Spiritual Meaning of Number 4
- Principle: Tetragrammaton, Tetrad
- Meaning: Link between the spiritual and the material, structure, form
- Element: Earth
- Color: Blue, gray
- Planet: Uranus
- Astrological House: Fourth house (Cancer)
- Tarot card: The Emperor
- Letters: D, M, V
Numerology is the language of the universe. Numbers are not literally numbers but representations of underlying universal laws that govern the universe. Man can never break the divine laws because the rules, orders, and algorithms of mathematics will never change.
Behind every number are energy, frequency, and vibration. Behind the exoteric understanding of number 4 is the esoteric meaning of number 4. In the outer form, you can see number 4 is manifested differently in various subjects such as planet Uranus in astrology, the Emperor in tarot, the Tetragrammaton, and the Tetrad principle, etc.
However, in the inner essence, there is only one spiritual meaning of number 4 because “the clothes may vary but the person is the same.”
In spiritual schools, number 4 represents stability, matter, form, and the body. Four also symbolizes 4 elements, 4 cardinal points, and 4th dimension. Those who are born under number 4 energy are spiritually gifted to be an organizer, manager, and builder.
It is important to know WHY number 4 vibration contains such characteristics. In this post, I will explain to you the spiritual characteristics of number 4 based on the “esoteric” laws of the universe.
Table of contents:
- Spiritual Principle of Number 4
- Spiritual Significance of Number 4
- Number 4 in Astrology
- Number 4 Tarot Card
- Personality of Number 4
- Number 4 Impact on Society
- Interesting Math Facts about Number 4
1. Spiritual Principle of Number 4
Tetragrammaton
Tetragrammaton is the Kabbalistic Hebrew word for “God”, in English it is rendered as “YHVH” (Yahweh or Jehovah). In Hebrew, the letters are Yod, He, Vav, He.
- Yod is the first principle of monad. In Hebrew, each letter of the alphabet has a numerical equivalence. We have Yod = 10. Yod is the beginning of things as the Monad arises from the cosmic void (0).
- The first He is the expression of the Monad – the product from the “breath of Yod”. Look at the glyph of He. It represents 2 + 3 = 5: standing on 2 legs and drawing with 3 strokes. 5 is the fifth element (ether, or spiritus), which is the root of the other 4 elements. In numerology, 5 is the number of man. This He is called the first moved thing or primum mobile in the occult world.
- Vav is a bridge between 2 He. It links the water below to the one above the firmament.
- The last He is the second expression of the monad, descending itself into the physical world.
Therefore, in esoteric teachings, number 4 symbolizes the spirit from the Unseen world descending into matter, materiality, and physical form.
The Law of Tetrad
Tetrad is the beginning of Form, representing:
- 4 elements in nature: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire.
- 4 geometrical forms: Point, line, plane, and solid.
- 4 directions: North, East, South, and West
According to Pythagoras, the Earth is divided into 2 spheres of Left and Right in his Law of Opposite. He considers the Tetrad as the root of all physical things because it is the generative power creating all physical manifestations.
God in the ancient time usually contains 4 letters: Amun (Egyptian); Sura (Persian); Deus (Latin); Odin (Scandinavian); JHVH (Hebrew); Gott (German); Dieu (French).
In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the tetrad is Chesed (or Mercy) that establishes structure and foundation upon which matter is built.
In occult school, number 4’s symbol is a square. The square is closed in on all sides, which indicates limitation, structure, and solidity. It is the matter that descends from the creative energy of Triad manifesting structure and foundation on the Earth. The ancients teach that things are created based upon the foundation of number 4 energy because they are all made from 4 elements in nature.
Spiritually, number 4 corresponds to letter D, which is the 4th letter in the English alphabet. D is the representation of a cube. Like number 4, a cube signifies structure, solidity, and rigidity because it is boxed inside its own space. However, when a cube is unfolded, it becomes a cross, which is the symbolic Christian cross that Christ was crucified upon.
The spiritual meaning of number 4 lies in the unfoldment of the spiritual essence inside each one of us. Unless we release this spiritual substance, we are the cube limited in its own structure. When we embrace ourselves spiritually, the ego will be “crossed out” in order for the “resurrected soul” to ascend higher in the ladder of heavens.
2. Spiritual Significance of Number 4
4 Elements
Since the ancient times, spiritual masters have divided the material world into 4 main elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each element has its own characteristics and is attached to specific astrological signs:
- Fire is hot and dry, associating with the signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
- Earth is dry and cold, related to the signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
- Air is hot and wet, connected with the signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
- Water is wet and cold, representing the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
The spiritual meaning of number 4 lies in its energy of structure and organization. Number 4 is the number that organizes the world and solidifies it into a certain order.
This is the reason why we have 4 cardinal points: North, South, East, and West because they are used in many aspects of building houses, direction, and navigation of the physical world.
4 Arms of Swastika
The word “swastika” originates from the Sanskrit word “svastika”, which means “beneficial to well-beings”. This is one of the universal symbols that you can see all over the world, which is not only limited to the symbol of the Nazi’s flag.
According to Hinduism, when the swastika faces to the right (卐), it symbolizes “surya” (the sun), abundance, and good luck. When it faces to the left (卍), it represents the moon (night) or Kali’s tantra.
The 4 arms of the swastika are sun, winter, water, and soil. They are closely related to 4 seasons in a year. The Greeks called the symbol “tetrakelion” (meaning four-legged) or “gammadion” (from the arm-shaped letter Gamma). They also associated these 4 arms with 4 goddesses: Demeter, Ceres, Hera, and Artemis.
4 Sufi Questions
According to Sufism, when we die, we will be asked 4 questions before the throne of God. These questions seem unimportant yet very deep in nature that requires us to contemplate upon:
- How did you spend your time on earth?
- How did you earn your living?
- How did you spend your youth?
- What did you do with the knowledge I gave you?
Other Spiritual Meanings
| Symbols of Number 4 | Spiritual meanings |
|---|---|
| 4 Ages of Civilization | Gold – Silver – Bronze – Iron |
| 4 Words of Buddhist Chanting | Om Mani Padme Hum |
| 4 Celtic Seasonal Feasts | Samhaim – Imbolc – Beltene – Lughnasa |
| 4 Rivers of Paradise | Pishon – Gilion – Hiddikel – Euphrates |
| 4 Sons of Horus | Imsety – Qebsenuef – Duamutef – Hapi |
| 4 Suits of a Deck of Cards | Clubs – Diamonds – Hearts – Spades |
| 4 Evangelists | Matthey – Mark – Luke – John |
| 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse | White – Red – Black – Pale |
| Tetramorphs | Angel – Lion – Oxen – Eagle |
3. Number 4 in Astrology
In astrology, number 4 is linked to planet Uranus, which governs over revolution, tension, change, and unpredictability of life. Its element is earth represents the earthy aspect of number 4.
Earth is the land that we (our spirit) dwell in, which is the physical body. When we gain mastery over it, we become the Lord of the Earth (Heart), which enables us to access the idea and the pool of liberation from the spiritual world. The heart either lusts or loves. Therefore, number 4 needs to fight against its own temptation attached to the lowly aspect of life.
As number 4 is the number of materiality, it relates to the fourth house of astrology whose ruler is Cancer – the sign of sensitivity, intuition, and initiative. The fourth house is related to our homes, real estate, and inner feelings, which are the characteristics of number 4 itself.
We can see the similarity among the outer representations here because they are all under the energy of number 4.
4. Number 4 Tarot Card
In the Major Arcana, number 4 symbolizes the Emperor – the fourth card of the Tarot deck. The Emperor represents work, money, organization, and establishment. If it is in a reversed position, it means we are lacking discipline and flexibility in our lives.
The Emperor is the Father archetype the Tarot deck. He sits on a solid throne adorned with 4 heads of Aries in astrology, representing power, authority, and foundation. On his right hand, there is a scepter symbolizing the kingdom over which he rules.
Behind his back, there is an array of mountains, which signifies determination, ambition, and stability. His long white beard is the symbol of power in speech and wisdom of the old. A king is always powerful in speech because his words are laws and his judgments are final.
5. Personality of Number 4
As number 4 is a symbol of solidity, people with number 4 vibration have an urge to form structure in life. You are good at organization and management skills. Manifestation is your talents because you are willing to work 9-5 and even more to achieve what you want.
You seek firm foundation and security in early life. Things that you earn are from your determination, commitment and perseverance as you believe that “hard work will always pay off”.
You prefer steadiness to chaos. Thus, living in an organized environment is important to you. In Chinese, number 4 is the governor of “feng shui”, which is the art of keeping your environment clear and positive.
When the energy of 4 is balanced, you have a trustworthy, responsible, and accountable personality. You understand the power of discipline and tend to take things seriously even with small matters.
Under vibration of number 4, you are practical in character and always prefer a hands-on approach to your life. When you start a project or make a decision, it only comes after your careful consideration and detailed analysis.
As 4 is a feminine energy, you look reserved and timid. People may feel hard to understand or get close to you. However, once they earn your trust, they can bet that they will have an honest, reliable, and long-lasting friend.
The symbol for number 4 is a square. This is the reason why you sometimes feel “boxed in” and hard to breathe caused by the limitations you set for your own self. As a square is a closed box, you are very stubborn, resistant to change, and rigid in approaches to life. Number 4 people need to embrace themselves spiritually. Otherwise, they are prone to become overly materialistic.
One interesting thing about number 4 personality is the tendency to work long hours. You will work as hard as you can and forget it’s time to relax and take a break. You will also do not respond well to humor.
Number 4 is associated with letters D, M, V in numerology. If your name starts with these letters, you will be amazed at what your name spiritually represents. (Click on the links at the beginning of my post)
6. Number 4 Impact on Society
The meaning of number 4 lies behind the structure that the society is based upon. Number 4 energy creates structure, architecture, and foundation for the society.
When the vibration of 4 is prevalent, the society is building something beneficial for the future. It is a period of discipline and working hard. People are urged to achieve their goals and catch up with the deadline that they have set.
The society may not undergo a big change under number 4 influence. It is a time to be patient and to keep doing what the society has already done. Building and roads may undergo a transformational process.
Matters about laws, government, and national systems can arise whether they are online or offline because that’s what number 4 stands for.
If you have a house address number 4, you should follow my link to see the REAL meaning behind your home address.
7. Interesting Math Facts about Number 4
Number 4 and Root 9
Case 1:
047,619×4 = 190,476.
190,476×4 = 761,904.
095,238×4 = 380,952.
142,857×4 =571,428.
238,095×4 = 952,380.
* ** Note that 0 + 4 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 9 = 27/9
Case 2:
025,641×4 = 102,564.
153,846×4 = 615,384.
128,205×4 = 512,820.
179,487×4 = 717,948.
205,128×4 = 820,512.
230,769×4 = 923,076.
* ** Note that 0 + 2+ 5 + 6 + 4 + 1 = 18/9
Number 4 and 8712
8,712 = 2,178×4
8,712×2,178 = 18,974,736 = 664.
Before: Spiritual Meaning of Number 3
Table of contents: Spiritual Meaning of Letters A-Z and Numbers 1-9
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Hoang Anh Nguyen Ba
You are right. Without the perfection of character, we can’t realize the true process of spiritual transformation. Our talents and skills are like the knife that we try to sharpen every day. Yet, it totally depends on the person to either use the knife to prepare delicious meals for others or to use it for violent purposes.