The essence of four is stability and security. The creativity and new phase of three requires this form and order, and as such the essence of four takes on the challenge. It is the number of organisation, controlled application, management and keeping the status quo. It provides the protection akin to four walls of a home, giving solid foundations in life and those social boundaries within which we live.

Four is the grounding of mind, body, spirit to the material plane and therefore has a strong connection to Mother Earth and the colour green, with its qualities of growth, balance and replenishment.

Esoterically, four connects to the four sacred elements and the four cardinal directions, and of course the four suits of the minor arcana.

A four personality is a doer rather than a thinker, they get the hands dirty and apply themselves practically to a situation. They desire stability and security in their lives and prefer to work within set rules, constraints and controls.

In the minor arcana, the number four reminds us of the need for security, it can highlight limitations, as well as organisational ability, the need to reach beyond boundaries and the dichotomy between the acceptance and need for stability opposed to the excitement and adventure offered by the unknown. This number can strongly represent those fears we all feel when presented with something new and our tendency to hold back in order to remain safe.

Within the major arcana, four is the number of the Emperor, the father figure who provides us with the security we crave, who can be authoritative and controlling, but with our best interests at heart. This is also representative of social order and control. In addition four relates to Death (13) which retains the essence of four by combining 1+3 and reminds us of the futility of fighting change, however insecure it makes us feel.

A four home gives us the security we need as well as offering the ability to gain satisfaction from work, via that organised, accomplished essence and provides us with a connection to the earth and nature.

The essence of four can be overpowering in its need for security however, the boundaries and stability can be limiting and prevent the opportunity for new experiences and growth outside of these. Fours can also be too serious, focusing on work, work, work with no room for play and enjoyment!