The Number 4, Love, and Death
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The Number 4 in general is associated with the practical matters of the physical world. It is a base number, a solid, four-sided building block that provides structure and allows us to make progress in our lives. If two lovers are serious about making a commitment to one another, it would seem beneficial to embrace the energy of the number 4...yet there is much more to this vibration than is typically acknowledged. Numerology often presents this number in regards to love and relating as a serious, non-romantic person/energy that seeks stability and lacks inspiration when it comes to finding a partner. In other words, some interpret this number as head over heart, bank balance over excitement. The Number 4 goes much deeper than this, as a further exploration of the numerical vibration will show.
Associated with both the Emperor and Death cards in the Tarot, the conflict inherent in this number is readily apparent. The Emperor is the Major Arcana card Number 4. His realm is that of authority, order, leadership, reason, power, courageous action, and financial acumen. The astrological correspondence of the Emperor is traditionally with that of Aries, though I have a tendency to associate this card personally more with the vibration of Saturn (Capricorn) than Mars (Aries). The elemental correspondence with The Emperor is often considered to be Earth and the suite of Pentacles, which is more compatible with earthy Saturn (Capricorn) than the fiery energy of Mars. Perhaps we should consider this card more a mix of energy - a conjunction - of Mars and Saturn together, which would better explain why the Emperor is considered a sexually potent, very physical, long-lasting, and lustful man. Looked at as a card ruled by no-nonsense Saturn in the realm of the Earth (physical), the Emperor fits in quite well with the general interpretation of the Number 4...a basic structural, physical support concerned with finances, power, and the material world.
However, the Number 4 is also connected with Death (Card 13 - 1+3 = 4) and while we all have our own interpretations and feelings concerning Death (not only when it appears in a reading but also the word Death itself), the very essence of Death is transformation. There are those of us who will see Death as an end, while others will see it as a passage. As a deep believer in reincarnation and life on other planes of existence, it is impossible for me personally to see Death as an ending…it is a card that denotes transformation, the phoenix rising from the flames. All ends are beginnings. So how does the Number 4 - safe, sound, structural Number 4 - fit in with Death? Death is anything but secure; Death is ready to throw over and tear apart life in order to begin anew. The Number 4 contains this vibration - the rebellious, revolutionary drive, the wild forces of nature blowing everything apart in order to restructure existence. In love relationships, the energy of Number 4 can be disruptive, noncommittal, and anything but calm, steady, and secure. Consider the Emperor again and his astrological correspondence - Aries, ruled by Mars, the aggressor, the energetic war-monger looking for conquests and throwing over society’s rules. Mars is individualistic and often selfish, passionate, and looking for adventure. Hardly the stable, dependable energy typically considered as the numerological essence of the Number 4! Indeed, if anything, we can see the close relationship between the Emperor and Death if we consider the underlying Mars correspondence (Death corresponds with the astrological sign Scorpio, ruled by Mars and Pluto).
The Number 4 has an explosive and uncontrollable vibration which, when turned inward or stifled, leads to difficulty in adapting to life’s trials and unexpected changes. When blocked, the Number 4 will express as some numerologists suggest - a practical, nay, fearful energy that clings to structure and works, works, works to build up a secure foundation to protect itself (or wall itself in) when the going gets tough and the world expects too much of it. This pent up, immobile energy does not offer fertile soil in which love could grow and this is why the Number 4 is considered nonromantic, stable, and looking for security rather than love and passion. It is important to keep in mind that this is not the natural expression of the Number 4 energy, particularly if you are using the vibration in ritual or timing work. If you are planning on using the energy of Number 4 to get a partner to commit or intend to take your wedding (or hand fasting) vows on a day with a Number 4 vibration in hopes that you will be setting the union on firm soil, you may want to reconsider lest you find that you’ve only managed to structure your relationship on a hidden sinkhole just waiting to collapse. Passion, excitement, arguments, kink, and instability yes…a strong future together? I’m not quite so sure.
Other considerations and information on the Number 4:
The 4th Chakra is the Heart Chakra, from which all feelings of love springs. The lessons of the Heart Chakra are unconditional love, compassion, trust, forgiveness, and the ability to let go and have faith in relationships. Although the Heart Chakra and the word love may bring up images of pink hearts, sweet kisses, and tender words, it is important to view love from a broader perspective. The emotions associated with love are not always light and beauty - the shadow side is loss of hope, despair, fear, anger, and hate. Love is the most powerful, transformative force - think of the Death card. The female orgasm is sometimes lovingly called ‘the little death.’ Indeed, a powerful orgasm is a transitory phase that takes us beyond the drudgery of our daily world and propels us into a spiritual place of ecstasy. This is a ‘letting go,’ the very lesson we are learning through the Heart Chakra. To ‘let go’ of a lover and to offer unconditional love can also lead to instability within relationships, especially if we look at a relationship from a traditional, monogamous perspective. The general numerological interpretation of the Number 4 would fit in with traditional values and beliefs - this is stifled, blocked loving energy. The Heart Chakra asks us to open our hearts to love…to transform ourselves through love, to seek the true essence of the Number 4 - Death.
Gemstones with the Number 4 vibration:
Angelite, Aventurine, Carnelian, Chrysocolla, Emerald, Garnet, Peridot, Rhodochrosite, Unakite
