The Angel Number 4 Is Basically Your Ancestors Giving You a Supportive Hug

Read on for a definition of angel numbers, what the angel number 4 means and how it relates to your life, and a couple of places where you might want to be open to spotting angel numbers.

What are angel numbers?

Before we get into what, exactly, angel number 4 means, let’s do a quick recap of what angel numbers are in general. First and most importantly, they’re a sequence of repeating numbers (like the 1144 angel number) or a sequence of numbers in order (like angel number 4321) that you observe while you’re going about your life.

Angel numbers might just seem like a simple number sequence, but Jasmine Wolfe, a numerologist, astrologer, and tarot reader based in California, says they’re also representative of something much bigger, spiritually speaking—at least if you’re open to them and know where to look. “They’re a message from a loved one who's passed, a spirit guide, the Universe, or whatever you align your spiritual beliefs to,” she says.

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Whether you believe in ancestor support, angelic messages in a traditional sense, or psychic messages, if you want to ascertain the message angel numbers have to offer, it’s key to note that you can’t do so without looking within, says Wolfe. For that reason, she adds that the key to decoding angel numbers is trusting yourself and your intuition. “I always tell people, ‘If it feels like a sign, it is one.’" (Read: pretty much every time you see a recurring number, you should take that as a sign.)

What is the meaning of angel number 4?

According to Wolfe, when you see the angel number 4, you should take it as a note from your ancestors that you are safe, supported, and stable.

“Think of four walls in a room or four legs on a chair,” says Wolfe. “[Four] is the number of support and stability, so it's about rooting down and taking care of yourself and your life.” One way to do that, Wolfe adds, is to take the message from the angel number 4 and use it as a guide to the “four different areas of stability: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.” (Sound familiar?) This practice will help you make sure that you’re taking care of all aspects of your health and that you get back on the right track when you’re not.

For instance, if you check the clock and see it’s 4:44 or are walking down the block and see a building with the street number 444, you might want to ask yourself whether or not you’re getting enough movement (walking a mile a day can make a big difference); how you’re feeling emotionally (are you happy, sad, tired? What’s making you feel that way and what can you do about it?); if you’re keeping up with your mental health practices (which might be journaling or meditating); and how you’re taking care of your spiritual health. Because of the ostensible million things you might be doing at a given time, it’s possible you’re not always 100 percent in tune with yourself, your spirit, or your body, which is why you stand to benefit from being open to cosmic signs like angel numbers.

And, because angel numbers are primarily ways to receive ancestral blessings or spiritual guidance from your loved ones who’ve moved on, any time you see a repetition of the angel number 4—like the number 44 or the time 4:44—Wolfe says “it is a message for us to receive. It is a message from someone or somewhere else.” As its name suggests, there’s something otherworldly about seeing an angel number, but what does that cosmic note mean, exactly? What is the message of the angel number 4?

“Any time you see repeating fours, it is a message letting you know that in this moment you are fully supported and safe,” says Wolfe, adding that you’d want to be particularly open to this message if you’re “going skydiving, quitting your job, or on a day that simply feels a bit more grey than the day before.”

That’s not all. Angel number 4 is also related to building solid foundations. “It's whispering to put the hard work in and the rewards will follow,” says Joy Woodward, numerologist and the author of A Beginner’s Guide to Numerology. “Think of the four as a celestial reminder to keep grounded while reaching for the stars.”

Something to keep in mind is that in terms of numerology insights, Wolfe says that the number four delineates something different than its angel number counterpart. “While the number four in a numerology reading might prompt us to take care of our own stability, angel number 4 is a message from the universe that we are safe.”

What is the meaning of angel number 444?

Knowing that the number four represents a strong foundation and an overall sense of security, it’s not surprising that angel number 444 is regarded as the angel number of protection.

Where some think of this as a shield against all evil, others think about it more linearly. Specifically, Vannessa Williams, the numerologist, astrologist, and tarot reader behind Beyond Your Sun Sign, says that it offers protection so that we’re able to focus on our foundation and go about our lives without fear or all-consuming worry. “We are unable to freely express ourselves without a solid foundation and angel number 444 reminds us of that,” she explains.

In that way, Woodward shares that she’s always considered angel number 444 to be a reassuring hug from the universe. It’s as if your angels are telling you they’ve got your back while simultaneously assuring you that you’ve got this; keep going. “The number 4 offers a strong foundation to build your dreams upon,” Woodward adds, urging us to practice gratitude and to be unafraid to ask for angelic messages of divine guidance and support.

What to do if you see angel number 4

If you allow it, seeing the angel number 4 can encourage you to lean into the things that make you feel most stable and secure, knowing all the while that the universe is on your side. In that sense, Williams says to think of it as a green light to move forth and create.

“[Four] is the number of support and stability, so it's about rooting down and taking care of yourself and your life,” says Wolfe, noting that one way to do so is by honing in on the four areas of stability in your own life: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Perhaps you’ve been feeling inspired but hesitant (even slightly discouraged) to begin a new workout routine, sign up for therapy, buy that new journal and jot down your thoughts, or lean into a meditation or yoga practice to tune into yourself. If you keep seeing fours, take it as a sign that you are, and you will be, safe exploring these stabilizing practices.

Not seeing angel numbers yet? Here’s where to look

Sometimes, we can’t find what we’re looking for unless we know where to look. That’s why it could be helpful to know some places you can be looking for these angel numbers, aka signs from the universe, your ancestors, or whomever might be trying to communicate with you. The ones you might’ve thought of are when you look at a calendar, when you check the time, and when you’re pulling up at an address.

You might also find the angel number 4 as you’re reading a book (like realizing you’re on the 44th page), when you’re paying for your chai latte at the coffee shop and your total is $4.44, or in phone numbers that have repeated sequences of the digit.

All of that said, is there a reason why we might be seeing the angel number 4 more frequently than any others? According to Wolfe, number 4 symbolism is appearing to you for a reason.

“We might be sent the angel number 444 because we are on the precipice of taking a leap of faith in our life and someone from the other side is trying to let us know that it is safe for us to do so,” says Wolfe. Considering that this article has a sequence of 4 at least a dozen times, consider this your sign from the universe that you’re safe and supported.

Frequently asked questions about angel number 4

What's the history of the number 4?

The origin of angel numbers can be traced back thousands of years to Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher and mathematician who established the foundational principles of numerology. But there’s more to learn about number 4 symbolism in particular. According to Britannica, it's "the number of order in the universe” with four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter), four compass points (north, south, east, and west) and even four primary moon phases (new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter).

What does the number 4 represent in numerology?

In terms of numerology insights and number 4 symbolism, Woodward says she likes to think of the number four as a cosmic architect. “The four is about foundation, opportunity, structure, organization, and taking care of details,” she says. “It’s the master planner of the numerology realm, encouraging us to create a sturdy framework for success.”

What's the biblical meaning of the number 4?

While angel numbers aren't biblical, the number four can be seen as a biblical number for Christians. The biblical number 4 may represent “completeness,” as according to the Bible, on day four of the seven days of the creation of the world, God completed the material universe—the sun, moon, stars, and beyond. If you’re religious or believe in angelic messages, seeing the biblical number 4 could be a message from God to determine what's missing from your life in order to make it feel more complete, or to finally complete something you've been meaning to in order to take the next step on your spiritual path.

What does number 4 mean spiritually?

In terms of spiritual guidance, Woodward says seeing the angel number 4 means it’s time to release control and trust the divine. “Anything forced under this energy will backfire. You are being asked to step into the flow,” she says. “From a spiritual angle, it’s asking you to trust your angels and guides and know there are unseen forces at work. True soul evolution comes through consistency and disciplined practices.”

What does the angel number 4 mean in love/relationships?

Is your relationship starting to feel a bit like a job? While Woodward says angel number 4 shines a spotlight on stability in relationships, seeing it may be a sign to start spicing things up. “Four suggests there is a practical approach or arrangement in this relationship. The four in love will insist on a solid foundation of trust, respect, and communication,” she says. “With the four in romance, remember to schedule in some fun. It's time to give your love life some cosmic TLC.”

What does angel number 4 mean in terms of money?

Woodward says when four shows up in your financial realm, it’s like having a super-wise cosmic accountant. “This number needs to feel financially secure,” she says. “It loves a spreadsheet, well-structured budget, and steady investments. Practical and necessary spending is the comfort zone. Saving is more important than spending.”

What is angel number 4’s meaning for twin flames?

Curious about twin flame numbers and how angel number 4 comes into the picture? Your twin flame is someone who you're so similar to that they can be seen as a spiritual mirror. In that mirror, you see not only your strengths, but also things you may not enjoy thinking about (like your past struggles and trauma). “This relationship is meant to bring your soul and this other soul into oneness or wholeness,” Shannon Kaiser, life coach and author of Return to You, previously told Well+Good.

Twin flame numbers are angel numbers that have specific meanings for twin flames. “Angel number 4 will have you building a strong bond but will likely lack romance. When four shows up in a twin flame connection, it can forecast a celestial storm,” says Woodward. “You will learn the importance of foundation, and learn that control has no place in a cosmically arranged connection. Guard against this relationship becoming all business.”

What does the angel number 4 manifest?

According to Woodward, angel number 4 has incredible visionary insights. “This is the ‘build it and they will come’ energy,” she says. It’s a number that brings dreams into reality—but with a catch. “[That’s] only if you're willing to put in the cosmic sweat equity,” she adds. “Manifestation under the four is built from a practical but grand vision.”

What is the superstition about the number 4?

While the number four is generally said to bring on all good things like ancestral blessings and encouragement, Novalee Wilder, a numerologist and author of A Little Bit of Numerology, notes that there are some negative numerology insights to be aware of. “Four is considered unlucky in East Asian cultures, as the pronunciation of the number is very close to the word for ‘death’ in many Asian languages,” she says. “This means that there will be no room number four, menu item four, and so on.”

What is the significance of the date 4/4?

Knowing that the number four is all about protection, safety, and ancestor support, the date April 4 (4/4) is a time when people may feel more eager to explore new ventures, for they know the universe has their back. Need proof? On 4/4/1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft, a first-of-its-kind tech company that we all know today as a leader in computer technology. The universe certainly had their back.

What other angel numbers are there?

Angel numbers allow you to receive ancestral blessings, and with angel number 4 being the number of support and stability, seeing it really can feel like getting a big hug from your past. But there are other powerful angel numbers to be aware of that can positively impact your life as well.

For example, angel number 111 tells you when it's time to take action, angel number 222 is about balance and harmony, angel number 333 is a positive omen, angel number 555 signifies a much-needed life change, and angel number 888 represents abundance, karma, and power. There's also number sequences (like the 1234 angel number, which could signal career progress) and lesser-known angel numbers to be aware of that don’t get the attention they deserve (like 72, 1313, and 911).

In addition, don’t forget to pay attention to dates (for starters, think of 11/11 and the luck that it’s said to signify) and times on the clock, as they hold significant meanings as well. There’s always more we can learn—you just have to be open to the messages the universe is trying to send you.