The 4s

The 4s of the Minor Arcana all depict various kinds of stasis.  This can be good--stability--or bad--stagnation.  It can even be both at the same time.  Geometrically, the number 4 can be represented as a square--it's a very sturdy shape which isn't particularly prone to movement (there's a reason vehicles don't have square wheels).  Everything is perfectly balanced--maybe even a little too perfectly balanced. 

4 of Swords

The 4 of Swords shows a figure at rest, in fact the Rider-Waite version appears to be a tomb effigy.  This is a time for the mind to take a break from its incessant rumination.  Remember the 3 of Swords and its vulnerability?  When you've been wounded, you need to take time for healing, and sometimes that means withdrawing to take some alone time.  When this card shows up, you are or have been overthinking things.  So stop thinking and just let it be.  It's safe to just sit with it, whatever the current experience is.  While you do so, trust that the seeds you have planted are incubating.  This card is a rare one among the swords in that it doesn't confront you with any major challenge...although some people find sitting still to be a great challenge indeed.  Remember that calculated inaction is action.

4 of Cups

The figure on the 4 of Cups looks a little pouty, doesn't he?  The hand emerging from the cloud and offering a cup represents a gift from heaven, but this person doesn't see it.  He's focused on the other three cups, and frankly, looks rather dissatisfied with them.  Two things could be happening here:  first, he's so focused on what he doesn't have, or so bored with what he does have, that he fails to see the wonderful gift being presented to him.  Or, secondly, he's refusing to settle for the cups of this earth and holding out for that perfect cup of his dreams.  In both of these scenarios, we are stuck waiting and yearning.  The advice in this card may be to open your eyes to the many blessings in your life, or to be patient and expect the reward you are eventually promised.  Actually, it's both those things--recognize and celebrate your good fortune in the present moment and expect even more good fortune in the future.  It's important that you not sit around moping.  Mopery accomplishes nothing.

4 of Pentacles

The person on the 4 of Pentacles card has amassed a certain amount of wealth (think financial/material security) but is afraid to part with any of it.  S/he is, in short, a miser.  Notice how the figure in the Rider-Waite image hunkers down over his wealth.  The city is far in the background, which shows how he has distanced himself from other people in order to have more quality time with his money.  In emotional or relationship terms, the 4 of Pentacles represents jealousy and possessiveness.  The subject of this card is afraid of change.  Of course, as we know, you have to spend money to make money--so this character is stuck where s/he is.

4 of Wands

The 4 of Wands shows us four staffs in the form of a trellis, with figures dancing in the background.  This card stands for celebration, and will often appear to signify weddings or parties.  How does celebration fit with the theme of stasis?  Because a party is just a moment in time, or really, a moment out of time.  For most people, a party is a special break in our normal everyday existence.  Normal relationships may be exaggerated, suspended, or reversed.  People are free to go a little crazy and let their hair down.  Normal life can wait until tomorrow.  Receiving this card signals fun and pleasure, but in the context of the creativity and drive governed by the suit of wands, it is a fun and pleasurable pause.