Four Winds: The Name

Harnessing Power & Strength

Throughout the history of civilization the element of wind has been used as a symbol representing adversity, power, change, and human interaction with the natural world. This archetype has been used in Greek Mythology, such as the four winds, Boreas (Wind God of the North), Notus (Wind God of the South), Eurus(Wind God of the East), and Zephyrus (Wind God of the West), that were immortal gods frequently referenced in Homer’s Odyssey.   In the epic, the clashing of these four winds instigated violent storms that nearly killed young Odysseus, but in the end, these same winds provided the direction that eventually led the hero on his journey home, much like the four winds that lifted Zeus and his chariot, leading him to immortality.  

Embracing the Elements of Change

Similar references to the four winds are found in Hindu, Japanese, Chinese, Christian,Tibetan, and Medieval cultural mythologies.    Drawings left behind by Native American tribes often depict the four winds as symbols of change, with each one associated with the four seasons that were of central importance to their culture and way of life, particularly for the more nomadic tribes.  

 

Navigating their Direction

Here in New England, the powerful force of the wind has over many years shaped the topography of the region, making this part of the country less conducive to farming.  Anyone who has ever seen the beautiful yet ever-changing sand dunes of Cape Cod, has witnessed the ability of wind to erode and dramatically change landscapes.   The influence that wind has had on this region can be directly linked to our history, as our ancestors tended to earn a living, not as farmers or hunters, but instead as fishermen, which is why the whaling and shipbuilding industries were so prevalent in New England in colonial years.  New Englanders embraced the power of wind as it powered the vessels that supported their livelihood, and the more successful mariners were those that learned to navigate the winds, study their patterns, and identify the signals of impending danger beyond the horizon.  However the wisest of the seamen had a deep respect for the vagaries of weather patterns, and were humbled by the uncertainty and immense power of these natural elements.  These men spent time studying and navigating, but spent much greater effort ensuring that they were properly prepared for the journey, reinforcing their hulls, and sails.

Preparing for Adversity & Uncertainty

The four winds, much like the investment markets, represent a perpetual driving force that can be harnessed to move us toward our destination, but like the devastation of hurricane or storm, can take us way off course.  As fiduciaries of your assets, our goal and promise to our clients is to study, navigate, and ensure that that we are always moving in the right direction to accomplish your financial goals.  But importantly, we will always have a deep appreciation for what we cannot predict, and always ensure that our vessel is prepared for the journey, so that whichever way the four winds may blow, they always lead us home.