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.
In the I Ching, the Four Images are considered the four basic patterns arising from the Supreme Ultimate.
From Chinese 四象 (sì xiàng), literally 'four images'. The term is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy, with no native Japanese etymology.