The Temperance tarot card seems boring, especially sandwiched between the Death card and The Devil.
But Temperance is about boring, gentle, and wonderful things, specifically the peace and comfort that surrounds you when your life is in balance.
Traditionally, the Temperance card shows the archangel Michael pouring liquid from one cup to another. One of his feet is on land and the other is dipping into the pool of water in front of him. He is perfectly balanced between both realms, patiently performing his endless task.
This card serves as a reminder to remain patient and go with the flow. You can’t ever control a situation, but you can wait it out. You can’t ever control other people, but you can be patient as they learn their own mistakes.
These are tough lessons to learn and even tougher to put into practice. The message of the Temperance card seems simple, but it is one of the strongest and most important cards in the deck.
In The Fool’s journey through the Major Arcana, this card represents the lesson that change takes time. It’s about acceptance, patience, and self-control.
Renewal and rejuvenation are coming, so don’t go to extremes or force something to happen. Keep your focus on your values and don’t let yourself be thrown off track by the influences of others, of your Ego, or of your base emotions.
Keywords for the Temperance Tarot Card
- Calm peacemaker
- Economy, moderation, frugality
- Finding the middle path
- Exercise patience and self-control
Keywords for the Temperance Reversed
- Being out of balance
- Doing things to excess
- The church, religion
Patterns and Correspondences of the Temperance Card
- Major Arcana = the lessons along your life’s journey
- Zodiac sign = Sagittarius, Cancer
Keep reading for sample tarot readings using The Temperance card, but first…
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Temperance Tarot Card Meanings for Love
Wait, wait, wait. This is not the time to search for new love, or try to bring an existing relationship closer together. Things will work themselves out, so step back and quit trying to force things. Enjoy the process and every moment you get to spend living your life, whether you are single or spending it together.
Go with the flow and maintain emotional balance. You might (gasp!) even be wrong about this situation, but with time you’ll have the information you need. Don’t go all crazy just yet.
Temperance Tarot Card Meanings for Work
The Temperance card is sometimes called “the Peacemaker.” Be the one who looks for the middle path or the win-win solution everyone can agree to.
Remain patient, even with the idiots who are running around trying to force things. Exercise self-control and moderation, keep your emotions in check, and remain above the drama. You’ll end up in a much better place.
Not only will you feel better when you maintain this distance and your integrity, but your actions will be noticed by the mature players. Being in control of one’s emotions is a high-level leadership skill.
Temperance Tarot Card Meanings for Health
The Temperance card is great if you want to start doing yoga or Tai Chi. It’s all about going with the flow.
It’s also about moderation and balance. Don’t go overboard on junk food or commit to losing ten pounds by the end of the month. Take things slowly and be patient. Be the turtle, not the hare.
There are no quick-fixes or magic pills that will get you healthy. You didn’t get into this situation overnight, so don’t expect an overnight change.
Make changes you can sustain for a lifetime and you will see lifetime change.
Temperance Tarot Card Meanings for Money and Finances
The Temperance card is the opposite of a risk-taking card. It’s about moderation and balance.
Money doesn’t play well with emotional decisions. Money loves clarity, rational thought, and daily actions taken over the long-term. So take your time and be patient. There’s no reason to rush.
Be patient with your investments and financial growth. You’ll achieve far more through small daily actions than you will from one-time lottery wins. You need to create, cultivate, and practice good money habits before you will be able to handle big money windfalls.
Temperance Tarot Card Meanings for Spiritual Guidance
This feels like a very spiritual card (and it is), but it’s also a very practical and mundane card, too.
The Temperance card guides you to wait, to be patient, and to go with the flow. Step back from the everyday hustle and put your life into balance.
There is no reason to rush this process. Your spiritual journey will last your entire lifetime. There is no end.
Pare your life down to its basics and you will find your true values. The key is to maintain those values as you consciously add people, activities, roles, and situations back into your life.
You get to create your own life, every bit of it. You can choose to create it based on your values and desires, or you can let life happen to you. Would you rather be in control of your life or a victim of your circumstances?
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