The Four of Disks tarot card, often referred to as the Four of Coins in traditional decks and known as "Power" in the Thoth Tarot, represents a profound moment of stability, security, and control within the material realm. This card serves as a mirror to the human tendency to cling tightly to resources, achievements, and established structures. It speaks to the manifestation of power through solidification and the creation of boundaries, yet it simultaneously warns against the stagnation that can arise from excessive rigidity. Whether appearing in a reading regarding financial matters, personal relationships, or spiritual growth, the Four of Disks invites a deep examination of what is being held, why it is being held so tightly, and whether these defensive mechanisms are serving one’s highest good or merely creating a fortress that prevents further expansion.
In the imagery of the card, particularly within the Thoth Tarot tradition, the visual symbolism is dense with esoteric meaning. The disks themselves are depicted as the four tower corners of a fortress, viewed from above. This architectural representation emphasizes the concept of worldly stability and the reality of the physical plane. The square shape of the disks reinforces the idea of the four elements—water, fire, air, and earth—anchored in three-dimensional space. This structure is often described as a "fortress," a symbol that carries a dual meaning: it offers protection and security, but it also imposes limitations and restrictions. The battlements and the Southern Gate, representing the entrance to Malkuth (the material world), highlight the significance of empowering oneself within the practical, everyday realm. Through this imagery, the card illustrates the solidification of power and the establishment of order, acting as the "Lord of Earthly Power."
Astrologically, the Four of Disks is associated with the Sun in Capricorn. This combination brings together the vital, expressive energy of the Sun with the practical, disciplined, and ambitious nature of Capricorn, an Earth sign. This pairing suggests that the stability and power represented by the card are achieved through diligence, responsibility, and a pragmatic approach to goals. It is a time of material success and financial stability, often earned through hard work and perseverance. However, the influence of the Sun in Capricorn also implies that this power must be maintained with a sense of duty and structure. The card encourages the protection of one’s accomplishments and the maintenance of a secure position, grounded in the tangible results of consistent effort.
From a Tree of Life perspective, the Four of Disks is linked to the sephirah of Chesed. Chesed is often associated with mercy, kindness, and the expansive nature of benevolence. When applied to the energy of the Four of Disks, this connection suggests that true power should be used wisely and kindly. It is not merely about domination or hoarding resources, but about utilizing one’s stability and influence for the benefit of others as well as oneself. This perspective softens the rigidity of the card, suggesting that the fortress can be a base from which to extend kindness and support, rather than solely a defensive wall. The number Four itself, being "below the Abyss" in Kabbalistic thought, signifies materialization and the Rule of Law. It represents a solid foundation upon which the complexities of life can be managed through negotiation and stability, rather than through chaotic assertion.
When the Four of Disks appears upright in a reading, it signifies a period of assurance, fixation, and calmness. It points to the fulfillment of mundane power through condensed energy. The querent may be in a position where they are successfully protecting their assets, whether financial, emotional, or creative. There is a sense of having built a secure foundation and a desire to maintain the status quo. This energy is necessary for preservation; one must guard what has been earned. However, the card also highlights the "mine, mine, mine" mentality. It reflects a fierce defense of things that once made one feel safe. The figure in the card sits clutching a coin to their chest, with others underfoot and balanced on the head. While this indicates protection, it also suggests that the individual cannot move freely because their hands are full and a heavy weight holds them down. The card encourages the querent to know what is worth holding and, crucially, when to loosen the grip to allow for breathing, growing, and trusting.
Conversely, the reversed position of the Four of Disks reveals the shadow side of this energy. It suggests a potential loss of control, stability, or security. This may manifest as financial instability, a lack of safety in one’s personal or professional life, or a feeling that the structures previously relied upon are crumbling. The reversed card often indicates that the querent is holding on too tightly to material possessions or a specific position of power, leading to stagnation and a fear of change. It can point to coercion, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to adapt. The fortress becomes a prison. In this state, the card serves as a warning that the excessive need for security has resulted in a deep-seated fear of change, leading to futile confrontation with the flow of life. The stiffness of the Four of Disks, when unchecked, is often a forerunner to the Tower card (XVI), which represents the sudden breakdown of these rigid defenses. The reversed Four of Disks asks the querent to reassess whether their boundaries are supporting growth or creating a suffocating environment that prevents new opportunities from entering.
The symbolism of the Four of Disks extends into the realm of mystical esotericism, specifically through the imagery of the Thoth deck. The fortress is not just a physical structure but a representation of the "mundane city" or the human living space, built according to the archetype of the "temple of Jerusalem." It signifies the basic structure of human reality. The four sigils of the elements found on the towers represent the establishment of the universe in three dimensions, emphasizing the solidification of matter. The card represents physical energy and the "core" of one's power. However, the wisdom of the card lies in understanding that this power is not inherent in the shape itself, but in the way we give it structure and meaning. On the negative side, it corresponds to building reality in the effects of eternity and worshiping it as an absolute truth. On the positive side, it aligns with higher clairvoyance, recognizing that these patterns of thought and reality are useful models but should never become absolute or rigid. It teaches that while structure is necessary, one must remain flexible enough to evolve.
In the context of holistic energy harmonization, the Four of Disks encourages an evaluation of one’s personal boundaries and relationship with material security. It asks individuals to ground themselves and appreciate the stability they have achieved, using it as a foundation for future growth. However, it cautions against possessiveness and rigidity. True stability comes not from gripping tightly, but from having a solid center that allows for flexibility. The card suggests that security is a balance between protection and openness. For those seeking to harmonize their energy, the Four of Disks advises a period of consolidation and appreciation of what is present, while gently encouraging the release of fear-based control. It reminds the spiritual seeker that while the material world requires management and discipline, the soul requires room to breathe and expand beyond the walls we build for our protection. The ultimate message is one of wise stewardship: maintaining power and stability not through fear and clutching, but through confident, grounded, and benevolent management of one’s resources and boundaries.
Conclusion
The Four of Disks serves as a powerful archetype of stability, power, and the material structures that define our existence. It stands as a testament to the human capacity to build, secure, and protect. Through its associations with the Earth element, the Sun in Capricorn, and the sephirah Chesed, it offers a multifaceted view of power that ranges from the pragmatic accumulation of wealth to the benevolent use of influence. Whether appearing upright as a sign of hard-won security or reversed as a warning against stagnation and fear, this card compels a deep introspection into what we hold dear and how tightly we hold it. It teaches that while boundaries are essential for survival and success, they must remain permeable enough to allow for growth, connection, and the natural flow of life. By understanding the symbolism of the fortress and the discipline of the builder, one can learn to navigate the material world with a balance of strength, wisdom, and open-heartedness.