by Andy from wisdomtavern.com,
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder
Hey friend! Have you ever wondered about the significance of numbers?
In numerology, numbers carry meaning and symbolism that goes beyond their quantitative value. Today we’ll be exploring the spiritual meaning of the number 4.
Sit back, and let’s venture into the core of this basic digit! By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how the vibrational frequency of 4 can influence your life. Let’s dive in!
A Brief History of 4
Let’s take a brief look back in time. The number 4 has been important in many cultures and beliefs. For the old Greeks, 4 meant finishing and wholeness. They had 4 elements (earth, air, fire, water), 4 humors (blood, yellow bile, black bile, phlegm), 4 seasons, 4 directions, and 4 winds.
The old Chinese viewed number 4 as a full number, guarded by 4 mythical beings in the 4 main directions. Also, in the Tarot, the card number four is the Emperor. This card stands for structure and foundation. Thus, number 4 signifies firm energy. It’s robust, secure, sturdy, stable, and complete.
Four Directions
In several faith practices, the number 4 is connected to the 4 main directions – North, South, East, West. Each pathway holds a specific significance and relates to one of the 4 elements.
North is tied to the energy of the earth. It symbolizes grounding, success, and realization. South connects with the energy of fire. It resonates with creativity, energy, and enlightenment. East parallels air, signifying conversation, relationships, and thoughts. Finally, West links to water – intuition, emotion and inner wisdom.
Notice how the number 4 embodies all essential energies? When you connect with the 4 directions, you tap into their special qualities. This helps you to achieve better harmony in body, mind, and spirit. But do this when a sense of stability or security is needed in your life.
Four Elements
We briefly touched on the 4 elements, but let’s go deeper, because they are so key to the energetics of 4. The elements of earth, air, fire, and water represent the root building blocks of the physical world. They show up everywhere – in nature, culture, art, science, and spirituality.
Earth is our anchor, giving stability. Air changes our view, bringing inspiration. Fire provides light and vitality. Water flows and connects. These four elements, in their constant interaction, shape our existence.
When we tune into their attributes, we gain self-knowledge and tools for spiritual growth.
Notice how the elements coordinate, balance and complete each other. There’s a serene symmetry to their wholeness – just like the essence of number 4.
Four Seasons
The never-ending cycle of the 4 seasons reflects the meaning of 4. Spring, summer, fall and winter each have their gifts that contribute to the whole.
Spring’s blossoms show life’s constant rebirth. Summer’s warmth nurtures growth and joy. Autumn’s harvest reveals nature’s bounty. Winter’s rest replenishes the soul’s depths. Together they form a complete revolving spiral.
As you flow through your own seasons, look for what wants to emerge in each phase. Let the energy of 4 bring steadiness through the changes. Know there is wisdom in the cycling.
Four Parts of Self
In many cultures, the 4 aspects of self are symbolized: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Our human journey is about integrating these 4 vital parts into one balanced being.
The physical includes your body and senses. The mental encompasses thoughts and intellect. The emotional consists of feelings and heart. The spiritual aligns with soul essence and intuition.
When these 4 energies harmonize, you gain new depths of self-knowing, inner peace and outward effectiveness. Call on these number 4’s energy to unify your whole self.
Four Ages of Humanity
Some philosophies break human history into 4 ages. First was the Golden Age of innocence and connection to the divine. Next came the Silver Age of struggle yet virtue. The Bronze Age brought war and power dynamics. Finally, is the Iron Age of technology, intellect and separation.
In this view, we are transitioning to the next age, one of peace, unity and spiritual awakening. The 4 ages show humanity’s soul evolution toward completeness. So number 4 gives hope of better times ahead!
Four Universal Principles
Many teachings name 4 fundamental forces that underlie our universe: Love, Truth, Peace and Nonviolence.
Love encompasses compassion, forgiveness, empathy and care. Truth represents honesty, integrity and seeing clearly. Peace means serenity, harmony and oneness. Nonviolence involves respect, kindness and doing no harm.
These 4 supreme principles are found in the core of all enduring faiths and philosophies. Meditating on them aligns us with the goodness at the heart of creation. Their embodiment can lift up our humanity as a whole.
Four Agreements
Author Don Miguel Ruiz wrote about 4 simple agreements to live by:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Don’t make assumptions
- Always do your best
Following these 4 pledges leads to integrity, self-respect, compassion and excellence. They help us take responsibility for how we show up in the world. When widely adopted, imagine how much conflict they could prevent!
Four Noble Truths
Buddha’s teachings reveal 4 Noble Truths that explain the root of suffering and path to freedom:
- Life means suffering – it has challenges.
- Suffering comes from attachment and desires.
- It’s possible to live without suffering.
- The Eightfold Path leads to end of suffering.
Contemplating these 4 foundations of Buddhism brings wisdom and tranquility. They illuminate the causes of discontent and the way to liberation.
Four Gospels
The Bible’s New Testament contains 4 Gospels – books conveying the life and lessons of Jesus. Their symbolism reflects the 4 directions and elements.
- Matthew aligns with earth in the North
- Mark links to air in the East
- Luke connects to fire in the South
- John relates to water in the West
Each provides a unique perspective on Christ’s teachings about compassion, redemption and spiritual rebirth. Together they offer a complete picture of his message to humanity. What rich insights!
Read More: Angel Number 777
Four Horsemen
Much imagery relates to 4 in Christian scriptures. A symbolic passage describes 4 horsemen who usher in the apocalypse: War, Famine, Pestilence and Death.
According to Wisdom Tavern, conquering these fearsome 4 requires transcending lower energies with higher ones. This takes us back to the 4 key principles: replace War with Peace, Famine with Love, Pestilence with Truth and Death with Nonviolence. Therein lies the path to salvation.
Four Angels
Contrasting imagery describes 4 angels standing at the 4 corners of the Earth, holding back storm winds to prevent harm to nature and humanity. These angels personify divine protection, keeping the balance through turbulent times.
What a majestic metaphor! Call on the 4 angels to guide you through difficulty. Stay centered in faith.
Four Chambered Heart
There is even 4 symbolism in our physical being. The heart’s 4 chambers distribute life-giving blood through the body. Two chambers receive blood, and two pump it out in a continual rhythm.
As above, so below – from organs to world teachings, the motif of 4 repeats, bringing structure and flow. Let your own heart be nourished by 4’s resonant message.
Questions to Ponder
- Where does number 4 show up in your life?
- How can you integrate its grounding qualities?
- Are any 4 aspects out of balance that need attention?
- What 4 cornerstones or agreements would serve your growth?
- How will you incorporate the 4 elements or directions into your days?
Conclusion
My friend, we’ve explored so many facets of number 4’s spiritual significance – its wholeness, stability, cycle and source principles. I hope this overview sparks insight into applying 4’s essence to your path. May it bring more peace and purpose as you walk in balance.
Stay tuned for more number wisdom. Until next time, be well – and count your blessings!
About the Author: Andy is an ardent astrologer who has been practicing astrology for more than 3 years. He is the owner of wisdomtavern.com, and his one and only message is that your life is in your hands, not your fate.
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