The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word Temperance
as, “The practice of always controlling your actions, thoughts, or feelings so
that you do not eat or drink too much, become too angry, etc.”
In Tarot, the meaning of Temperance, Major Arcana Card 14,
is not that much different from the literal dictionary definition.
In the Tarot deck, Temperance follows the Death card. This
placement reminds us that Temperance carries with it a feeling of rebirth and
hope. However, like the recovery one feels after any major life change (as
associated with the Death card), the rebuilding process often takes a while and
requires a great deal of faith and patience.
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| Morgan Greer Tarot |
In many of the traditional versions of the card we see
Archangel Michael standing comfortably between the solid realm of the earth and
the more fluid arena of spirituality and emotion. A pathway behind him leads to
the sun which beckons us to ask, “Is the sun rising or setting?” and “Did he
come from the path or is he following that path?” The flowing water in his two
chalices holds Michael’s undivided attention, and he directs the flow without
spilling a drop.
Essentially, in the Temperance card, Michael is one with the
energy of the Universe – neither trying to control it nor be controlled by it.
It is as if he lets the energy flow through him. Basically, when this card
appears in a reading, it suggests we will be most successful if we choose to
embody these very same strategies in our daily life. We must watch the flow of
the Universe and see how to best fit our plans into the flow. Doing the
opposite – forcing the Universe to function around our plans is a sure-fire way
to bring more frustration to the process.
Temperance in a spread hints that a challenge has been
thrust upon us, or that we are in the process of resolving a conflict. Success
during this time will be the direct result of how well we decide to stay the
course and roll with the necessary changes life has cast upon us.
In my opinion, the beauty in this card is most clearly seen in
the ideas of unity and connection. When this card appears in a reading, a time
of surrender is upon us because we are most likely caught in a balance between
how we want things to be and how they really are. This card reminds us that
success comes to those who slow down, exercise patience, maintain emotional control,
practice flexibility and keep a faithful dedication to the process or goal upon
which they have set their sights – all while releasing obsessions about any
perceived necessary outcomes for that given situation.
