Fours are identified with consolidation, security, stability, building foundations for the future, resting, and regenerating.  Just as the Three are expansive and creative, the Fours represent consolidation, contraction, and conservation of energy.  They are the natural counterbalancing force to the Threes, and a restful stop before continuing on to the unstable energy of the Fives.

We can liken the first four numbers to the seasons of the year.  Aces are springtime - the germination of the seed, the first shoots of the plants, the thawing and beginning of a new cycle.  Twos are summer - putting down roots and sending up stems and leaves - the potential of the plant beginning to be realized.  Threes are autumn - the fruiting, ripening, and harvest of the plant and celebration of the harvest.   And Fours are winter - resting, conserving energy, established plants putting down deeper roots during dormancy, preparing for the next cycle.

Here are some real-life examples of fours:

Swords:  Restful contemplation after a painful experience which has expanded our understanding of ourselves, others, or the world.  Time is needed to heal our mental wounds and to integrate what we have learned in a positive manner.  During this time, we try to fit what we have experienced into a mental framework and make sense of it.  This could be a solitary vacation or retreat to try to sort out your direction in life, rehabilitation after surgery, a mental illness or drug addiction, or as simple as taking some time off after completion of a particularly demanding or difficult project at work.

Wands:  In this card there is celebration, but also a formalization of a business or romantic relationship into a partnership that lays the foundations for the future.  Here we are making a final commitment and agreeing to live by certain promises, rules, or ethical standards freely given to one another, that will set some limits on future activities but also provide a solid and stable foundation for growth together with our chosen partner.  A marriage or formation of a business partnership are good examples.

Cups:  Here we begin to see that all is not love and perfection in our relationships with others.  We have gotten past the breathless excitement, romance, and passion of our early relationships, and reality and familiarity is setting in.  This is a test of our ability to see things as they really are, to establish a deeper relationship with someone that is not based on transient pleasures.  Or else, we may discover that there is nothing really solid there and we are bored.  This could be likened to a mid-life or mid-marriage crisis.  If a couple gets through this stage together, then their marriage nearly always comes out the better or stronger for it.  Or, they may do something they bitterly regret later (5 of cups).

Disks:  This card represents consolidation of our finances or material possessions.  In a positive light, after the expansion and risk-taking of the Threes, we pull back a bit and make sure we are providing for our future.  We may focus on building our assets carefully, rather than investing in dot.coms.  We establish bank accounts for our kids' future college expenses and for retirement.  We protect our investments through insurance and careful money management, and put a hold on any risky activities.  We pay attention to our diet and exercise, trying to hold on to our youth and good health.