The Four of Disks: The Fortress of Power

The Four of Disks, also known as the "Lord of Power," is a card deeply rooted in stability, control, and groundedness. Depicted in the Thoth Tarot as a fortress with four symmetrical towers, it embodies the solidity and security of material achievement. The card's earthy tones and geometric symmetry emphasize its association with structure, organization, and a harmonious foundation.

It suggests a sense of ownership—of territory, resources, or personal boundaries—marking the consolidation of power in a controlled, deliberate manner.

In the broader tarot tradition, the Four of Disks represents the moment when effort and planning come to fruition. It signals the completion of the initial stages of material or professional growth, creating a stable platform from which further expansion can occur.

However, this stability may also lead to stagnation if overly rigid. The energy of the card is not just about acquiring and maintaining, but also about ensuring that balance and adaptability remain within the framework of control. Without flexibility, the very structures that protect can become barriers to growth.

Yet, the Four of Disks does not merely depict mundane material success. On a spiritual level, it calls attention to the importance of establishing firm foundations—whether emotional, mental, or spiritual—upon which greater achievements can be built. It reminds us that power and security are not static but must be nurtured, harmonized, and wisely directed.

The interplay between structure and flow, stability and movement, is a central theme of this card, making it both a guide and a cautionary symbol on the journey of transformation.

Overview: Imagery and Key Themes

The imagery of the Four of Disks in the Thoth Tarot deck is rich in symbolism, depicting a square fortress surrounded by a desert landscape. Each corner of the fortress is anchored by a tower, representing the four cardinal directions and the balance of energies within a secure perimeter. This fortress, an archetype of protection and stability, illustrates the manifestation of material success and the consolidation of resources. The desert setting highlights a contrast—outside the walls lies barren potential, while within, cultivated power resides. This duality reflects the human need for both external boundaries and internal nourishment.

Key themes of this card include stability, security, boundaries, and material control. It embodies the mastery of earthly concerns such as finances, property, and practical matters, urging a mindful stewardship of resources. Yet, the Four of Disks also cautions against hoarding or over-protectiveness, warning that rigid boundaries can create isolation or stagnation. Power, when overly controlled, ceases to flow, leading to an inability to grow or adapt to new circumstances.

In readings, the Four of Disks often symbolizes the need for balance between holding on and letting go. It asks questions like: Are your boundaries supportive or restrictive? Have you built something sustainable, or are you clinging to outdated structures? The card serves as a reminder that true power lies in being rooted yet flexible, grounded yet open to change.

Archetype: The Builder (Thoth Tarot Interpretation)

The primary archetype of the Four of Disks is The Builder, a figure dedicated to creating lasting structures that provide security and endurance. In the Thoth Tarot system, this card is associated with the astrological influence of the Sun in Capricorn—a placement symbolizing disciplined effort, ambition, and the pursuit of long-term goals. Capricorn’s earthy nature emphasizes pragmatism, while the Sun adds vitality, clarity, and purpose. Together, they embody the archetype of a master architect who builds not for the present alone but for generations to come.

In the Thoth deck, Aleister Crowley interpreted the Four of Disks as a representation of “law and order.” The fortress symbolizes the material and spiritual boundaries needed to protect one’s achievements and inner sanctity. This card resonates with Capricorn's methodical and determined energy, encouraging the querent to examine how they establish and maintain their personal “fortresses”—be it their home, career, or inner self.

This archetype challenges us to take a critical look at our relationship with control and power. Are we using these resources to build something meaningful and enduring? Or have we fallen into patterns of rigidity and fear that prevent us from expanding beyond our comfort zones? The Builder archetype inspires self-mastery, showing that when power is applied with wisdom and adaptability, it becomes a tool for transformation.

Role in The Great Work

The Four of Disks aligns with Nigredo, the first stage of The Great Work in alchemy. Nigredo represents the process of breaking down old forms and establishing the groundwork for spiritual transformation. In this stage, the individual must confront the shadow—the fears, limitations, and rigid patterns that prevent growth. The fortress of the Four of Disks is both a symbol of protection and a potential prison, representing the need to dismantle barriers that block the flow of energy and creativity.

As part of the alchemical journey, this card reminds us that the work of transformation begins with establishing a firm foundation. Just as a fortress provides security, the individual must cultivate stability and self-discipline before embarking on deeper spiritual exploration.

Yet, it also warns against clinging too tightly to what is known and safe. To progress toward the next stages—Albedo, Citrinitas, and Rubedo—one must learn to balance stability with adaptability.

Ultimately, the Four of Disks teaches that transformation requires grounding but not stagnation. By creating secure boundaries and honoring the power of stability, we build a platform for future growth. However, true mastery comes from knowing when to expand beyond those boundaries, trusting the process of change and renewal. Thus, the Four of Disks serves as both a foundation stone and a reminder of the ongoing dance between structure and flow in the Great Work.

Symbolism and Imagery

Key Symbols

The Four of Disks is a card rich with symbolism, especially in the Thoth Tarot deck. Its most prominent feature is the fortress, representing structure, security, and the consolidation of power. The fortress is depicted with four towers, one at each corner, symbolizing stability and balance in all directions.

These towers echo the four elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—suggesting that the material world has been brought into harmony and secured within the confines of human effort. The symmetrical layout reinforces the idea of order and discipline as the foundation for material and spiritual growth.

The surrounding desert emphasizes the duality between abundance and scarcity. Within the fortress lies cultivated power and security, while outside is a barren wilderness symbolizing untapped potential or danger.

This contrast highlights the necessity of boundaries and control, as well as the risks of becoming too confined within one’s own fortress. Another critical symbol is the square, both in the fortress itself and as a representation of the number four.

The square signifies stability, permanence, and the material plane, reminding us that this card is firmly rooted in the world of form and tangible reality.

The golden Sun, which shines brightly within the imagery, symbolizes vitality, ambition, and the illumination that drives the pursuit of security and success. Crowley emphasized that the Sun’s influence here indicates power that is both radiant and life-giving when used wisely. However, its position within the rigid boundaries of the fortress cautions against becoming overly possessive or egotistical about one’s accomplishments.

Lastly, the disks themselves are important symbols, often depicted as four coins or wheels. These represent the material resources that have been carefully collected and secured. They also suggest the cyclical nature of power and wealth—what is gained must be actively maintained or risk being lost. This emphasizes the dynamic relationship between creation, preservation, and potential stagnation.

Planetary and Elemental Associations

The Four of Disks is governed by the astrological placement of the Sun in Capricorn, a pairing that perfectly reflects the card’s themes of discipline, ambition, and material success. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries, structure, and mastery, which aligns with the fortress imagery and its symbolism of order and protection. The Sun, on the other hand, brings vitality, focus, and the clarity needed to achieve long-term goals. Together, they create a harmonious balance of ambition and responsibility, showing that success is earned through methodical planning and sustained effort.

Elementally, this card is aligned with the suit of Disks (Pentacles), which corresponds to the element of Earth. Earth governs the material world, grounding us in the physical realm and emphasizing stability, practicality, and tangible results. The Four of Disks perfectly encapsulates Earth’s nature, as it is focused on the consolidation of resources and the establishment of a secure foundation. However, the card also hints at Earth’s shadow aspect: the danger of becoming too attached to material possessions or rigid systems, which can stifle creativity and growth.

This blend of Capricorn’s ambitious energy and Earth’s groundedness reflects the card’s call to balance control and flexibility. While structure and security are essential, the elemental associations remind us that excessive rigidity can lead to stagnation or the loss of vitality.

Numerology

The number four is central to the meaning of the Four of Disks. In numerology, four represents stability, order, and foundation. It is the number of completion in the material world, often associated with the four elements, the four cardinal directions, and the square—symbols of balance and solidity.

As a result, the Four of Disks reflects the manifestation of effort and ambition in the material realm, marking a stage where foundations have been laid and resources secured.

In the broader context of tarot, fours often signify a pause or moment of consolidation. Following the dynamic growth of the threes, the fours bring a sense of grounding and reflection, allowing for the assessment of progress. However, the fixed nature of four can also imply a risk of stagnation. In the case of the Four of Disks, this manifests as a warning against becoming too rigid, possessive, or overly focused on material concerns.

The connection between four and the material world ties this card to Malkuth, the 10th sephira on the Tree of Life in the Kabbalistic system. Malkuth represents the physical plane and the realization of divine energy in tangible form. The Four of Disks, therefore, serves as a reminder that material success is not an endpoint but a foundation for further spiritual growth.

Its numerological significance urges us to use stability as a stepping stone rather than a final destination.

Broader Spiritual Meaning

The combination of the card’s symbols, planetary associations, elemental influences, and numerology weaves a complex tapestry of meaning. The Four of Disks represents the mastery of the physical world and the importance of creating stability and boundaries to protect one’s achievements.

Yet, it also asks us to question whether we are using these resources as a foundation for growth or whether we have become trapped within the walls we’ve built. The card reminds us that true power lies not in rigidity but in the harmonious balance of control, adaptability, and trust in the cycles of life.

Archetypal Lessons and Challenges

Personal Growth

The archetype of the Four of Disks, The Builder, represents the life lesson of mastering the balance between control and flow. This card teaches the importance of creating a strong foundation in life—whether through financial security, personal boundaries, or emotional stability—so that greater growth can be achieved. It encourages individuals to take pride in their accomplishments, recognize the value of hard work, and protect the resources they have earned. However, it also challenges us to remain flexible and open to change. True power lies not in the walls we build to protect ourselves, but in how we use the stability within those walls as a platform for expansion and transformation.

For personal growth, this card often appears when we are at a crossroads, where we must decide whether to remain within the comfort of what we have built or to take a calculated risk and expand beyond it. The Builder archetype urges us to be deliberate and methodical in our actions, reminding us that meaningful progress requires both discipline and a willingness to adapt. It challenges us to examine how our boundaries support or hinder our development. Are we using them to protect our energy, or have they become barriers that keep us stuck?

Shadow Aspects

The shadow aspects of the Four of Disks emerge when stability becomes stagnation. The archetype of The Builder can transform into a rigid gatekeeper, overly concerned with control, possession, and maintaining the status quo. This can manifest as a fear of change, an unwillingness to share resources, or an overattachment to material wealth and external security. In personal life, this shadow might show up as perfectionism, micromanagement, or a deep reluctance to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

Spiritually, the card’s shadow can represent being stuck in the material plane, losing sight of higher aspirations in the pursuit of worldly success. While boundaries and structure are essential for growth, they can also become prisons when fear and possessiveness take over. The shadow of this card cautions against clinging to what is “safe” and reminds us that the most meaningful transformations require stepping into the unknown. It’s important to ask: Are we holding on to something out of fear of losing it, or are we genuinely nurturing it for a greater purpose?

Integration

To work with the archetype of the Four of Disks, the first step is cultivating awareness of where your life may feel overly controlled or stagnant. Begin by identifying the areas where you have built strong foundations—this could be your career, relationships, or personal habits—and ask whether those foundations are supporting your growth or holding you back. Reflect on how much energy you are putting into maintaining control versus allowing for flexibility. A powerful exercise is journaling on the question: What would happen if I allowed some of my boundaries to shift?

Meditation and visualization can also be effective tools for integration. Imagine yourself standing inside a fortress. Examine the walls: Are they solid and protective, or are they confining and restrictive? Visualize opening a gate or tearing down a portion of the wall to allow fresh energy to flow in. This practice can help you see where you need to loosen control to let new opportunities arise.

Another practical step for integration is to assess your relationship with material security. Practice gratitude for the stability you have achieved, but challenge yourself to let go of unnecessary attachments. For example, decluttering your physical space or donating resources to others can help shift stagnant energy. Similarly, in relationships, practice trusting others by delegating tasks or opening up emotionally, breaking down the walls that might keep you isolated.

Transformation and Growth

Ultimately, the Four of Disks teaches that stability is not the end goal but a means to an end. To grow and transform, we must use our foundations wisely, building on them rather than becoming trapped by them. Recognize that boundaries are dynamic, not static—they must expand, contract, and adapt to new circumstances. Reflect on how you can use the resources you’ve consolidated to create not just personal security but also a positive impact on the world around you.

This card’s archetype challenges us to release the fear of loss and trust in the cycles of life. By embracing both the strength of our fortress and the openness to let energy flow through its gates, we align ourselves with the balance of structure and fluidity. This is the key to true empowerment: creating a life that is stable enough to feel secure but flexible enough to embrace change and transformation.

The Four of Disks Card’s Role in The Great Work

Spiritual Alchemy

The Four of Disks is most closely aligned with the Nigredo phase of The Great Work, the alchemical process of breaking down and establishing a foundation for transformation. In Nigredo, the spiritual seeker confronts the darkness of the unconscious, dissolving outdated structures and preparing the psyche for renewal. The Four of Disks symbolizes the critical step of creating stability amidst this process, where the seeker organizes their inner and outer worlds to create a solid base for growth. The fortress imagery reflects the containment of energy necessary to endure this transformative phase, ensuring that progress is not lost to chaos.

However, this card also contains a cautionary aspect in the context of alchemy. The seeker must guard against becoming too attached to the material gains and structures established during this phase. While stability is essential for progress, spiritual alchemy requires ongoing transformation. The Four of Disks reminds us that once the Nigredo phase is complete, one must be willing to move into the Albedo phase, the stage of purification and illumination. In this way, the card teaches that stability is both a tool and a challenge—necessary for the journey but not the final destination.

Practical Applications

To embody the energy of the Four of Disks in daily life, start by focusing on creating stability in your material and emotional world. This could involve organizing your finances, establishing healthy boundaries in relationships, or creating a structured routine to support personal growth. The energy of this card thrives in environments where order and discipline are present, so engaging in activities like budgeting, decluttering, or scheduling can help channel its archetype. These practical steps can serve as the grounding necessary to support deeper spiritual work.

Additionally, the card invites reflection on your relationship with control. Are you using your boundaries to protect and nurture yourself, or are they preventing you from embracing change? To integrate the Four of Disks’ lessons, consider journaling on questions like: What am I holding onto out of fear? or Where do I need to create more stability in my life? Engaging in grounding practices, such as walking in nature or meditating on the root chakra, can also help harmonize the energies of this card.

Another practical way to embody the card’s energy is to engage in stewardship, whether of resources, relationships, or the environment. The Four of Disks encourages mindful care of what you have built while recognizing the importance of sharing and adaptability. For example, offering help or resources to others fosters the flow of energy, preventing stagnation and enriching your own spiritual journey.

Connection to Other Cards

The Four of Disks has deep connections to other cards in the tarot, particularly within the suit of Disks and through its astrological associations. It serves as a midpoint in the progression of the Disks suit, representing the consolidation of resources after the initial growth of the Ace, Two, and Three. In contrast, the Five of Disks represents instability and challenges that arise when clinging too tightly to material concerns. This progression highlights the importance of maintaining balance while navigating the cycles of gain, loss, and renewal.

In the Major Arcana, the card resonates strongly with The Emperor (IV). Both emphasize structure, discipline, and the establishment of order. However, while The Emperor represents overarching authority and control, the Four of Disks applies this energy to the practical, grounded realm of personal power and material stability. The card also shares thematic similarities with The Devil (XV), which warns against overattachment to material possessions and rigidity. Together, these cards encourage reflection on how control and boundaries serve or hinder personal growth.

Astrologically, the card’s placement of the Sun in Capricorn links it to The Sun (XIX) and its themes of vitality, success, and illumination. While The Sun offers boundless energy and joy, the Four of Disks channels this vitality into focused and disciplined action. This connection reinforces the idea that material success must be a stepping stone for greater spiritual exploration rather than an endpoint.

Integration with The Great Work

The Four of Disks plays a pivotal role in The Great Work by reminding us of the importance of structure, discipline, and groundedness in the alchemical process of self-transformation. It embodies the Nigredo phase’s foundational work while pointing toward the need to remain adaptable as we move toward purification and enlightenment. This card encourages us to balance the material and the spiritual, using the stability of the physical world as a springboard for higher aspirations.

In its connection to other cards, the Four of Disks provides context for the broader journey of transformation, showing how themes of stability, control, and adaptability recur throughout the tarot. By working with its lessons, we can learn to establish firm boundaries and consolidate our efforts, creating a foundation that supports not just material success but profound spiritual growth. Whether as a guide, a challenge, or a mirror, the Four of Disks reminds us that true power comes from the harmonious balance of stability and flow.

Journal Prompts

What areas of your life feel secure and stable, and how do these foundations support your personal growth?

Are there places in your life where you’ve built walls too high, preventing you from exploring new opportunities?

What does “power” mean to you, and how do you use or manage the power you currently have?

In what ways do you maintain boundaries, and are these boundaries serving you or holding you back?

How do you balance the need for security with the willingness to take risks and grow?

Where in your life are you holding onto control too tightly, and what might happen if you loosened your grip?

Reflect on your relationship with material wealth and possessions. Do they empower you, or do they create fear of loss?

What steps can you take to ground yourself and create more stability in your daily life?

When you think about your accomplishments, do you feel gratitude and pride, or do you focus on what’s missing?

How can you use the resources and foundations you’ve built to benefit not only yourself but others around you?

Takeaways

The Four of Disks represents the archetype of The Builder, a figure who brings stability, structure, and security into the material world. It symbolizes the power of consolidation and the importance of establishing firm boundaries to protect one’s achievements. However, this archetype goes beyond simple material success, reminding us that true mastery lies in balancing control with flexibility. By creating a strong foundation, The Builder archetype enables growth and transformation, forming a secure base from which one can reach new heights. It holds immense transformative potential when approached with mindfulness and a willingness to adapt.

As part of the journey through The Great Work, the Four of Disks aligns with the Nigredo phase, where grounding and structure are essential to navigate the uncertainties of spiritual transformation. This card reminds us that spiritual growth begins in the material world, where stability and discipline are cultivated to support deeper exploration. Yet, it also challenges us to avoid becoming overly attached to security or control, encouraging us to remain open to change. The Four of Disks serves as both a tool and a checkpoint in the alchemical process, asking us to reflect on whether our boundaries and foundations empower or constrain us.

Readers are encouraged to engage actively with the Four of Disks by reflecting on their relationship with control, security, and material success. Journaling, meditation, and practical actions—such as decluttering, grounding exercises, or reassessing personal boundaries—can help bring this archetype to life. By integrating its lessons, individuals can create a balanced approach to power and stability, using their resources to foster not just personal growth but also generosity and connection with others. This card reminds us that while walls can protect us, they must also have gates to let life flow in and out.

This template for understanding the Four of Disks can be applied to any tarot card, blending archetypal wisdom with the journey of spiritual alchemy. By exploring each card’s role in personal transformation, readers gain deeper insight into their own journey and practical ways to embody the card’s energy. The Four of Disks, with its focus on grounded stability and the dynamic interplay of structure and flow, offers a valuable lesson in mastering the balance between creating security and embracing change—an essential step in the Great Work of self-realization.