REST CONTEMPLATION QUIET PREPARATION
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RESTING taking a break giving your body time to heal avoiding overexertion finding peace and quiet relaxing body and soul taking life easy Reversed Early Phase: The pace may start to slow. You may need to take a break soon. A rest period may be approaching. You may have an opportunity to relax. Late Phase: Your break period is ending. Your recovery is almost complete. The pace is no longer slow. Moments of peace and quiet are less frequent now. |
CONTEMPLATING gaining a better perspective listening for your inner voice taking time alone to think standing back from the situation examining your motivations reviewing where you are Reversed Early Phase: A time for reflection may be approaching. You may need to stop and think things over. You could withdraw from the action for a time. Late Phase: A period of contemplation is ending. You no longer need time alone to think. Your meditation is coming to an end. The thoughtful moments are decreasing. |
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consolidating inner resources making sure your base is secure getting ready for the future coming to terms with what is tying up loose ends stabilizing |
Reversed Early Phase: You may begin preparations. Someone may be getting ready behind the scenes. You may need to secure your base in the future. Planning may become vital. Late Phase: The preparation phase is over. You no longer need to secure the situation. You did what you needed to do. There's less focus on planning now. |
Description
The Swords cards all stand for trials of some kind, but the Four suggests feelings of peace and stillness. Why is this card different? Because it represents the challenge to be quiet! Sometimes resting and doing nothing are the ultimate challenge. Activity can be a habit that is very difficult to break. There is always so much to do, and modem society beguiles us with its attractions and distractions. The result is that we forget to stop and be still.
In readings, the Four of Swords is often a sign that you need to slow down and get some rest. If you are recovering from an illness, allow yourself quiet time to heal. Even if you feel healthy, you are risking getting sick if you don't take a break.
The Four of Swords also represents taking time to think things over without hurry. It is important to step back and gain perspective. This is especially true when you are facing an ordeal or big event. You need quiet preparation time to gather your strength and center your energy. Picture an Olympic diver on the high board. She doesn't climb the ladder and then dash out. She stops, motionless as she readies herself for the burst of activity to come. This is the only way to bring the best to our endeavors.
Sometimes the Four of Swords implies that you are or could be shifting focus from the external to the internal. When we are silent, we can more easily go within. The knight in the picture appears to be praying or meditating deeply. Actually, he appears to be dead! For those who are addicted to activity, rest and quiet can seem like death, but that is certainly not the case. Stillness has its own rewards, but they must be recognized and sought.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Magician—being active, focusing outward
Wheel of Fortune—rapid pace, lots of movement
Eight of Wands—making your move, rushing
Ten of Wands—overexerting, taking on too much
Two of Pentacles—having fun, balancing many activities
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
High Priestess—resting quietly, contemplating
Hermit—contemplating, being quiet
Hanged Man—rest, suspended activity
Four of Cups—contemplating, taking time alone
Six of Swords—rest, recovery
Seven of Pentacles—pausing to reflect, assess
