materially and are feeling secure with our resources, but we are reluctant to take a chance because we are afraid we may lose control. We may feel protective of different things: it could be our status, our possessions, our job, our home or perhaps our physical being. You can be assured that you have a firm foundation and it is okay to sink down roots and make sure you have a strong basis. However, as you look to the future you need to be aware of the fact that you need roots as well as branches if you want to keep growing and that even if you have yourself firmly anchored you still need to be prepared to change. Your sense of stability should feel organic rather than rigid.
For a relationship-related question you may be at a point where you are feeling very protective of a relationship. You have put in place a firm foundation to be together as partners or friends and you know that what you have is worth holding on to. Ensure you’re not stifling the relationship by avoiding anything or anyone new. Make sure you gain stability from entwining your roots rather than shutting yourselves away from the world around you.
If the card position points to a business related issue you are in a position where you want to consolidate what you have achieved. If the choice is between making a career out of the job you have or finding a new one your impulse will probably be to keep and develop your job or your business. Examine a situation carefully before you leap and take a risk. Being cautious and circumspect and holding on to what you have already achieved is not a bad thing.
In your personal life and development the card may mean that you seek stability and calm. Perhaps you want to sink down roots somewhere, make a home and find your place. Maybe you need to examine if you have been taking too many risks with your health and well-being and need to slow down and take care of yourself.
If the card is uncovered in an adverse or blockage position it could mean that you are so preoccupied with being safe that you are closing yourself off from anything unexpected and new. You stop giving new people or new opportunities a chance because you are too afraid to let go of anything that you have. Keep in mind that we can never be completely safe and avoid loss. All we do is close ourselves off from the chance to reach out for something or someone more and stop growing.
