Overview: The Emperor & The Fours

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the Emperor and the fours

The Emperor & The Fours

 

 

The Emperor

 The fours relate to the emperor, signifying stability. The image of the emperor depicts him atop a throne, rams' heads suggest Aries - a symbol of strength and great plans. He is the father figure, a man of strength who could provide stability, structure and order, power and protection. At his best he is a wise leader, at his worse he is desperate. 

The Fours

Like the four corners of a building which are set out from the beginning, the fours represent the investment of passion, emotion, brain power and work - that is now rooted and established. Think of the cornerstone of a building. Before it can be grown to great heights and strengths, the groundwork is first laid. This is the hard work needed to create a solid foundation upon which to build. Or perhaps like an unfinished structure it can represent something that has to come to a halt and cease to evolve before too much effort is wasted.

The Four of Swords

The four of swords depicts a man resting with a sword at his side and three upon the wall. As the story goes before embarking into battle knights would commission a sarcophagus to be made for them in the event of their death. Upon their safe return the knight would lay in that coffin, offering a prayer to god in thanks for his safe return. The knights would use that time to reflect upon the nature of their mission and whether they served it well. The knights were aware that, but for fate, it could have been them dead in that coffin. Therefore this card represents making peace and relaxation - stepping away from the swords in battles, reflection upon what truly matters in your life. Refocusing your objectives. 

The Four of Wands

The four of wands depict a minor celebration. While the wands themselves combine to form a week foundation set safely, decorated, outside of the city walls; this card suggests success, but with further work to be done. This is not a great feast or celebration, rather the recognition of a minor triumph. As such, the celebration continues, but it must be remembered that there is more work to be done.

The Four of Cups

The four of cups depicts a man sitting comfortably, beneath a tree. He is dissatisfied and bred with the outside world, lost in thought and ignoring the gifts that are set before him. This card represents the dissatisfaction with the gifts that one has, and also stagnation - a refusal to look beyond yourself. We act this way when we take the good things we have for granted, refusing to acknowledge its goodness.

The Four of Pentacles

The four of pentacles depicts a man clinging tightly to that which he has, not investing or sharing or developing it; not holding it with joy or pride. This is a card that suggest holding back, not speaking or sharing the details, or rewards of your efforts. The good news is that the querant is in a position of status, health, money or comfort. Business may be good or stable, work is steady and money is in the bank. However the bad news is that they may be holding on too tight, or be too afraid to share what they've gained; afraid to take a chance. This is also the card of hoarders, pack rats, jealous relationships,  shut-ins, agoraphobics. It reminds the spendthrifts, or the shopaholics, to hold onto their money. It reminds the workaholic not to take on more jobs; and also reminds the miser to be more generous with good luck, and suggests that holding on too tightly to what you have can lead to stagnation and dissatisfaction.