The Meanings of the 22 Major Arcana Tarot Cards – Temperance:
Introduction to Temperance
Temperance is Key 14 of the Major Arcana in Tarot decks. It represents moderation and compromise. Temperance is the card of self-restraint. The zodiac sign of Sagittarius and its ruling planet Jupiter rule Temperance.
A female angel appears on many traditional Temperance cards and online that show her pouring a liquid from one vessel to another. The liquid symbolizes cleansing and inspiration and the essence of the mind. The process of pouring is thought to mean the purifying of the mind by spiritual grace. Some Tarot decks add a pool of water at her feet to further amplify the spiritual implications of this card.
The Temperance card has a meaning that suggests prudence and tolerance in sex and sexual matters. Radiant energy and inspiration are able to be used to a harmonizing of the spiritual and sexual. Temperance is the primary birth card for those born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. It is also a secondary birth card for those with the Hierophant as their primary birth cards, for the ruling planet of Temperance is Venus, as is the ruling planet of the Hierophant.
Temperance Upright
The Temperance card appearing upright in a Tarot reading has the meanings of moderation and self-restrain. A middle course of action is implied by the presence of this card. Temperance in a Tarot spread often has meanings suggesting peace and a harmonious balance. The Temperance card does not usually connote a highly sexual meaning but suggests prudence and moderation in sex as well as other facets of life. .
Temperance preceding the Justice card has the meaning of a long legal process with an outcome of equity and justice. If Justice comes before the Temperance card, there will be a delay in the outcome of a legal situation and outstanding charges could be dismissed. The Hanged Man card preceding or following Temperance has various meanings but most often indicate a hung jury or a similar stalemate.
Temperance before the Devil card in a Tarot reading indicates that a relationship will become confining and one-sided and be of a highly sexual nature, but if Temperance is after the Devil, a relationship will moderate itself in sexual and other mundane matters and a new, more equitable standard will be adopted in the relationship. If Temperance is before the Moon card in a Tarot reading, dreams both night and day will be pleasant and perhaps prophetic, but if Temperance is after the Moon card, sleeping more than usual will prove to help rejuvenate both the mind, sex and the spirit.
In relationship and sexual matters, whenever the Lovers card precede the Temperance card, indecision and hesitation are indicated. If the Lovers is reversed in the Tarot reading, it means deceit in love and sex on the part of the lover.
Temperance Reversed (RX)
The Temperance card reversed often indicates extremism and a lack of harmony. Discord, moodiness and instability are associated with Temperance reversed. A lack of balance and moderation are prevalent by the appearance of this card in a reading.
Excessive use of legal and illegal drugs is a danger whenever the reversed Temperance (rx) card appears next to the reversed Magician (rx), the reversed Fool (rx) or the Moon card in a Tarot spread. If Temperance (rx) reversed is before the reversed Magician (rx), alcohol or sexual abuse is indicated and when reversed Temperance (rx) follows the reversed Magician (rx), an accidental overdose is indicated. There is danger in taking any mind-alternating drug or being sexually abused when the Moon card appears before of after the reversed Temperance (rx) card in a Tarot reading, for the effects of the substances will be unpredictable and subject to constant changes. If Temperance (rx) reversed appears before or following the Fool card in a Tarot reading, it is an indicator that this is no time for sexual or other experimentation.
When the reversed Temperance (rx) follows the Justice card in a Tarot reading, an end to the hesitation is at hand. If Temperance (rx) reversed is near the World card in a Tarot reading, there is a general feeling of being out of sync. The presence of the Devil card before Temperance(rx) reversed in a reading indicates that a difficult problem will end in despair, but only if birth cards are involved. When Temperance (rx) reversed is before the Hermit card, there is a danger that one will become a complete sexual recluse.
Temperance in Regards to Love, Sex and Relationships
Temperance suggests a meeting of common ground in a relationship. It is the card of the Major Arcana blending and moderation in all sexual matters, and can suggest a relationship between another of a different race or nationality. Love and sexual affairs reach a balance with the appearance of the Temperance card. Temperance is the card of give and take and of coming to terms. This Tarot card can also take the meaning with respect to a long-distance relationship of some sort, as well as relationships with one’s in-laws and distant relatives.