Temperance
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:Sagittarius
- Arcana:Major Arcana
- Suit:Trump
- Archetype:The Mediator
- Numerology:14 = 1 + 4 = 5 (catalyst, instability, confrontation)
- Hebrew Alphabet:Samekh/Foundation/60
Keywords
Description
A winged angel, with the sign of the sun upon his forehead and on his breast the square and triangle of the septenary. I speak of him in the masculine sense, but the figure is neither male nor female. It is held to be pouring the essences of life from chalice to chalice. It has one foot upon the earth and one upon waters, thus illustrating the nature of the essences. A direct path goes up to certain heights on the verge of the horizon, and above there is a great light, through which a crown is seen vaguely. Hereof is some part of the Secret of Eternal Life, as it is possible to man in his incarnation. All the conventional emblems are renounced herein. So also are the conventional meanings, which refer to changes in the seasons, perpetual movement of life and even the combination of ideas. It is, moreover, untrue to say that the figure symbolizes the genius of the sun, though it is the analogy of solar light, realized in the third part of our human triplicity. It is called Temperance fantastically, because, when the rule of it obtains in our consciousness, it tempers, combines and harmonises the psychic and material natures. Under that rule we know in our rational part something of whence we came and whither we are going.
Light Meaning
- Bringing opposites together
- Moderating your actions or emotions
- Finding middle ground
- Reaching compromises
- Synthesizing solutions that please everyone involved
- Using the old to make something new
Shadow Meaning
- Going to extremes
- Disrupting group efforts
- Ignoring healthy approaches to life
- Becoming an addict
- Practicing gluttony
- Tearing something or someone apart
- Breaking alliances
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How can I avoid extremes?
- •What does everyone involved have in common?
- •How might combining familiar things help me create something new?
Personal Meaning
Moderation is called for. Seek balance between extremes. Rather than try to manipulate your environment, center yourself and restore calm within so that you might gain better perspective. Harmony.
You felt a need for balance, harmony and integration.
Moderation is called for. Seek balance between extremes. Rather than try to manipulate your environment, center yourself and restore calm within so that you might gain better perspective. Harmony.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Do not yourself into believing that you are creating harmony or balance. It might be necessary to bring painful issues into the open and deal with them in order to achieve true harmony.
You may have tried to keep the peace regardless of the cost. You may have fooled yourself into believing that you were creating harmony or balance by sweeping issues and feelings under the carpet.
You might be trying to keep the peace regardless of the cost. Examine your motives. Are you afraid of confrontation? How is your peace keeping affecting your own sense of well-being? You might be fooling yourself into believing that you are creating harmony or balance. It might be necessary to bring painful issues into the open and deal with them in order to achieve true harmony.
Fortune Telling
- •Someone's using drugs or alcohol to excess
- •It's time to get back on that diet
Mythical / Spiritual Context
The angel seen here may be the goddess Iris. By extension, priests, priesthoods, or the transfigured Christ.
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.