Four Winds 4-Card Layout
This spread lends itself to examining a specific issue or problem that's troubling you. As you read each card, be mindful of which wind position the card occupies. Consider the energies of that wind, in light of the card and positional definition.
The South Wind represents fire, passion, and action.
The West Wind represents your emotions and emotional investment.
The North Wind represents the seed of all knowledge. It is grounding, balance, and focus.
The East Wind represents the start of manifestation; the mental ability and agility to grasp understanding and act (or not) upon it.
Interpretation
Shuffle the cards and fan them out in front you, face down.
Draw the first card and place it face-down in the "Card 1" position.
Draw the second card and place it face-down in the "Card 2" position.
Draw the third card and place it face-down in the "Card 3" position.
Draw the fourth card and place it face-down in the "Card 4" position.
Turn the cards face up one at a time, as you initially interpret each.
Card 1 - Represents what you need to leave behind you.
Card 2 - Represents what you must confront.
Card 3 - Represents what you need to know.
Card 4 - Represents what you attain after you have worked through the situation.
Now look at the cards as a whole, and also in pairs, should they naturally fit that way. In this manner, you can deepen your interpretation of what they're telling you.