The 4 of Wands

Representing stability; where the 3 of Wands represented the strength of connection, the 4 of Wands represents the endurance of that connection through stability and maintenance. The four corners of a square represent the room beneath which a triangular roof is set. It is within this room that we dwell in our moments of idleness. Again, drawing from mathematical symbolism, the number 4 represents parity or evenness being restored once more it is this balance that must form the foundation upon which we will build.

In the upright state the 4 of Wands represents the growth of our creative endeavours in a steady and sustainable manner; this can represent a new period of calm in our lives after a period of turmoil or a period of rapid change. This could also be interpreted as the period of time after a connection has been made where things flow most freely albeit at a pace with which we may not be content, we must therefore remind ourselves that steady progress is preferred over potential instability.

In the inverted state the 4 of Wands represents stagnation, a lack of growth where it is desired. Where stability is prized for its security, a prolonged period of stagnation without renewal can be destructive or can portend to a period of disruption that may be on the horizon as yet unseen, the emphasis here is to ensure that slow and steady progress does not lead to stasis.

In the Rider-Waite deck the 4 of Wands is depicted as a wedding pavilion constructed from four wands topped with a garland of evergreen adorned with red roses. Beneath the pavilion the newlyweds can be seen, often considered to be the beginning of a relationship this judgement dismisses the path that has already been walked, this is not a new relationship it is one that was formed in the past. Where the 3 of Wands represented the connection, the 4 of Wands represents the growth of that connection and progression through the next stage of life. The potential for creation here is quite literal – inferred by the traditional assumption that marriages lead to consummation and reproduction. This card like the Ace of Wands therefore represents the opportunity to create on a much larger scale with further reaching consequences.

In self-reflection the 4 of Wands serves as a prompt to consider the elements that are predictable and those that are unpredictable, and try to find an equilibrium; where the 2 of Wands focused on creating momentum and forward movement, the emphasis here is to stabilise the creative process and try to minimise the influence of the elements that can derail it.

From the outset we create a wide-ranging vision that incorporates a multitude of ideas to pursue all of these ideas simultaneously would likely result in favour, you can’t move in every direction at once. The 4 of Wands calls for us to narrow our vision slightly, breaking down our overall objective into smaller tasks that are easier to focus on.

Ask yourself “Is there too much going on?” or “Do I need to do more?” think of each end goal as a direction to aim for, not an absolute, instead focus on steps that can be taken however big or small they may be that can move you forward in that direction and bring you one step closer to your goal.