The Sacred Number Four
Today is November 4th, 2024.
I recently completed my 4th year of the Danza de Luna.
Tomorrow is Election Day here in the United States where we are closing a 4 year cycle and beginning a new one...
Due to all of these synchronicities and alignments, not only spiritually but also politically, I have been meditating on the Number 4, it's meaning and significance and how it repeats and shows up in various different cultures, traditions, cosmologies and religions.
The number 4 holds deep symbolism and sacred significance in many cultures and spiritual traditions worldwide. Often associated with stability, order, and foundation, the number 4 is seen as representing the structure and balance of the universe, connecting the physical with the spiritual in various ways. Here are some insights into how different traditions honor and interpret the number 4...
The Four Directions: Indigenous cultures, particularly in Native American spirituality, revere the number 4 for its connection to the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. Each direction is often associated with different spiritual qualities, elements, and colors, forming a holistic worldview and providing a framework for balance, prayer, and guidance. The primary commitment, generally speaking, for a Vision Quest, Moon Dance or Sun Dance is 4 years and the Sweatlodge Ceremony has 4 Doors. During a traditional Grandfather Ceremony, the ceremonial ritual is held together by 4 Prayers with Tobacco.
The Four Elements: In many ancient philosophies and spiritual traditions, including those of Greece, China, and Native American cultures, the number 4 represents the four foundational elements of nature - Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These elements are seen as the building blocks of life and are essential to the balance of the natural world.
The Four Seasons: In many cultures, the four seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter - symbolize the natural cycle of Life, Growth, Harvest, and Renewal. These seasons represent not only the changing environment but also life’s cyclical nature and our journey through various stages of existence.
The Four Phases of the Moon: Many spiritual traditions honor the moon’s four primary phases - New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. These phases are viewed as guiding lights for spiritual work, manifestation, and introspection, each phase bringing a different energy for growth, culmination, or release.
Sacred Geometry and the Square: In sacred geometry, the square, which has four sides, represents stability, groundedness and the material world. Its equal sides symbolize equality, balance, and structure, as seen in temples, altars, and other sacred spaces that incorporate four-sided forms to signify harmony and unity.
The Four Suits in Cards: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades
The Four Matriarchs: Judaism honors four matriarchs - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel & Leah. They are seen as foundational figures in the faith, each contributing to the establishment and continuation of the Jewish people and their lineage.
The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism: Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths, which provide a foundation for understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. These truths - suffering exists, there is a cause for suffering, there is an end to suffering, and there is a path to end suffering - serve as guiding principles for spiritual development and enlightenment.
Hinduism’s Four Aims of Life: In Hindu philosophy, the four Purusharthas, or aims of life—Dharma (Duty), Artha (Prosperity), Kama (Pleasure), and Moksha (Liberation)—serve as guiding principles for a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life.
The Four Gospels in Christianity: In Christianity, the New Testament includes four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. Each gospel provides a unique perspective on the life, teachings, and message of Jesus, offering a complete vision of his ministry.
Ancient Egyptian Cosmology: The ancient Egyptians revered the number 4 in their cosmology, with four pillars representing the four corners of the earth that held up the sky. These four pillars symbolized balance, stability, and the foundation of the cosmos, often visualized in depictions of their deities.
The First Four Years of Brain Development: During the first few years, a child’s brain develops at an incredibly rapid rate. By age 4, the brain has formed a majority of its neural pathways and synapses, which are the connections that support learning, memory, and overall mental capacity. This period of brain plasticity makes children especially responsive to their environment and early experiences, which significantly shape how they will learn, think, and behave in the future.
The number 4, therefore, acts as a universal symbol of structure, harmony, and balance in diverse spiritual contexts. Its recurrence across traditions highlights the interconnectedness of human wisdom, reflecting our collective reverence for cycles, stability, and the foundational patterns that underlie existence.
Written with love + care by
Amaru Ñan Warmi / Zihuakoatl Zitlallinikue
Have you thought about the number 4? What other connections can you make to this special number?
If you’d like to share your thoughts or contribute to this conversation you can do so on IG: @GuidedByGrandma
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