Temperance

General

Temperance represents equilibrium and it can sometimes mean contentment. But I often associate Temperance with healing – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing. In traditional tarot, an angel has one foot in the water and the other on dry land. Representing how it balances between the subconscious and the material world. The mixing of the cups represents the super and subconscious minds, and the water flowing between them suggests union and infinity. The Temperance card can sometimes represent taking a moderate and balanced approach, also a slow approach (which means you may need to be patient with how things play out in the future). Temperance reminds us that extremity in the situation is to be avoided.

Upright

Receiving Temperance in a love reading may mean that you would have to be patient with your love or with love in general. There is a need to think about what you want from love and to have a clear understanding of what you would like from love and who you want as your partner. This is about thought and introspection and ensure that you are not moving from one extreme to another.

When it comes to career and finances, Temperance predicts an end to worries and stress in your career. This could also mean that everything remains the same in your work life too. In order to be successful, you got to be patient and take a moderate approach. There is also a need to be diligent and save slowly and steadily.

Reversed

When Temperance is in reversed, something is out of balance and this is causing a bit of stress and anxiety. You may have to check other cards or pick a clarifier to see what imbalances there are. In love, you may be going to extremes for love and you may be a little impatient. And this all or nothing mindset may not be beneficial to your relationship.

In career and finance, there is a work-life imbalance and you may be putting in too much time into your career. There is a need also to balance long term needs with short term finances, and work on spending on the right things i.e. spend on things that will bring you long term satisfaction instead of short term happiness.

Astrological Associations

Temperance is represented by Sagittarius. Sagittarius is a centaur in Greek mythology, and they are known for being a healer and a being of higher intelligence. These are traits that Temperance would like you to embody. Sagittarius, like many meanings of Temperance, strive for an enlightened state of being and exploring the physical world as well as philosophies and new ideas. In traditional tarot, the angel has one foot in the water and one foot on land, and like Sagittarius, the angel travels from one dimension to another and shows that great wisdom comes from striking balance. This angel goes on a spiritual journey whilst at the same time is keeping one foot planted firmly in reality.