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.  Swords represent reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air.  Traditionally this card symbolizes a need to withdraw oneself and recharge your batteries.  The 4 of Swords can represent acting on what you think; publicly manifesting your philosophy and communicating your point of view.  It can indicate explaining an idea, saying what you think or writing what you've outlined.  Or perhaps you are acting out the lifestyle or schedule that you've envisioned and planned.

Gail Fairfield - "You're privately manifesting your philosophy.  You're taking quiet action based on your attitudes, opinions, and beliefs.  You are having internal conversations with parts of yourself.  Or, you could be talking about someone behind her back!  The communication that's happening is not public."

Tonight when I was chatting with my husband about our favorite foods.  He suggested several items that I tend to eat on a regular basis but I replied that I didn't like those things.  When he asked me why I keep eating them I had to stop for a minute.  I had no idea.  It struck me like a lightning bolt that this is part of my challenge when it comes to food.  I eat foods that I don't really love because they're convenient or easy.  I realize this is what  nutritionists are continuously warning us about, but this was a real wake-up call for me.  

The fact that the figure on the Jane Austen 4 of Quills (Marianne from Sense and Sensibility) looks like she is recovering from an illness is quite telling.  If I want to get better control over my diabetes, perhaps even get myself off meds altogether, then I need to start paying attention to these things.  I am a great information gatherer - I will read book after book after book about eating right, healthy cooking and the like, but somehow I never manage to implement all this wonderful information.  The 4 of Swords may be telling me that it's time to stop goofing off and start doing something with this information.  It does me no good at all if it is all in my head.  I have to start making use of this knowledge or what's the point of acquiring it.  It's like acquiring wealth and hoarding it all to myself rather than using it to help enrich the lives of others.  I'm not altruistic enough to imply that if I were rich I'd give all the money away, but I would certainly use some of it for philanthropic purposes. What could be more philanthropic than learning to help heal myself?  After all once I learn it perhaps I could help others in similar situations.