When we get a combination of cards of the same number, we should always take into account what that specific number represents. In Tarot, 4s symbolize stability, foundations, results, but also stagnation and resistance to change. The Four of Swords represents a break, a pause, a desire to find peace of mind, while the Four of Cups is related to routine, stagnation, dissatisfaction, boredom. These two 4s together show an established situation that is difficult to change.

• The need for recovery in a familiar environment after physical or psychological pain.
• A peaceful break from the routine (i.e. attending a retreat, an ashram, a spa)
• "No news good news"
• Finding inner peace through everyday activities
• Resistance to change
• Smooth communication
• Long lasting inertia
• A lethargic state of mind
• Lazy days
• Lack of progress
• Escapism through drinking, eating
• Feelings and thoughts in alignment, but no action taken.

The elements of the cards are Air (Four of Swords) and Water (Four of Cups). Even though one would expect that the Air of the Four of Swords would attempt to disturb the tranquil lake of the Four of Cups, the meaning of the card itself (pause, break, recovery) reduces the impact that an Air card would have. So what we have here is a quiet, excessively passive situation, that looks almost lifeless. However, given that 4s indicate the middle stages of a situation/relationship/activity, the Four of Swords and Four of Cups combination rarely shows the end result of a process and more developments are likely to follow.