Temperance -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
14. TEMPERANCE
At a glance:
Temperance reminds us that moderation is key to achieving harmony.
Upright Keywords:
Fluidity, moderation, patience, divine timing, don’t rush the process
Reversed Keywords:
overindulgence, extremes, hastiness
Numerology:
individuality (1, The Magician) and practicality (4, The Emperor)
Temperance: Upright Meaning
The Temperance card portrays an angel delicately pouring water between two cups, positioned with one foot on land and the other immersed in water, symbolizing harmony and fluidity. The two cups signify duality and the merging of two forces. Acting as a divine intermediary, the Angel bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, guiding us towards inner harmony. The elements of water are present throughout, symbolizing our conscious and subconscious thoughts.
Temperance reminds us that moderation is key to achieving balance. Beware of being too domineering; prioritize patience and understanding in order to sustain balance of all the chaotic forces in our lives.
During The Fool's odyssey, he encounters Temperance after casting off his former identity. Here, he discovers moderation and balance. Having gone through ego-death in his previous encounter with Death (13), The Fool now faces the task of "filling in the blanks" of his new identity. Temperance aids him in building a new foundation, allowing him to decide what to 'add' or 'subtract' from his new self, much like the card's imagery of pouring water between two cups. This mirrors our own lives, where each day presents decisions on what to integrate into our daily routines. This delicate balance is key to happiness, which is why Temperance also warns against overindulgence.
Temperance, known for its layered meanings, often signifies divine timing and the virtue of patience, emphasizing that "good things take time." It doesn't offer straightforward answers but highlights the importance of fluidity. When Temperance appears in a reading, it encourages us to examine life's colored complexities and leverage this insight to shape our own destinies.
Representing the number 14, Temperance combines the energies of 1 and 4. This fusion suggests a harmonious blend of individuality (1, The Magician) and practicality (4, The Emperor), highlighting the importance of balanced decision-making and grounded action.
Love/Relationships
In matters of the heart, Temperance encourages us to find harmony and moderation in our relationships. Be cautious of becoming overbearing; instead, focus on patience and understanding. Instead of rushing the process or becoming apathetic, strive to maintain a balanced approach, allowing love to unfold naturally.
The Temperance card love meaning also advises maintaining open communication and embracing compromise can foster deeper connections and mutual understanding. Remember, relationships are like delicate blends—requiring careful attention and balance to flourish.
Money/Career
Achieving success may require a slow and steady approach, but trust that you are making progress. Avoid the temptation to overwork or sacrifice your well-being for professional gains. Strive for a healthy work-life balance, recognizing that sustainable success is built on steady, measured efforts.
Setting realistic goals and staying adaptable in your approach can help you navigate setbacks with resilience. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination, that shapes our experiences and growth.
Spiritual/Self
On a spiritual level, Temperance encourages us to find balance between our physical and spiritual selves, cultivating a deeper understanding of our innermost desires and aspirations. Life gets chaotic, and we often overindulge on unhealthy things without realizing it (think: junk food, alcohol, guilt, etc). Take a second to reflect: What is not nourishing me in the ways that I need? Where can I cut back? What must I do more of?
“Temperance, known for its layered meanings, often signifies divine timing and the virtue of patience, emphasizing that “good things take time.”
Astrology
In astrology, Temperance is often associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius. Sagittarius embodies qualities of adventure, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of wisdom. Like Temperance, Sagittarius seeks balance and harmony through exploration and expansion of the mind. Both encourage us to embrace life's journey with curiosity and openness, trusting in the transformative power of experience and self-discovery.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
When Temperance appears reversed, it serves as a gentle reminder to reassess our behaviors and habits. You may be overindulging in certain areas of our lives, whether it be food, drink, emotions, or unhealthy patterns. Avoid rushing into decisions or allowing impulsive tendencies to dictate your choices. Take a step back and reflect on the long-term effects of your actions. Remember: Balance is gained through moderation.
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CARD SUMMARY
Prioritize patience, healthy integration, and understanding in order to level out all the chaotic forces in our lives.
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