AUTHOR’S NOTE: In esoteric number theory, Four is the number of the Square that prefigures the six-sided cube it becomes when projected into three-dimensional space, and many people relate it directly to that polyhedron. But, although it is the fourth geometric expression after the Point, the Line and the Triangle, no volume is implied since the Square is a two-dimensional figure defining a plane. (Note that Hermetic Qabalism departs from Pythagorean thinking by defining Four as the coalescence of the abstract concept of Three within the context of Matter, generating form out of formlessness.)

In a recent reading, my client was contemplating whether to put considerably more effort into a hobby he has been pursuing for some time with only small gains in proficiency and much backsliding. Although the Wheel of Fortune boded well for any concerted attempt he might make to improve, the 4 of Swords as the outcome card (with its carving of a supine knight in repose on a sarcophagus) suggested that advancement would come to a standstill.

Although this Four relates to bountiful Jupiter, as does the Wheel of Fortune, implying beneficial circumstances, the implication was that he would “plateau” at a higher level than he is now and then have to decide what to do next. The Thoth version is titled “Truce,” which envisions “holding the line,” although Crowley also floated the idea of “appeasement,” as in making concessions to placate an adversary, thereby taking refuge in compromise.

Here that adversary would be the nagging impression of inadequacy that has been slowly gaining traction and the suspicion that it might become permanent. Crowley goes on to say “there is no justification for repose,” so for peace of mind the plateau must not be envisioned as a final destination.

All of the Waite-Smith Fours seem to support the idea of “stasis.” In the 4 of Wands, I see the two celebrants as promenading around the castle grounds with no intention of heading for the arch that opens on the outside world. The individual in the 4 of Cups looks like the “poster-child” for ennui. The 4 of Swords speaks for itself, and the man in the 4 of Pentacles is the epitome of insularity.

The Thoth 4 of Wands is titled “Completion,” about which Crowley said “it bears in itself the seeds of disorder” that I interpret to mean inherent instability despite outward appearances (other cliches that convey incipient spoilage are “the worm in the apple” and “the fly in the ointment”). The Thoth 4 of Cups is titled “Luxury,” which conveys the idea of wallowing in excess without realizing that it can’t last. The Thoth 4 of Swords has already been described, and the Thoth 4 of Disks (aka Pentacles or Coins) is titled “Power,” although the energy is self-limiting and can harden into defensive inertia as shown by the fortress on the card.

After the expansion signified by the Line and the Triangle, the Square takes a break to consolidate the progress made up to that point. The general idea is one of stability that may degrade into stagnation if allowed to persist for too long. Still, the thought of reaching a plateau can be appealing when the previous state was one of unrelenting struggle.

Rather than the boulder rolling back down the hill despite our best efforts, we can push it onto a shelf and rest from our labors for a spell. At this point there is no awareness that the Fives are about to “upset the apple-cart,” so the welcome abatement of exertion can be taken at face value. The Fours are not inherently unfortunate cards as long as we keep their strictures in mind and don’t expect more than they can deliver.