The Tarot of Eli, LLC-Minor Arcana: Thoth Tarot-4 of Disks-Power & The Medieval Feathers Tarot -4 of Coins

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Above all things, know thyself!

#4. From the exhaustless riches of its limitless substance, I draw all things needful both spiritual and material.

4 of Pentacles (coins).... condition of assured material gain, and earthly power completed but nothing beyond.

-Waite.

The Lord of Earthly Power
Angels of the Decan: Keveqiah and Mendial
Astrology: Sun in Capricorn
Tree of Life: Chesed (4) in Assiah (the Material World)

The 4 of Disks is aptly subtitled Power, yet this is not a dynamic or aggressive force—it is the kind of power that builds fortresses and seals gates. Depicted on the Thoth card is a square fortress, enclosed and orderly, representing the grounding of Chesed—Mercy and Authority—within Assiah, the world of action and matter. This is the manifestation of structured benevolence—Divine Order concretized into the physical plane.

The solar force, here expressed through the Sun in Capricorn, bestows illumination and warmth to material ambitions. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is disciplined and strategic, and when harmonized with Sol’s radiance, it suggests a successful culmination of long-term, practical effort. The ancients recognized this as a sacred moment in the solar cycle, for in Capricorn, the Sun is seen to overcome the descent into darkness—the Winter Solstice—symbolizing the spiritual light prevailing over material entropy.

In astrology, the placement of celestial bodies in specific houses of the zodiac can influence various aspects of an individual's life. When the Sun is in the house of Capricorn, certain characteristics are associated with this placement. Here are some key traits:

1. Ambitious and Goal-Oriented: Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which brings a strong sense of ambition and a drive to achieve long-term goals. Individuals with the Sun in Capricorn are likely to be determined and focused on their aspirations.

2. Practical and Disciplined: Capricorn is an earth sign, emphasizing practicality and discipline. Those with the Sun in Capricorn tend to approach life in a methodical and organized manner, making them well-suited for tasks that require structure.

3. Responsible Leadership: Capricorns often display leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility. People born with the Sun in Capricorn may find themselves in leadership roles, taking charge of situations and making decisions with a pragmatic approach.

4. Concerned with Reputation: Capricorns value their reputation and public image. Individuals with this Sun placement are likely to be cautious about how they are perceived by others and may strive to build a solid and respected image.

5. Patient and Enduring: Capricorns are known for their patience and endurance. When the Sun is in Capricorn, individuals may possess the resilience to overcome challenges and the ability to persevere through difficulties.

6. Traditional Values: Capricorn is associated with tradition and conventional values. Those with the Sun in Capricorn may hold traditional beliefs and appreciate stability in various aspects of life.

7. Career Focus: Career and professional success are often significant priorities for individuals with the Sun in Capricorn. They may be diligent workers, seeking recognition and accomplishment in their chosen fields.

It's important to note that the characteristics mentioned are generalizations, and the complete astrological profile of an individual involves consideration of the entire birth chart, including the positions of other planets, aspects, and the Ascendant. Individual experiences and expressions can vary widely.

Each tower of the fortress represents an alchemical element:

• Fire (passion and will),

• Air (thought and communication),

• Water (intuition and emotion),

• Earth (form and stability).

All four are brought under disciplined control, governed by the Divine Architect within. Thus, this card is a mandala of material balance—a sacred geometry of the terrestrial plane brought into stability through inner command.

Yet, this power can become a trap. Once material security is attained, the temptation is to fortify too tightly, becoming rigid, overly conservative, or resistant to change. Power that does not evolve decays—thus, this card carries the seeds of its own undoing, which will emerge in the destabilizing influence of the 5 of Disks (Worry) if stasis reigns too long. The spiritual self demands movement, evolution, expansion. Power hoarded becomes a prison; power flowing becomes prosperity.

The open drawbridge on the Thoth card signifies a crucial Hermetic truth: gratitude is the opening to continued flow. When we are thankful for the wealth, stability, and support we currently enjoy, we activate the Law of Increase. Gratitude is not just an emotion—it is an act of magnetic invocation, a signal to the universe that we are ready for more because we see the sacred in what we already have.

The card also speaks of gifts, legacies, and inheritances—not merely financial, but ancestral and spiritual. The power we wield in Malkuth is often the result of what we have received from our lineages—genetic, karmic, and magickal. It is now ours to protect, utilize, and eventually pass on to those who come after.

"Chesed shows the establishment of the Universe in 3 dimensions that are below the Abyss."[Book of Thoth-pg. 213]. Crowley calls this card, "In the Rite of Saturn" and "The Fortress that is upon the Frontier of the Abyss."[See "The Rites of Eleusis, The Equinox (6), Supplement-p.10]

The Sun in Capricorn is also representative of the Rational part of our Psyche now being in total control of creative energy for material wealth; boundaries against change are erected and the illusion of security is enjoyed. Now this feeling of benevolent strength is indeed wonderful, but we must also invest in the motion of wealth into prosperity---so being flexible with your wealth is recommended.

The 4 of Disks card reminds us that four strong walls can be secure, but if we don't leave room for a doorway and path outward, our wealth becomes a fear-based greed, and we stifle the prosperity all around us for a false sense of security. This easily becomes avarice- with blockages of thought and action which naturally follow from excessive devotion to materialistic rewards.

However, if the drawbridge of mind is open for "outside" traffic we can do something tangible and take concrete steps towards creating security in the physical world that enhances that security for others as well.

Therefore, when all is examined, this card represents a positive with a caution; a kind of “good for you", that can only keep being good if you expand it to "good for others" as well. That is why the draw bridge is down and the gate open on the Thoth illustration of the 4-of Disks, we must allow flowing change to really stay Secure in our power.

When you draw the 4 of Disks, ask yourself:

• Where am I too entrenched in safety, and where can I afford risk?

• Am I building toward something greater, or merely guarding what I’ve built?

• Do I see my material life as a spiritual gift?

• Have I expressed true gratitude today?

Power without flow is resistance. In the fortress of the soul, let the drawbridge remain open to Spirit.

The 4 square disks each contain one of the symbols for the four elements and the walls are strong and immobile. Yet we have the Sun reborn in Capricorn and therefore, a promise of new powerful activity is present, and is best shown as the Dancing Skeleton of ATU/ Key 13 (1 +3=4). What hints at underlying transformative power in the 4 of disks Tarot Card; a power depicted as the orange-yellow color of the card.

Like the eye of a hurricane, the 4 of Disks is Chesed the 4 Sephiroth- which is the center of the engineering of all manifestation. Here at the center, everything looks quiet and stable, but violent activity is making it so and soon, that stability will "fly to the winds". Capricorn is the center "where the Sun turns Northward. So, the turning is happening in what looks to be stable.

In Western Hermetic Gematria, numbers hold significant symbolic meanings, often derived from a blend of numerology, mythology, and mysticism. The number 4 is no exception, and it is imbued with various attributes and correspondences. Here are some key characteristics of the number 4 in this context:

1. Structure and Stability

• Elemental Association: The number 4 is often associated with the element of Earth, symbolizing solidity, stability, and a grounded nature.
• Physical Manifestation: It represents the physical world and material existence, including the four directions (North, South, East, West), the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), and the four classical elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water).

2. Order and Organization

• Geometric Significance: The square, with its four equal sides, is a symbol of balance and order. It implies a sense of wholeness and completeness in the material realm.
• Foundation: The number 4 is seen as the foundation upon which structures are built, symbolizing stability and reliability.

3. Manifestation and Realization

• Creation and Manifestation: In Hermetic thought, the number 4 represents the manifestation of ideas into the physical plane. It is the culmination of planning and groundwork that leads to tangible results.
• Practicality: It embodies the practical aspects of life, emphasizing discipline, hard work, and responsibility.

4. Divine Order

• Tetractys: The Pythagorean Tetractys, a triangular figure composed of ten points arranged in four rows, signifies the progression from unity to multiplicity, and the divine order underlying the universe.
• Kabbalistic Connection: In the Kabbalistic tradition, the number 4 can be associated with the fourth Sephirah, Chesed (Mercy), on the Tree of Life, which represents kindness, expansion, and the benevolence of the Divine.

5. Symbolism in Tarot

• Major Arcana: The Emperor (IV) card in the Tarot symbolizes authority, leadership, and the imposition of order and structure.
• Minor Arcana: The four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) each consist of 14 cards, and the fours in each suit often indicate stability and structure in their respective realms (creative, emotional, intellectual, and material).

6. Astrological Correspondences

• Planets and Signs: In astrology, the number 4 is linked to the planet Uranus (associated with innovation and sudden changes that create new structures) and the sign of Cancer (which emphasizes home, family, and emotional foundations).

7. Mystical and Esoteric Meanings

• Sacred Geometry: The number 4 plays a critical role in sacred geometry, symbolizing the structure of the universe and the fourfold nature of creation.
• Hermetic Principles: It resonates with the Hermetic principle of Correspondence ("As above, so below"), indicating the mirroring relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of the number 4 in Western Hermetic Gematria allows for deeper insight into its symbolic role in mysticism and esoteric traditions. It serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, emphasizing the importance of structure, stability, and the manifestation of divine order in the physical world.

Medieval Feathers Tarot – 4 of Coins

Stability of Earthly Power

In the Medieval Feathers Tarot, the 4 of Coins (or Pentacles) displays a composition of golden coins, nestled among flora and anchored by a central goose feather—a visual harmony that suggests a quiet but firm mastery over the material elements. The composition is symmetrical and grounded, evoking a sense of control, permanence, and the containment of motion.

This card remains faithful to the traditional mundane interpretation: the assurance of material gain and possession, yet with a cautionary undertone. Ruled astrologically by the Sun in Capricorn, this is a placement that bestows long-term strategy, hard-won success, and an intense focus on tangible goals. Capricorn’s disciplined nature, empowered by the radiance of the Sun, brings illumination to the physical world—but not necessarily to the realms of soul or spirit. The warmth here is tempered by structure, and the light is enclosed within the walls of the known and measurable.

Esoteric Symbolism and Hermetic Insight

The four coins on the card can be read as symbolic representations of the Four Elements:

• Fire – ambition, drive, the will to manifest

• Water – emotional investment and intuitive value

• Air – mental clarity and intellectual assets

• Earth – form, substance, and foundational resources

Each coin is a sealed potential, a symbol of elemental energy held in check by the fortress of the ego or the domain of the material self. These elemental powers are not in flux—they are bound in orbit, made stable and usable, but not necessarily evolving.

The presence of the goose feather—often a symbol of vigilance, writing, memory, and ancestral wisdom—adds a unique layer to the image. It may represent discernment, the act of measuring and recording one's material growth or legacy. In some traditions, the goose is a guardian of sacred boundaries, which reinforces the interpretation of this card as a threshold between safety and stagnation.

The natural flora surrounding the coins implies that this state of security is organically developed, perhaps even earned through patience and steady labor. But it is also transient. Nature, left unmoved, will grow over and reclaim what man believes he possesses.

Divinatory Message

The 4 of Coins in this deck suggests:

• A period of financial or material stability

• Resources that are secure, but possibly hoarded

• A time to assess whether control has become constriction

• The need for gratitude and generosity to ensure flow

While the image conveys confidence and earthly power, it also carries the silent warning: power that does not circulate becomes inert. Therefore, the drawbridge must remain open, or the fortress will become a tomb.

Again, the caveat here is to not let "too muchness" happen, where we might find that hoarding becomes an obsession and fall to the social egregore's Military Industrial Complex need to consume everything for power over others.

This image also subtly reveals the underlying psychology of the card—a tight grip on one's possessions, often driven not by joy, but by fear: fear of loss, fear of theft, fear of erosion through time or inflation. These fears arise not from material reality itself, but from our attachment to it. Hence, the question must be asked:

“Does this wealth bring true security, freedom, and accomplishment—or is it a prison made of worry and impermanence?”

This is the crossroads every aspirant of Self must encounter. The 4 of Coins presents a test of values—not merely in gold or property, but in what we assign meaning to. Does one define success by accumulation, or by wisdom gained through embodied experience—what we may call in-form-action, the lived gnosis of Spirit realized in matter?

For in truth, nothing in the world of Assiah is permanent. Even the fortress will crumble, the coins will tarnish, and the walls we build to keep our treasures safe may one day cage the soul. Real security is not something earned, nor is it external. It is an inherited attribute of the Whole Self—the trinity of Spirit, Mind, and Body operating as one resonant frequency in alignment with the Divine Will.

This is the true power of the Sun in Capricorn: not to merely preserve wealth, but to radiate disciplined mastery—to know when to hold, when to release, and when to trust that abundance flows through alignment with Higher Order, not hoarding.

Once again, the ancient axiom resounds: "Above all things, know thyself." In this light, the soul recalls a deeper truth—"Your presence is enough."

Yet how few are ever truly present. Many cloak themselves in a veil of words, personas, and carefully constructed identities—false faces fashioned by fear, survival conditioning, or inherited belief systems. In this masked theatre, value becomes confused with valuation, and the currency of self-worth is outsourced to external forms—chief among them: money.

But let us unmask the illusion. Money holds no intrinsic value. It is but a symbol, a glyph of agreed-upon worth in a consensual dream. It cannot nourish, clothe, shelter, or heal without us—without our consent, our movement, our creative power. It is our cooperative faith in the fiction of barter that animates it. Without human intention and participation, money is meaningless paper, inert metal, or digits on a screen—no more sacred than sand.

The Hermetic truth is this: money needs us more than we need money. We are the operators of the flow, the vessels of exchange. It is not the currency that is powerful—it is the consciousness that wields it. When presence is forgotten and Self is displaced, money becomes a tyrant. But when the I AM is remembered, it becomes a tool of liberation.

I AM Wealth: The Soul’s Command Over Currency

So rather than dwell in the hypnotic fog of poverty thinking—the belief of a disempowered personality that whispers "I need money to be free"—the awakened initiate must call upon the Powerful Intellect gifted by the Divine Creatrix. It is not a question of what one needs, but of what one declares.

"I AM Wealth."

This is no mere affirmation. This is the Word made manifest, the Logos of Self-realization. To say "I AM" is to activate the Source-code of consciousness, and when paired with a state of abundance, it becomes the magical formula of manifestation.

Those who know "I AM" are not begging creation—they are commanding it from within, aligning with the Solar Logos, the central flame of the Soul-Sun.

Money, in this light, is a reflection of the soul’s electromagnetic presence. It comes not because you chase it, but because it recognizes you. It flows toward the one who radiates certainty—not from ego, but from union with the Whole Self.

To Seek Is to Lack; To Declare Is to Radiate

When one seeks money, one simultaneously declares its absence, reinforcing the illusion of separation and scarcity. But when one says, "Money needs me to have value," they reverse the current. They become the central magnet, not the wandering supplicant.

This is the Law of Attraction made manifest through Hermetic Law:

• As within, so without.

• As above (the Solar Self), so below (the incarnate vessel).

To live as “I AM the Power of Creation” is to surrender the hypnotic bondage of the socially-conditioned brain and restore the Soul to its rightful throne.

The Psyche Must Rule Again

The mass mind—the Collective Ego—is kept in a trance by divisionism, distraction, and media-controlled language-spells. The brain, when left unguarded, becomes the puppet of external programming. But the Solar Self, the Psyche that knows Itself, can awaken the brain, cleanse its filters, and take command.

It is time.
The world will not be changed by acquiring more things.
The world will be transfigured by those who remember they are the Magus, the creators of meaning, form, and flow.

“I AM not here to chase value. I AM the Source of it.”
“I AM the Power of Creation, grounded in form.”
“Money follows me, for I walk in Solar Authority.”
“My Soul governs Matter, for I AM the Psyche Incarnate.”

When the 4 of Disks/Coins is thrown during a reading:

• The querent is owning their own personal energy, physical potency, and vitality; the very act of which proceeds change.
• There may be a feeling of holding on tightly to what one has, emotionally or physically.
• The enfoldment of Power, here the Ability to Do Work (Power) is unfettered, and the engineer is active.
• The querent is taking solid steps towards creating material security in the physical world.
• Here, "nothing ventured nothing gained" is also the axiom of the 4.
• Imperturbability. 
• Creativity and innovative ideas. 

If ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

• Holding too tightly to what you have, and not taking risks of change.
• Blockage of creative thought due to avarice, or excessive devotion to material things.
• Compulsivity. 
• Stubbornness.
• Stagnation.

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