- 4 Swords: "Do not disturb".
This is what I do whenever I feel overly stressed out by work: I stay home, switch off the phones, ignore the doorbell and just enjoy the silence, my time, my space... If I did not do this periodically, I am not sure I could go back out into the world and still function.
- 4 Cups: "Boooriiing...".
This the typical "I'm feed up with everything" mood. One of those days when you find nothing to interest you, no way you want to while your time away, cannot concentrate on anything.
- 4 Pentacles: "You cannot touch me: I am protected on all sides".
Even though this image could instantly remind us of a thrifty person, I believe it goes beyond hoarding money or goods. To me it means more the way I tend to acquire all those things that give me a sense of security, namely a good, reliable job with enough income and a little to spare just in case, a good, solid house in a safe neighbourhood (those would be the pentacles under the feet, or the most basic necessities covered). Then we also "cover our heart" by surrounding ourselves with people who love and care about us, supplying emotional security. And the last one is very important too, once the others are covered: it can mean aspirations, learning, curiosity, knowledge, spiritualiy... Basically, keeping our minds alive and going while we still have goals to attain.
- 4 Wands: "Come join the party! Time to celebrate!"
This card tells me less than others. I see joy and celebration, but in a limited moment, like a wedding, festivity or so. Like a rest everyone takes from usual labor, letting their hair down a bit before going back to routine again.
Robin Wood's 4 of wands looks like a joyful country wedding. It would look good on a reading about the possibility of a future relationship, together with some more permanent ones.
Ancestral Path's 4 of Cups seems to be considering at least one of his options a bit more than others, but still does not seem too inclined to go for it. Not enough to entice him, perhaps?
Robin Wood's 4 of swords (hard to see the swords here, maybe that is why I like it better) looks more peaceful, less stony or cold, as some of you were saying about RW's. The coffin is out under the trees in a pleasant starry night. Like Sleeping Beauty, there is a good chance someone will come along to break the enchantment.