Law of Four
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The Law of Four belongs to a group of metaphysical laws spoken of by followers of G.I. Gurdjieff. Although Gurdjieff himself usually spoke of the Law of Three and Law of Seven most often, some of the adherents of his philosophy believe the indications of a fourfold law could be found in his references to four types of dance movements and four levels of consciousness. The Emin Society, a Gurdjieff based offshoot, teach a Law of Four related to the four elements and four humours of alchemy.
[edit] Four states of consciousness
1. Sleep — Including dreaming, this state corresponds to Earth Level on the Ray of Creation. (Modern science recognizes dreaming and sleep as distinct states of consciousness whereas Fourth Way theory does not.)
2. Waking Sleep — Not unlike a state of hypnosis. The Center of Gravity remains in the one of the Lower or False Centers. The vast majority of adult humans (Man Number One, Two and Three reside in this state during their waking hours.
3. Self-Remembering or Self-Consciousness — In this state, the Center of Gravity has moved to the True or Higher Emotional Centre. The person understands themselves and can look at themselves objectively. The normal state of Man Number Five. It state corresponds to Sun Level on the Ray of Creation.
4. Objective Consciousness — Center of Gravity has shifted to the Higher or True Intellectual Center and the person regards both themselves and the world with honesty. The normal state of Man Number Six, it corresponds to the All Suns Level on the Ray of Creation.
