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Category: Major Arcana
The Temperance tarot card, positioned as the fourteenth card in the Major Arcana, serves as a guiding light on the path of balance and harmony. This card embodies the essence of blending opposites, fostering a harmonious coexistence between conflicting elements.
As we delve into the symbolism of Temperance, we uncover its wisdom about patience, moderation, and the art of finding balance amid life’s constant flux.
Temperance: Description
In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the Temperance card is a captivating illustration of divine balance and spiritual alchemy. A serene angel stands with one foot in the water and the other on the land, symbolizing the harmonious blending of the conscious and subconscious realms. While the angel’s gender is not immediately obvious, adding an element of mystery to the symbolism of the card, it’s generally considered a female.
On the angel’s robe, a visible triangle within a square serves as a symbolic representation of the holy Trinity. This sacred geometric motif alludes to the divine unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Interestingly, the concept of the Trinity is also symbolically present in the Hierophant tarot card, further emphasizing the interconnected spiritual themes woven throughout the tarot deck. However, we’ll delve deeper into this triangle later in the paragraph dedicated to the key symbols of this card.
In her hands, the angel delicately pours liquid from one cup to another, showcasing the art of moderation and the seamless integration of opposing forces. The dual cups held by the angel represent the fusion of diverse elements, often associated with the balance between the spiritual and the material aspects of life.
The wings on the angel’s back symbolize spiritual elevation and the transcendence of earthly boundaries. Meanwhile, the rays around her head, resembling sunlight, radiate a golden glow, symbolizing clarity, enlightenment, and divine blessings for those who navigate life with temperance.
To fully appreciate the nuances of the Temperance card, it is recommended for enthusiasts to acquire the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The deck’s iconic symbolism, designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of A. E. Waite, offers a rich tapestry of imagery that enhances the reader’s connection with the cards.
Moreover, exploring various tarot decks, such as the Marseille deck or the Visconti Sforza deck, can add a layer of depth to one’s understanding of the Temperance card. Comparing different decks allows seekers to immerse themselves more fully in the diverse interpretations of tarot symbolism, enriching their exploration of the spiritual and mystical realms.
Temperance: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Balance – Harmony – Moderation – Integration – Spiritual growth – Patience – Alchemy – Divine guidance – Unity – Renewal – Divine blessings – Inner peace
REVERSED: Imbalance – Disharmony – Excess – Lack of moderation – Discord – Impatience – Spiritual disconnection – Turmoil – Resistance to change – Struggle – Unsettled emotions – Blocked growth
Temperance: Meaning
This card follows the 13th arcana, the Death Tarot card, which clears away the unnecessary, creating the essential void to restore internal circulation. Now is the time for peace and well-being.
Thanks to Temperance, opposing energies no longer exist; only complementary elements remain, and the key is balance. Temperance signifies the recovery of health, emotional and mental equilibrium, and the control of passions not through repression but through sublimation.
As mentioned before, comparing cards from different decks is intriguing. Let’s explore how Jodorowsky, in his bestseller ‘The Way of Tarot,’ discusses Marseille cards. He notes that when the Temperance card is drawn – despite differences in the Rider-Waite and Marseille decks – the highlighted message applies to both:
Find the center, your vital pendulum must move away from extremes, pass through the middle way.
Fun fact: in his book, Jodorowsky emphasizes that Temperance in the Marseille deck does not have a definite article, neither masculine nor feminine. This aligns with what we mentioned about the Rider-Waite card in the description.
To learn more, you can purchase Jodorowsky’s bestseller The Way of Tarot by clicking here.
Now that we’ve discovered some fun facts and understood the general message of this card, let’s delve into the upright and reversed meanings.
Upright Meaning
In the upright position, the Temperance card radiates a profound message of balance, harmony, and moderation. It embodies a delicate equilibrium, symbolizing the coexistence of opposite forces. Temperance encourages seekers to find a middle path, fostering not just balance but a deeper spiritual growth.
This card serves as a gentle reminder to exercise patience, self-control, and moderation in actions and decisions. In a broader sense, the upright meaning of the Temperance card suggests finding a middle ground, avoiding extremes, and seeking a harmonious synthesis of conflicting aspects in life.
It may signify a period of alchemical transformation and divine guidance. The unity depicted in the card extends to the renewal of one’s being, receiving divine blessings, and attaining inner peace. In its upright state, Temperance becomes a beacon, guiding individuals toward a holistic, balanced and harmonious existence.
Reversed Meaning
In the reversed position, the Temperance card takes on a different hue, signaling a disturbance in the delicate balance it represents upright. Imbalance, disharmony, and excess become prevalent themes, disrupting the coexistence of opposing forces.
Discord may arise, causing spiritual disconnection and inner turmoil. The card warns against impatience and a lack of moderation, urging individuals to be wary of resistance to change and the resulting struggles. In this state, unsettled emotions may block personal growth, hindering the journey toward inner peace.
The reversed Temperance card serves as a cautionary note, encouraging a reevaluation of actions and decisions to realign with the principles of balance and moderation. It prompts a reflection on the need to embrace change gracefully and navigate life’s challenges with a measured approach to restore harmony within.
Temperance: Love meaning
In matters of love, the Temperance card brings a harmonious and balanced energy to relationships.
If you’re single, this card suggests that patience and a measured approach are key. Avoid rushing into things, and instead, focus on self-discovery and personal growth. The card encourages you to find the middle ground between your desires and those of your potential partner, fostering a connection built on understanding and mutual respect.
For those already in a relationship, Temperance signifies a period of harmony and unity. It’s a time to appreciate the complementary aspects of each other, allowing for a deeper emotional connection. The card emphasizes the need for open communication, patience, and compromise. As a couple, you may be entering a phase of spiritual growth together, creating a stable foundation for the relationship to thrive.
However, in the context of a reversed Temperance card, caution is advised. Imbalances or impatience may disrupt the equilibrium in relationships. It’s essential to address any discord promptly and seek compromises. Use this time as an opportunity to reflect on the need for balance and moderation in love, ensuring that both partners contribute to the relationship’s overall well-being.
Temperance: Key symbols
Within the captivating imagery of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck’s Temperance card, a tapestry of key symbols unfolds, each holding profound significance in the card’s intricate narrative.
Let’s delve into the specific symbols that adorn this mystical card, unraveling the hidden messages unique to the Rider-Waite interpretation.
Triangle within a square
At the core of the Rider-Waite Temperance card rests a symbolic triangle. This shape is intricately linked with stability and harmony and is often utilized to represent the divine trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as well as mind, body, and spirit. This geometric element acts as a visual cue: it reminds observers of the profound interconnectedness between conscious and subconscious realms.
Moreover, within the Temperance card, the triangle is depicted within a square, deepening the symbolism. The square, with its four sides, represents the four archetypal elements of alchemy – earth, water, fire, and air.
This combination of the triangle and square underscores the interconnectedness of spiritual and material realms, encouraging seekers to embrace a holistic approach to life.
The two Cups and the feet: symbols interconnected by meaning
In the Temperance card, the delicately grasped cups held by the angel carry profound symbolism. Each cup represents opposing elements, and their harmonious pouring illustrates the art of blending these forces seamlessly.
The continuous exchange of liquid between the cups symbolizes the delicate equilibrium achieved through moderation and balance. This duality extends beyond the material world, providing a glimpse into the interconnected dance of the spiritual and earthly realms. However, the connection isn’t solely between opposing elements; it also spans the conscious and the unconscious.
This connection is not only evident in the two cups but also in another crucial element of the card: the angel’s feet. One foot firmly grounds on the earth, symbolizing both the earthly realm and the conscious. In contrast, the other foot rests in the water, representing the subconscious and the spiritual realm.
This intricate connection weaves a tapestry of meaning, emphasizing the balance required not only between opposing forces but also within the realms of consciousness and spirituality.
Temperance: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
While some interpretations suggest that the Temperance tarot card – much like the Hanged Man – signifies ‘yes’ when upright and ‘no’ when reversed, it’s specified that this card is particularly attuned to intuition, allowing individuals to listen to their inner guidance.
However, Temperance delves deeper into nuanced meanings associated with balance, harmony, and moderation. It encourages a measured approach, signaling that situations may require patience and finding a middle ground. Interpretations can vary among readers, influenced by the specific context of the question.
Moreover, none of the tarot cards provide straightforward responses. Tarot serves as a captivating tool, with its true power lying in the awareness of our capacity to make choices and intervene in our lives. While the future remains uncertain and cannot be predicted with absolute certainty, our actions and choices hold the potential to influence it.
For those interested in delving further into yes or no tarot readings, click here.
