(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading Temperance as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of Temperance as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your temperance and my temperance may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The card has #14, which can mean balance, as the moon is 14 days in waxing and in waning. Multiples of 7 are said by some to be powerful. 14 is said to represent energy that needs to be properly directed.
Name
Temperance is all about moderation, calm control, and deliberate action. The card is called The Alchemist in some decks; it signifies a successful blending of opposites. Where Justice represents balanced thought, Temperance represents balanced emotion and action. When Temperance reigns in the mind, it combines and harmonizes the spiritual and material natures.
Placement
The card comes in the second half of the major arcana, after Death and before other challenging cards like the Devil and the Tower. Temperance is calm peace in the midst of calamity. The placement shows the card’s importance to the querent’s happiness: Temperance will help you deal with everything that is to come in your life’s journey.
Traditional interpretations
Temperance advises balance, patience, moderation, cooperation, and the gentle inclusion of opposing energies. This is always a lovely gentle card that brings healing. Temperance is exactly what you need to heal.
The card can indicate that this is a time for economy and moderation, frugality and wise management. If you’re considering take a wild risk, think twice. Take a middle ground.
The card calls for maturity, and a wise and careful command of opposites. It can indicate a harmonious partnership and good relations.
Temperance can also indicate continuity, the flow from past to future, from unconscious to conscious, the waters of a new life flowing into the old. Be calm. You have your life in good order.
Reverse interpretations
Temperance reversed warns of disunity, competing interests, bad combinations, and of self-indulgence, alcoholism, a life out of control. Your progress will be thwarted by poor handling of a situation; ineptitude and carelessness will create more problems. Beware of overwork, restlessness, exhaustion. Take care of yourself and be careful with your life.
Another reversed meaning is malaise: a waste of creative energy or lack of expression. Nothing feels meaningful, friends fall away, and the past feels like a burden you cannot learn from. To overcome this malaise, work harder at harmony and moderation in your life and do what’s good for you — whether you feel like it or not. Your mind or body is out of balance and you need to focus on your health. Once you get yourself on a healthier path, you’ll want to be there.
Thematic readings
- In love, a perfect union is possible. An inspiring relationship is in your grasp. The time is right to reconcile. Be wise and confident. Opposites attract. Compromise and cooperation are essential. Pay attention to your work/life balance.
- In work, success depends on harmonizing contrasting elements. Pay attention to your work/life balance. This is a good time to partner, to merge ideas and combine resources.
- In general life, the card is like a loving-kindness meditation to yourself, others, and the world. Be kind to yourself. Balance spirit and matter, work and play. Enjoy feeling centred.
Specific positions
- Current situation: People and circumstances must be right for each other. Creativity and contentment are possible right now. Conditions are good to build a long career or raise a family, and enjoy life’s simple deep pleasures. But remember that compromise is a part of all that, so be willing.
- Past influence: You must balance your needs with your desires. Stop trying to please everyone and do everything; it won’t bring you happiness. Find your centre, the simplicity at your core, and rein yourself in. Let your goals determine how you spend your time.
- Outcome: Success will come through the careful control of volatile factors. Have patience. Compromise to find solutions. Be diplomatic and cooperative. You will find happiness through discipline, restraint, and thoughtful patience. Healing forces may come into your life. Allow yourself to move into balance and harmony.
- Blocked: Your problem is your inability to balance extremes. You must find a balance, find your centre. Learn to deliberately temper your actions and goals. Be mature and realistic.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- Do you see this card as a specific person in your life?
- Do you feel that your life is in balance?
- Do your emotions overwhelm you at times? What steps can you take to rein them in?
- Do you consciously take care of yourself? Do you have a practice for self-healing?
- Can you observe yourself? Are you out of alignment? Do you feel whole?
- There is no clear path in this card. Are you mindful of where you are going?
- What are the things you treasure in your life? Are you taking care of them?
- Are you willing to do what you don’t want to do? Or do you still want everything? Do you feel grown up?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Balance, centredness
- Patience, calm
- Mindful control
- Moderation, compromise
- Healing
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland; Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington (also shown in box).
Catherine Austen 