The number 4 represents stability, practical attainment, and dependability.  It represents manifesting plans into reality; making your dreams come true.  Wands are usually associated with the element of fire, inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life".  They can refer to the growth and awareness of the self.  Wands are focused on discovering your true self, apart from others.  The 4 of Wands can also indicate that now is the time to act on your sense of direction and knowing who you are.  This is your chance to publicly claim your identity and manifest this identity with the public.  You are making a clear statement about who you are.

The only thing I'm manifesting or attaining today is a sick day.  My right eye is irritated, my throat is scratchy and my chest is getting congested.  This sucks.  I do not like actually being sick, although I have no objection to sick days.  I'm definitely coming down with something.  I actually feel sort of like the hand reaching out from something shown on the upper left hand corner of the Voyager 4 of Wands.  I feel like I'm drowning in cooties and I need to get out from under. 

Of course part of the challenge facing me right now in general is to free my true self from layers and years of survival.  I have become so good at adapting to whatever the situation throws at me, that I've lost sight of what I really want to do.  When I first started working at this agency it was because I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to work with kids.  Over the years, through coincidence, hard work and good timing I have been promoted and transferred to a point where I have very little interaction with the kids anymore.  So I try to find value in providing training to staff.  I truly enjoy it and feel rewarded by the feedback I receive from them.  I want to give them the types of workshops and topics that will help make them feel more competent at their jobs and revitalize their enthusiasm for this work.  And I know I can do that but to some degree that's out of my control now.

Looking at the imagery on the Voyager 4 of Wands I was struck by how they all seemed to symbolize a protest, a willingness to stand up for what is right.  The Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument, what appear to be a raised gauntleted hand.  To me, they all represent the human desire to protect others and do what is right.  They represent what is best in human nature - a combination of stability and strength, passion and determination.  Even on the more traditional image shown on the Hoi Polloi I get a sense of stability and excitement, passion and solidity.  Perhaps in order for a relationship or a partnership or a creative energy to be truly fulfilling it need to be grounded on a base of stability.  All good relationships must eventually move beyond being just about passion to a place of solidity and dependability.  Maybe that is what makes a relationship last beyond "the honeymoon phase" - a willingness to tough it out even when the passion starts to die down.  I am very lucky to have that in my life.  And on days like this when I'm feeling crappy I appreciate that reliability and dependability even more.