Book Club and a Half: The number 4.

In The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis, the number becomes a powerful framework for understanding and embodying essential truths about human existence. Why four? Why not three or five? In both books, the use of four is not incidental; it reflects a natural order, a spiritual structure that resonates deeply with how we experience life. 

The Symbolism of Four Across Cultures

The number four is often seen as a representation of wholeness and universality. Consider its presence in nature: North, East, South and West guide our journeys and frame our sense of place. We also have the four seasons, marking the rhythm of life, and symbolising cycles of growth, rest, and renewal. And of course, there are the four elements which are the building blocks of existence, representing balance and harmony in the natural world. In sacred geometry, the square, a shape with four equal sides, represents groundedness and order.

The Four Agreements

In Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, the number four serves as a structure for transformation. Each agreement is a pillar, supporting the foundation of a liberated and authentic life. Together, they form a complete system that addresses the mind, emotions, relationships, and actions:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word focuses on communication and integrity.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally liberates us from emotional entanglement.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions fosters clarity and connection.
4. Always Do Your Best provides a compassionate anchor for all our efforts.

Each agreement contributes to a holistic spiritual practice, much like the four legs of a table. If one is missing, the structure wobbles.

The Four Loves

In C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves, the number four reflects the diverse ways in which we experience and express love. Lewis identifies four distinct yet interconnected forms of love, each revealing a different dimension of human relationships:

1. Affection represents the natural love shared within families and close bonds.
2. Friendship speaks to the deep, chosen connection between kindred spirits.
3. Romantic Love captures the passion and longing of romantic relationships.
4. Divine Love transcends the others, embodying selfless, unconditional love.

Lewis’s four loves mirror the spiritual and emotional balance found in The Four Agreements. Together, they create a full picture of what it means to live meaningfully and relationally in the world.

Four, the way to wholeness.

Both The Four Agreements and The Four Loves recognize that human life is multifaceted. Growth is not one-dimensional but requires balance and attention to all aspects of our being. The frameworks they provide help us cultivate a sense of harmony within ourselves and with others. For example, if we find our relationships strained, Lewis’s four loves guide us toward understanding the different dynamics at play. If we feel disconnected from our purpose, Ruiz’s four agreements offer clarity on how to live authentically.

Four matters

The use of four in The Four Agreements and The Four Loves is not a mistake. It mirrors the natural rhythms and spiritual truths that surround us. It reminds us that life is a tapestry of interconnected parts, each contributing to the whole.

May these teachings guide you on your journey toward spiritual freedom and deeper connection. And may the treasures of the earth, like the crystals at Golden Earth Jewellery, serve as gentle companions on your path to wholeness.