Temperance | Symbology & Interpretations | Tarot Card Meanings

Temperance symbolises the art of strategic foresight and the virtue of enduring patience. It acts as a counterbalance to the excesses that may overwhelm your life. Infused with the dynamic energy of Sagittarius, this card illustrates the harmonious blend of masculine and feminine energies.

It advocates for a measured pace and restraint, highlighting the value of perseverance. Rather than hastily discarding your efforts, nurture what you've begun to construct.

Temperance Tarot Card

Temperance encompasses themes of moderation, balance, patience, and harmony, urging individuals to navigate life with measured restraint and careful consideration, fostering equilibrium in both actions and emotions.

Temperance Keywords

Upright Keywords	Reversed Keywords
Balance, moderation, patience, calmness, middle road, alchemy, healing, life purpose, harmony, perspective, flexibility, planning	Overindulgence, imbalance, impatience, lack of moderation, recuperation, ungrounded, lack of calmness, health, extreme

Imagery & Symbolism

The imagery of the Temperance card in tarot typically features an angelic figure pouring liquid from one container to another. The figure is often depicted with one foot on solid ground and the other in a body of water, symbolising the harmonious balance between the material and emotional aspects of life.

The liquid being poured flows in a continuous, balanced stream, illustrating the importance of moderation and blending opposing forces. The background often includes a path or landscape, reinforcing the idea of a journey toward balance and harmony.

Temperance Tarot Card

Water: The water is relaxed and steady, which symbolises calmness and contentment.

Archangel Gabriel: Gabriel is known as the messenger of God.

Cups Flowing with Water: This symbolises the flow and alchemy of the emotional self and is symbolic of life.

Crown at the End of the Path: This is symbolic of the attainment and mastery of a goal.

Feet: One foot in water and one foot on the earth suggests the connection between the spirit world and the natural world.

Yellow Irises: Symbolises a connection to the divine, happiness, and optimism.

Halo: The halo is seen glowing around the character's head - this is symbolic of spirituality, enlightenment, and divine intervention.

Temperance Tarot Card Meanings

UPRIGHT

When Temperance appears in a general reading, you must see things from the long-term perspective and teaching and learning will be important whilst focusing on goals. This is a card to suggest that healing is needed, and you may also need to consider your health.

As a card of balance and moderation, you must take the middle path in situations to make sure you are having a fine equilibrium. Temperance is typically seen as a positive card, particularly when things start to come back into control and balance and return to how they once were.

REVERSED

Temperance can indicate an imbalance of energies and situations. It may be that there is a lack of control in situations that you are trying to bring back into harmony, or there could be scattered and reckless energy. In some cases, Temperance in reverse can indicate overindulgence or taking things to the extremes.

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

UPRIGHT

Temperance appearing in love and relationship readings can suggest a relationship in which you are opposites, but manage to make it work and blend. Interests may be different, but time and patience are of value in this long-term commitment. Temperance is also a card of comfort, so Temperance appearing can suggest you are stable in a love-term and comfortable relationship.

REVERSED

Temperance can indicate impatience within a relationship and a lack of balance and harmony. It may be that your and your partner's differences in lifestyles are hindering relationship progress, and are causing your relationship to fall out of harmony. Alternatively, you may be overindulging in romance and going to extremes for your partner, particularly without understanding the consequences.

CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS

UPRIGHT

In a career, job, or business reading, Temperance can indicate a need to start planning for long-term goals and career/business changes. Patience, long-term planning, and preparation are needed and it is important to learn to manage to balance your resources.

Moderation is important in your career, and you will likely make slow and steady progress. It is important to be patient and not rush into goals. A career in which patience is highly valued is also what Temperance can indicate, or a holistic healing career.

REVERSED

Temperance can indicate a work-life imbalance that is causing tension and stress to your health. You may be feeling a bit under the weather in your work environment and may be making reckless moves and decisions in your career.

FINANCES & MONEY

UPRIGHT

Temperance appearing for finances can indicate a need to balance your financial situation. It is likely that your finances right now are comfortable, and you are content with this. However, Temperance can also indicate very little change in your financial situation, and staying where it is.

If you are looking to increase your finances, it is important to not overindulge in expenses, and make long-term financial goals. This is where the lesson of Temperance will then allow you to diligently save money slowly and steadily.

REVERSED

Temperance can suggest you are struggling to balance your finances in a long-term perspective. You may be overindulging or spending an excessive amount just to satisfy your happiness in the short run.

WELLNESS

UPRIGHT

Temperance signifies a potent card of healing, indicating a restoration of equilibrium in various aspects of your life through sustained moderation in your behaviours. It underscores the significance of avoiding excessive indulgence in activities that may impede your progress. Additionally, as the card associated with the Archangels, it serves as a reassuring symbol of divine protection and guidance from your angels and spirit guides.

REVERSED

Temperance may reveal patterns of overindulgence and excessive behaviour that disrupt the delicate balance of your life, perhaps highlighting neglect in certain areas while excessively focusing on others.

Realigning this imbalance is crucial for restoring harmony. Drawing upon the support of your angels, ancestors, and spirit guides is essential during this phase. Furthermore, healing is anticipated to unfold gradually and steadily, provided actions are taken with moderation and mindfulness.

PERSONALITY & ARCHETYPES

In the realm of personality and archetypes, individuals embodying the essence of Temperance exhibit a remarkable equilibrium and a penchant for moderation in all aspects of their lives.

Temperance holds serene contentment with their current state while embracing a patient approach to progress, preferring a gradual and steady advancement rather than impulsive leaps. Their balanced nature radiates a sense of inner peace and fulfilment, inspiring others with their measured demeanour and harmonious outlook on life.

POSITIVES & ADVANTAGES

Temperance embodies profound spiritual healing, wisdom, and empowerment, offering a pathway to significant growth and advancement. Embracing its guidance leads to transformative outcomes, albeit unfolding gradually and with divine timing. Remaining grounded and protected ensures a journey of enlightenment and fulfilment.

NEGATIVES & DISADVANTAGES

The Temperance card warns of potential disharmony and conflicts arising from conflicting interests among individuals. It cautions against the pitfalls of immoderation and overindulgence, which can lead to disruptive consequences.

Furthermore, it highlights the dangers of short-sightedness and impatience, hindering the ability to perceive and pursue long-term goals effectively.