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Above all things, know thyself.
Radiant: Rider-Waite-Smith-Four of Swords
The Triple Goddess Tarot - 4 of Swords.
The Rider–Waite–Smith Four of Swords emphasizes the medieval rest in peace tradition, depicting a stained-glass Christ above a supine knight carved upon a stone sarcophagus, reminiscent of tomb effigies found in medieval churches. This imagery conveys the finality of rest and the completion of a cycle, aligning with the card’s title, Lord of Rest from Strife. In Tarot, Fours signify stability and resolution, and while the scene suggests stillness, this is not a death card—it symbolizes recovery, restoration, and necessary respite.
At its highest expression, the Four of Swords represents a magical withdrawal into the “Womb with a View,” the dark and fertile birthplace of new ideas. It suggests a journey into the Universal Collective Unconscious, where one withdraws from external conflict to receive insights that may later influence society in meaningful ways.
On a mundane level, the card can simply indicate a safe place of rest, healing, and rehabilitation. Yet it also acknowledges the power of imagined suffering—negative emotional states and mental strain may exhaust the body, requiring conscious retreat and restoration.
Qabalistically, the Four of Swords represents Chesed in Yetzirah, the sphere of Mercy operating within the Formative World—the Astral realm of fluid or “liquid” light, often called the Akasha. In this subtle dimension, mental creation takes form before manifesting in the crystallized light of the material world. Thought precedes matter; idea precedes form.
Within the Qabalistic worldview, each of us is fundamentally a Yod—the divine spark, flame, or creative hand of Spirit—participating in a unified field of Universal Intelligence. The physical body serves as the vessel through which this light-carried information becomes lived experience. Thus, embodiment itself is a spiritual sacrament: the invisible Dreamer or Spirit sustains the body by flowing through and around it, much as the ocean sustains the fish within its depths.
This inner, transpersonal Self may be likened to Jupiter, the benevolent ruler. In the Four of Swords, Jupiter in Libra tempers the ordinarily disruptive force of the Swords. The cutting powers of the intellect are sheathed within Jupiter’s munificent and harmonizing influence. Conflict is suspended, the mind is calmed, and restoration becomes possible. One is on the mend.
Jupiter in Libra is an astrological placement that combines the expansive energy of Jupiter with the diplomatic and harmonious qualities of Libra. Here are some characteristics associated with this placement:
Diplomacy and Fairness: Individuals with Jupiter in Libra often have a natural inclination towards diplomacy and fairness. They seek balance and harmony in their interactions with others and are inclined to promote justice and equality.
Social Grace: There is a sociable and charming quality to this placement. People with Jupiter in Libra are likely to be well-liked in social circles due to their ability to navigate social situations with grace and tact.
Idealistic Relationships: There may be an idealistic approach to relationships, with a desire for meaningful connections based on mutual respect and shared values. These individuals may believe in the power of love and partnerships to bring about positive change.
Appreciation for Beauty: Libra is associated with aesthetics, and Jupiter's influence enhances an appreciation for beauty in all its forms. Individuals with this placement may have a love for art, culture, and refined experiences.
Seeking Knowledge in Relationships: Jupiter in Libra individuals may seek to expand their understanding of relationships and interpersonal dynamics. They might be drawn to studying psychology or counseling to deepen their insights into human behavior.
Indecision and Overthinking: The desire for balance and fairness can sometimes lead to indecision, as individuals with this placement may weigh all sides of a situation extensively. This can result in overthinking and difficulties in making decisions.
Legal Affairs and Justice: Jupiter is associated with legal matters, and in Libra, there may be an interest or involvement in legal affairs, with a focus on bringing about fairness and justice.
Remember that individual charts are complex, and the influence of Jupiter in Libra will be modulated by other astrological factors. Astrology provides a broad overview, and personal experiences may vary.
The Triple Goddess Tarot Four of Swords depicts a woman seated in a meditative yoga posture. Behind her, a wall panel displays three vertical swords surmounted by a fourth horizontal sword, set against a red background between two windows. Incense burns nearby, and six candles are lit upon a granite stone altar, creating an atmosphere of ritual stillness and focused awareness.
This imagery suggests the necessity of resting both body and mind. Contemplation is presented as the key to balance and success, emphasizing intentional withdrawal from activity in order to restore inner harmony. The card therefore implies centering, grounding, peacefulness, and reflective consideration of one’s actions and experiences.
Rider–Waite emphasizes sacred withdrawal and restoration through symbolic death-like repose, while the Triple Goddess Tarot presents conscious meditation and intentional mindfulness as the path to inner balance and renewal.
The number 4 holds significant meaning in both gematria and numerology, each offering unique insights into its symbolic importance.
Gematria and the Number 4
In gematria, which is the traditional Jewish system of assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters, the number 4 corresponds to the Hebrew letter ד (Daleth). Daleth means "door" in Hebrew, symbolizing a gateway or threshold—both literal and metaphorical. It represents the concept of entry into a new phase or the potential for something to come into existence. The letter Daleth is also associated with humility, as it is open to receiving, much like a door is open to what is outside.
When considering the number 4 in the context of the Sephiroth on the Tree of Life, it is associated with the fourth sephirah, Chesed (Mercy). Chesed represents loving-kindness, benevolence, and expansive energy. It is the first sephirah on the Pillar of Mercy and symbolizes the outpouring of divine love and generosity. The number 4 in this context suggests stability and order within the framework of divine compassion.
Numerology and the Number 4
In numerology, the number 4 is associated with structure, foundation, and stability. It is often seen as the number of order and organization. The number 4 resonates with the energies of practicality, hard work, and discipline. It is the number that builds the foundation of all things, ensuring stability and endurance.
Some key aspects of the number 4 in numerology include:
Stability: The number 4 is deeply connected to the physical world and the need for order. It symbolizes the four elements (earth, air, fire, water), the four directions (north, south, east, west), and the four seasons. This reflects a sense of balance and groundedness.
Work and Discipline: Those influenced by the number 4 often embody a strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to build something lasting. The number 4 encourages a methodical approach to life, emphasizing patience, persistence, and responsibility.
Security and Foundations: The number 4 is linked to the idea of creating secure foundations. This can manifest as a focus on building a stable home, a successful career, or a strong sense of self.
Order and Rationality: 4 is often seen as the number of logic and reason. It favors a structured and organized approach to life, preferring clear guidelines and systems to chaos or unpredictability.
Integration of Gematria and Numerology
When integrating the perspectives of gematria and numerology, the number 4 emerges as a powerful symbol of stability, structure, and the manifestation of divine principles in the material world. In both systems, it represents a foundational element, whether that is the physical doorway to new experiences (Daleth) or the organizational frameworks that provide security and order in life. The number 4, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, discipline, and the nurturing of a stable environment, whether in the spiritual, emotional, or physical realms.
WHEN THE FOUR OF SWORDS IS THROWN DURING A DIVINATION
Upright
The querent is experiencing or entering a period of:
Rest, recovery, and mental restoration.
Withdrawal from conflict or stressful conditions.
Healing of body, mind, or emotional strain.
A necessary retreat to regain strength and clarity.
Contemplation and review of recent actions or decisions.
Protection through stillness and strategic pause.
Inner guidance gained through silence and meditation.
A safe environment for rehabilitation or renewal.
The calming of mental agitation — thoughts brought to rest.
Jupiter in Libra influence — harmony overcoming inner conflict.
Often indicates a period of 4 days, 4 weeks, or 4 months of recovery, stabilization, or reflection.
Ill-Dignified / Reversed (or badly aspected by surrounding cards)
The querent may be experiencing:
Refusal to rest or inability to withdraw from stress.
Mental exhaustion or nervous collapse.
Burnout from prolonged conflict or anxiety.
Isolation that becomes stagnation or avoidance.
Lingering illness or delayed recovery.
Repressed thoughts causing internal unrest.
Excessive withdrawal, apathy, or disengagement from life.
Fear of facing reality or avoiding necessary action.
Disturbed peace — hidden tension beneath apparent calm.
Loss of inner balance due to overthinking or emotional strain.
Here rest is needed but resisted, or stillness becomes unhealthy inertia.
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