The number 4 symbolizes earthly reality, basic structure and orientation, and stability - think of the 4 seasons, 4 directions and 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water.  Traditionally this card symbolizes a need to withdraw oneself and recharge your batteries.  Swords represent reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air.  The 4 of Swords reversed can represent privately manifesting your philosophy; taking quiet action based on your attitudes, opinions, and beliefs; having internal conversations with parts of yourself.  The communication happening is not public.

The image on the Olympus card represents King Midas.  I'm not quite sure how this fits in with the 4 of Swords but perhaps the connection lies in the fact that by touching people, Midas puts them in a permanent state of "rest".  I've always wondered if there was a chance of transforming his victims back into their human form.  I don't recall the myths addressing this but maybe this card is a reminder that there can be too much a good thing; that rest does not mean permanent and total withdrawal from the world.

This may be a warning to me.  Right now my inclination is absolutely to withdraw from everything.  I feel like I want to be a turtle retreating into my shell.  Temporary retreat will be very healing and helpful to me right now.  A permanent retreat will ultimately serve no useful purpose.

The mountain goat on the Animal Lords 4 of Swords looks very spiritual - as though he has gone to the top of a mountain to meditate and seek spiritual guidance and comfort.  He is on a retreat for his soul - not hiding but seeking.  That is what I need to keep in mind for myself right now.

This current situation is an opportunity to look deep within myself and see what I really want to do with my life.  Do I want to continue in nonprofit?  Do I want to start my own business?  Do I want to sell Avon?  I don't know yet but I can use this time to find out.  What I need to move beyond is the fear; fear of being unemployed forever; fear of never figuring this stuff out.

Unlike Midas, I will not become a prisoner of my own gifts.  I will not trap myself and those I love in some useful patterns that just keep me stagnant.  I will move forward and, like the mountain goat, I will use this opportunity to make changes in my life that will prove beneficial and enable me to live a more joyful, creative life.