Temperance in brief
In the Rider-Waite tradition, Temperance stands for balance, moderation and patience, the art of blending different elements into harmony. Modern readers often take it as a call to take the middle path and stay calm, while the reversed card points to imbalance, excess or a life that has drifted out of alignment.
The card is called Temperance because, when its rule holds in consciousness, it tempers, combines and harmonizes the psychic and material natures. There is an alchemy within the card, a mixing of parts into something more valuable than each alone.
The card’s picture
The card depicts a winged angel, with the sign of the sun upon his forehead and, on his breast, the square and triangle of the septenary. The angel is described in the masculine sense, but the figure is neither male nor female. The angel pours the essences of life from one chalice to another, with one foot upon the earth and one upon the waters.
A direct path climbs to heights on the edge of the horizon, and above it there is a great light through which a crown is seen faintly. In the card’s design, all the conventional emblems are renounced, and the scene reveals some part of the Secret of Eternal Life as far as it is possible in a human life. In older packs, the figure was usually a winged woman pouring liquid from one pitcher to another.
Modern guides read the details closely. The foot on the rocks represents the need to stay grounded and the foot in the water represents the need to be in flow. The winding path represents the road through life and the glowing crown represents taking the higher path and staying true to one’s purpose. The water flowing between the two cups represents union and infinity, and the triangle inside a square on the robe represents the earth joined with the holy trinity.
Upright meaning
The upright card’s divinatory meanings are economy, moderation, frugality, management and accommodation.
Upright Temperance represents moderation and balance coupled with patience, and is a sign that extremes are best avoided. Upright Temperance also represents calm under stress, a clear vision of what one wants to achieve, and the ability to work in harmony with others. The card can mark a time to re-examine priorities and balance the outer and inner self.
Temperance is a card for bringing balance, patience and moderation into life, letting energy flow without force or resistance. Temperance is also a call to take the middle path, act as a peacekeeper and bring diverse people together. The card shows a clear long-term vision pursued without rushing, and a time of higher learning.
Reversed meaning
The reversed card represents things connected with churches, religions, sects and the priesthood, and also disunion, unfortunate combinations and competing interests.
Reversed Temperance represents something out of balance that may be causing stress, and sometimes serves as a warning that a certain path leads to excess. Reversed Temperance also represents a lack of long-term vision, leaving a person searching for what to do.
The reversed card, after a period of excess, is an invitation to restore balance and moderation. The reversed card also represents a sense that something in life is “off,” and a time of self-evaluation in which daily life is brought back in line with one’s priorities.
Temperance in love
In love, upright Temperance represents patience, moderation, understanding and the middle path. The card is also a prompt to ask where one’s attitudes may be too pushy or too reserved, and to work with a partner toward compromise and harmony.
Reversed, the card represents all-or-nothing thinking in love and an intensity that may surprise others. The reversed card is also a reminder that no partner is perfect and that desires are best kept reasonable.
Temperance in career
For work, upright Temperance represents patience, moderation and daily effort as tools toward career goals, with progress that may come slowly and quietly. Upright Temperance also represents calm in emotionally charged situations at work, and a good balance between career and the rest of life.
Reversed, the card represents a lack of balance at work, such as going all in at the expense of everything else. The reversed card also represents rushing through projects or making hasty choices.
Temperance and money
Upright Temperance in money questions represents a theme of moderation and balance, steady habits with the occasional affordable treat.
Reversed, the card represents swinging between extremes, either always reaching for the next luxury or never allowing any reward. The reversed card is a prompt to find a comfortable middle ground between present and future well-being.
Temperance as feelings
As feelings, upright Temperance represents balance and harmony: someone who senses a natural flow between two people and values the connection without rushing. Upright Temperance also represents one’s own wish for peace and equilibrium.
Reversed, Temperance represents imbalance and disharmony, with someone struggling to find a middle ground between their feelings and the rest of life. The reversed card also represents one’s own uncertainty about what is truly wanted.
Questions to reflect on
- Where in life would a middle path serve better than an extreme?
- What two parts of life are asking to be blended more gently?
- Is a goal being rushed that would grow better with patience?
- What small daily habit would bring things back into balance?