Four Symbols; four images
In Chinese cosmology and East Asian philosophy, the four mythical creatures associated with the cardinal directions: Azure Dragon (east), Vermilion Bird (south), White Tiger (west), and Black Tortoise (north). Also used in I Ching and other divination contexts to refer to four emblematic phases or phenomena.
The Four Symbols refer to the four guardian deities: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise.
易経では、四象は太極から生じる四つの基本パターンとされる。
In the I Ching, the Four Images are considered the four basic patterns arising from the Supreme Ultimate.