Tarot Personas in Everyday Life: Minor Arcana — The 4s
Lately I’ve been reflecting on how I want to share this series and I’ve decided to shift the language from “archetypes” to “personas.” Archetypes can sometimes feel abstract or symbolic and they have a particular Jungian connotation which isn’t what my series is about. Personas feels more lived in and real which is the main focus of this series. I don’t want to talk about tarot as traditional archetypes or lofty ideals. The point of this series is for you to see yourself, your friends, and your real life moments in the cards. Personas capture that perfectly.
This week, we’re diving into the Fours of the tarot. The number four is all about structure, stability, and foundation but of course, each suit interprets that differently. Some fours feel grounding and joyful while others can feel stagnant or heavy. Together, they show us the many ways “stability” can play out in our lives.
4 of Cups
As the Doom Scroller
Ignoring your friend’s heartfelt advice because you’re convinced no one “gets it"
Hitting every green light on the way to work and still complaining about your commute
Leaving texts on read because you don’t know what to say back
Saying “there’s nothing to watch” while scrolling past hundreds of options
Being out with a friend but spending the whole time looking at your phone
4 of Wands
As the Homecoming
Crossing the finish line at a 5K and immediately seeing your loved ones cheering at the end
Going out to dinner to celebrate paying off a big debt or getting through a stressful season
Coming back from a stressful work trip and your dog is at the door losing their mind with joy
A newly engaged couple holding up the ring for a blurry but ecstatic selfie
Meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in years and laughing just like old times
That first exhale when the graduation diploma is in your hand
4 of Swords
As the Out of Office Reply
Spending a day offline to reconnect with your inner voice
Doing a meditation app session on your lunch break because your brain feels fried
Staying in bed after your alarm and giving yourself permission not to rush
Ordering yourself Uber Eats from the bathtub after a long, stressful week
Following a yin yoga tutorial on YouTube in your pjs
Taking a mental health day off work to stay home and relax without guilt
4 of Pentacles
As the Tight Grip
Buying multiple pairs of the same shoes but keeping them in storage "just in case"
You hesitate when a friend asks to borrow a book, worrying it won't get returned
Finally reaching a savings goal and checking your banking app multiple times a day just to feel that sense of security
Holding onto clothes that don’t fit anymore because you might need them someday
Saying no to a spontaneous trip or dinner because “what if something comes up later?”
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