Temperance Card
Moderation, balance, overcorrection, overindulgence, blending two extremes
The Temperance tarot card represents bringing together two opposites in order to create something new. The more extreme the opposites, the more necessary balance is.
Our focus tends to be in many places at once. Temperance card wants us to reevaluate our priorities so that we aren’t overextending ourselves.
While The Justice tarot card was about restoring balance to the community and Universe, Temperance tarot card hones in on the balance in our individual lives.
Everything in moderation. Temperance takes this age-old advice to heart. Extremities, overindulgence, and scattered focus prevent us from moving forward.
There’s an air of sensibility in this card. In order to bring balance to our daily lives, we need to act in a down-to-earth manner. There is no logic in gluttony, or deprivation for that matter.
The Temperance card is guiding us to bring two extremes together in order to create something new and harmonious. Traditional images of this card show an intersex person combining hot and cold water.
The symbolism here is powerful, illustrating how extremities aren’t always producing the best results. The Temperance tarot card is number fourteen in the traditional major arcana.
Temperance Tarot Card Meaning
In a reading, the Temperance tarot card will show up when you’re needing to restore balance in your life. Your focus is likely widespread rather than deep rooted.
Finding balance right now is imperative. You’re likely overindulging on something that’s not in your best interest. This could be work, health related, in relationships, or your habits.
Be careful not to immediately flip from one extreme to another. Don’t go from living a completely sedentary lifestyle to trying to run a marathon tomorrow. Restoring balance requires work and investment.
Instead, begin to blend together the one extreme position you hold now with the opposite. Slowly start exercising more and more each day until your habits stabilize.
Find your center and stay level-headed while doing this work. The Temperance card encourages you to remain calm while in the midst of blending to extremities.
Temperance Reversed
If the Temperance card shows up reversed in a reading, you’re probably either overindulging, or completely depriving yourself.
Reversed Temperance is pointing out the fact that you’re currently in the midst of one extreme. The idea is finding balance between the extremes, not dwelling in one or the other.
If deprivation is the problem, you’re probably not seeing the value in indulgence. There are consequences to denying ourselves just the same as overindulgence.
If overindulgence is the problem, you’re probably not focused on the most important things, or the ultimate goal you’re hoping to achieve. It’s likely a distraction of some kind.
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Temperance Tarot Meaning
The Temperance card doesn’t want you to overcorrect, either. Be very careful not to flip on a dime, or be overly stubborn in your position.
It can be challenging to change your habits or beliefs. So start small by simply reconsidering your stance and/or your active patterns.Observe your thoughts and reactions objectively. You’ll probably be surprised at what you find.
The Temperance tarot card wants us to ask ourselves–in what areas of life am I overindulging? How can I combine two extremes to make something new?
