Temperance

Temperance, also known as Balance and Restraint is another card assigned the number XIV by the Major Arcana of Tarot. On it, we see a young androgynous angel who is clad in a long white robe symbolizing innocence. He is focused on holding two yellow cups in his hands and pouring water from one into the other. In the background we see a long and winding road leading to the mountains over which the sun is shining. The angel is standing on a flowery bank of water with one of his feet in it. This symbolizes the union of opposites (the visible and invisible worlds). In this card, we can also see the symbol of the Sun woven into the figure's hair, and the symbol of spirit and matter on his chest. This card in its fundamental meaning refers to finding emotional balance, but also patience and restraint in action. The person visible on Temperance has achieved this through his own wisdom, which helps him to maintain proper discipline. This card thus indicates the ability to combine opposites, but also inner harmony and peace. Temperance usually indicates a slow development of the questioned matter. This card indicates a slow progression of the questioned matter, while the achievement of the desired goal will require more time and consideration.

Temperance in an upright position indicates primarily the need to find balance and patience in the matter in question. So do not expect any significant progress or sudden events that will change your current situation. On the other hand, upright Temperance predicts a slow but systematic realization of your intentions. It is also a symbol of inner peace and harmony, so this card rarely indicates negative events. In material matters, Temperance in an upright position will therefore mean a balancing of income and expenditure. Similarly, in health matters the card itself will encourage you to exercise restraint and take special care in matters of balanced nutrition. Temperance in an upright position is very often associated with emotional restraint, which will be very much needed in the near future. On the other hand, the card may indicate the need to find a balance in life between material and spiritual matters. Temperance in itself is usually a positive sign, and although it indicates inner struggles, it does not portend major problems. Regardless of your question, however, the upright Temperance advises you to always avoid extremes in your actions.

Temperance in a reversed position is most often a warning of a loss of balance in life. It can apply to both practical and spiritual matters. However, regardless of your current life situation, Temperance reversed indicates that in the near future you will find it difficult to find peace and patience within yourself. This card may therefore herald events that bring you out of balance and cause some chaos in your life. On the other hand, the difficulty in finding balance in yourself may cause you to act in the opposite, but also in an extreme way. Temperance in a reversed position warns against excessive restraint, or even sluggishness in action. If you find it difficult to make decisions at this time, you should look only within yourself for the source of the problem. Reversed Temperance is also a symbol of indiscipline in daily affairs, which can cause you financial or health problems. You may feel especially lazy or unmotivated with this card. In such a situation reversed Temperance advises you to control your emotions and keep far-reaching moderation.

Temperance in an upright position is definitely a positive sign for ongoing and stabilized relationships. In such a situation it will speak of maintaining your current status, in which both of you can enjoy peace and emotional balance. Upright Temperance is much worse for new acquaintances, because in such a situation it will portend very slow progress. So instead of great passion and infatuation, with Temperance in the upright position you may experience restraint from the other person. This card is also very often a sign of a friendly relationship that you may have with a certain person. Temperance in an upright position in relationship questions can also be an indication for you to find balance in your emotions. Winning the attention of another person requires patience and sensible action, which upright Temperance reminds you of. So it is especially important in the current situation to use the voice of your reason, rather than letting your emotions take over. Temperance in Tarot is also a sign of the ability to listen to another person, and to show support for loved ones in times of need. In regards to sexual matters, however, this card very often indicates a moderate realization of one's needs and a fairly low libido.

Temperance in a reversed position in relationship questions indicates a problem in finding emotional balance. In relation to an ongoing relationship, it may indicate a difficulty in satisfying mutual needs, and a mutual falling into extreme feelings of love or hate. Relationships with the reversed Temperance can be described as unstable, and therefore very susceptible to external circumstances. For singles, the Temperance reversed may indicate an overly cool or infantile approach to new acquaintances. This card can also indicate involvement in relationships with people that may cause you anxiety and instability. This reversed card can therefore warn you of an environment that may try to take advantage of your weaknesses in some way. The card encourages you to find your balance, and to show understanding for others' needs and weaknesses. Reversed Temperance also advises you to be diplomatic and prudent in your dealings with others. Achieving harmony in a relationship is only possible if you manage to control your emotions and deescalate any ongoing problems, as indicated by reversed Temperance.