Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

The imagery of this card is typically peaceful yet rich, featuring a figure performing a special action. The figure is an angel, dressed in a pure white robe, holding a cup in each hand, pouring a magical liquid from one to the other.

Regarding the angelic figure, this card corresponds to Raphael, an angel whose original legends and origins are complex, overlapping with the duties and images of many other angels, such as guarding the Garden of Eden, assisting in the creation of the world and humanity, guiding souls, and protecting the Virgin Mary. His rank remains confusing even later. However, his most unique and important role and image is that of a "healing angel," possessing the great power to heal physical and spiritual wounds and suffering. He radiates a light of charity and love, with many magical abilities to perform rescue and healing. Thus, he is related to medical and therapeutic systems or arts, and can be considered the guardian or progenitor of these fields, naturally also associated with the medical symbol of the caduceus, and also related to alchemy.

Therefore, the angel's image is pure and spotless, dressed in a clean white robe in the picture, representing a gentle soft light. This healing angel will cleanse your soul. The wings added to the figure represent the potential for transformation and change, indicating that finding the sunshine in life is imminent. The fiery red wings signify a passionate nature and active action. The angel's expression is focused and devoted, with a radiant light emanating from the head.

This winged angel, with a male appearance and a female expression, is neither male nor female, transcending gender, as angels are genderless. He does not quite fit into the established angelic hierarchy and is usually assigned to the order of ministering spirits in this card. Sometimes he is also considered the sun god or the sun spirit. We can transcend religious issues, whether the angel is a spirit of a specific religion. He can even not be an angel but a state of human cultivation or any kind of spiritual entity, always bringing healing and comfort. We can give a temporary name "healing angel."

On the forehead of the "angel," there is a golden sun-shaped symbol, like his third eye, which is a very important part, representing the pineal gland and the forehead chakra of humans, indicating the maturity of wisdom. The golden sun symbol represents light, clarity, and wisdom, and its position on the forehead is the great power of the third eye, the force of insight and directness, detection, and diagnosis. The third eye has already been revealed, and there must be extraordinary abilities to be displayed, as well as the light of wisdom, which is a state of success achieved through long-term careful and serious cultivation.

The white robe has neat straight pleats, without other decorations, except for the triangular and square symbols on his chest at the heart chakra. In addition to the square, there is a triangle, indicating the harmony of matter and spirit, the harmony of the two levels of the world. The entire symbol has seven corners, commanding the seven chakras, and drawing on the energy of the seven stars. This symbol is located at the heart chakra, representing the openness and tolerance of the heart, accommodating the symbolic objects of this symbol.

This healing angel holds a chalice in each hand, pouring the liquid from one chalice into another, and he seems to keep pouring back and forth. Carefully observe the posture of the angel's hands and the way the chalice is held, and this picture is paused at a certain moment in between, showing the right hand down and the left hand up. The two chalices in the hands are communicating with each other through the liquid.

And in this series of operations, not a single drop of water is spilled, which is extremely successful and perfect. The angel's expression is focused, and the eyes are peacefully looking down at the magical instrument in the hands. The cup holder is practicing high-level alchemy, which is a picture of practice, but not a hard practice method, it is a voluntary and leisurely practice method, so it has a peaceful expression.

The liquid in the two cups is mixed in this operation. We can regard it as ordinary practice and preview, but we can also consider it as alchemical operation. Even more mysteriously, his posture is also a kind of exercise, the cups can be a symbol of the body's organ containers, and the water flow between the cups can be considered as the guidance of the body's "qi" or "magnetic field". And the liquid in it is the mystery, which must not be ordinary water, but must be the healing holy water, the refined elixir, the essence of life. The water in the cup is a symbol of infinity, what you think it contains is what it is, what kind of practice is actually the content in the bottle.

Next, observe the posture of the healing angel's body: the left foot is on the stone on the shore, and the right foot is extended into the water, and the center of gravity seems to be between the two. Stepping on the land indicates contact with the actual level, the level of consciousness. Going deep into the water indicates touching the emotional and spiritual level, the subconscious level. The angel stepping into the water is the first card to touch the water and explore the subconscious level, and can directly feel emotions and deep consciousness.

On the clear water surface, there are slight ripples, and in the ripples, there is a vague reflection, which is a kind of projection, a reflection of the soul. You can wash or observe yourself through this water surface. This ground water is connected to the water in the cup through the angel's toe touch. This water area is interconnected with the water areas of other cards, and the angel's touch is a global connection. We analyze the entire picture to have so many dual signs, and the focus is on the integration of dualism, and it is integrated under a harmonious state.

On the right side of the angel's right hand, a road starts from the shore, climbs up the slope, and goes to the distant mountains at the edge of the horizon. The double peaks of the distant mountains also bloom with bright light. This double-peak shape is also that mysterious Egyptian symbol ~ Djew and Akhet.

And this light is the rising sun from the horizon, a piece of gold, a crown. This pattern has a deep meaning, it is the unity of three golden colors, symbolizing the body, mind, and spirit of humans. The crown is the focus of alchemy, the highest success, the material refined at a high level, the material transformed into gold sun. The nobility of matter is called gold, and the nobility of spirit is called a crown, which is the so-called "Golden Dawn" mystery. The sun and the angel of temperance have an interaction, and through the sun on the forehead of the angel of temperance, the energy of the "Golden Dawn" can be mobilized, so there is light on the head and body. "Golden Dawn" is at the end of the long road, representing that it takes a long time to cultivate to achieve. So we know that this card reveals the way of cultivation of the Golden Dawn, which is in harmony with the liquid in the angel's chalice, and is also a part of the secret of eternal life.

On the other side of the background, behind the angel on the left, there are several irises growing on the ground, representing peace and tranquility. There are two yellow flowers, matched with green leaves, and they also echo all the yellow parts in the picture. The overall color matching is so pure, all are healing colors. This is the baptism and purification that temperance wants to bring to you, as well as the preparation for redemption, this is your spiritual gift.

The Angel

The central figure of the Temperance card is an androgynous angel, representing a higher spiritual force that brings about healing and harmony. This angel is often associated with Archangel Michael or the “Guardian of Fire”. The angel’s presence is a symbol of divine intervention and spiritual guidance.

The Two Cups

The angel is shown pouring water between two cups, symbolizing the transmutation of energies and the alchemical process of turning the base into the sublime. This act is one of balance and moderation, merging opposites into a unified, harmonious whole.

The Iridescent Triangle on the Angel’s Robe

This triangle, placed upon the chest of the angel, is an emblem of fire and points upwards, symbolizing spirit. When combined with the square (which represents earth and matter) beneath it, it forms a symbol of the integration of spirit and matter, the merging of above and below.

One Foot on Land, One in Water

The angel stands with one foot on the earth and one in a pool of water, indicating a balance between intuition and reality, emotion and practicality. This suggests the blending of the conscious and unconscious, and the importance of integrating both aspects of oneself for true inner harmony.

The Path and the Crown

Behind the angel is a luminous, narrow pathway that leads to a distant mountain crowned by the golden light. This path signifies the middle way, the path of moderation and balance that leads to enlightenment.

The Sun

The rising sun in the background symbolizes hope, clarity, and the dawn of a new day. As with many cards in the tarot, the presence of the sun suggests illumination, clarity, and divine energy.

Keywords

Balance, Harmony, Moderation, Alchemy, Patience

General Overview

The Temperance card is a beacon of peace, harmony, and equilibrium. It stands as a reminder of the importance of finding balance in all aspects of our life, urging us to merge opposing forces and find a middle ground. The angel depicted is a mediator, mixing different elements to find the perfect blend, which symbolizes our need to integrate diverse aspects of ourselves or our circumstances.

In life, extremes can often lead to chaos or stagnation. Temperance’s message is about blending these extremes to find the optimal path forward, a fusion of the best qualities. It’s about tempering emotions with logic, passion with patience, and urgency with consideration.

More than mere balance, Temperance speaks to the alchemical process of transformation. By harmonizing opposing forces, one can create something new and more potent, a refined essence distilled from the combination of disparate elements.

Character

Personality of the Individual

Possesses good living habits and is gentle and polite to others, capable of integrating different opinions into their own views, and strictly adhering to the balanced path of moderation.

Work Philosophy

Enjoys collaborating with others and has excellent integrative abilities, usually accomplishes tasks with gentle means, and steadily moves towards their goals.

Emotional Outlook

Has a conservative attitude towards relationships, is more monogamous and not promiscuous, values communication between two people, and is able to accept the other party's opinions.

Financial Perspective

Tends to be frugal with money, but won't skimp on necessary expenses, has a talent for investment and financial management, and efficiently allocates their funds.

How to Deal with the Individual

A person who is very comfortable to be around, but it's best not to show extravagance and waste in front of them, and avoid meeting in places with high consumption.

Representative Figures

Chemist, Aromatherapist, Bartender, Pharmacist, Mediator, Peacemaker.

Work

Work Situation

You need to manage and regulate more efficiently; if you can save more costs and resources, reducing expenses is another form of profit.

How to Solve Work Difficulties

Approach with more moderation, don't force others to accept your ideas, but enhance communication to reach a consensus, and then complete the task together through collaboration.

Workplace Relationships

When there is a need to cooperate with others at work, it's time to leverage your integrative abilities to bring everyone's opinions together for a consensus.

How to Get Along with Your Boss

You can freely express your opinions, as they enjoy discussing matters with you; if this sparks more inspiration, they will value you more.

Job Prospects

This job has good prospects for the future, aligning with your long-term goals, so you should put more effort into performing well in this role.

Job Hunting/Changing Jobs

You can find a new job on your own, but there's also a high possibility of being introduced by friends; just be more discreet during the job change process to minimize harm.

Love

Love Situation

The relationship between the two has become very close, with good communication, and it's time to discuss the next steps, moving towards positive development.

Possibility of New Romance

There may be a new love interest, but they might not be your type; you can try dating them or choose to ignore them.

View on This Relationship

This relationship is like a shared venture, meeting both parties' expectations in its development, with both having invested a lot of effort.

Sexual Attraction

There is a strong sexual attraction in this relationship, but both parties keep it within moral boundaries, and more sexual activity can be expected as the relationship progresses.

How to Resolve Arguments

You need to communicate with the other party in a more gentle manner, using soft tactics, and showing a willingness to compromise to truly resolve disagreements.

Possibility of a Breakup

If a breakup is necessary, it must be a mutual decision, so a series of negotiations should be initiated; until successful, the two are still considered together.

Possibility of Reconciliation

There is still a chance for the relationship to be rekindled, but both parties must work hard to solve the issues to be together again, which is not an easy task.

Friendship

Interpersonal Situation

Your interpersonal relationships are excellent; you're the kind of person everyone likes, but the abundance of acquaintances leaves you with little time to spend with your close friends.

How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends

Continue communication and coordination to possibly reach a win-win situation; both parties may need to improve, so don't just blame the other side.

Family

Family Situation

It's a warm, modest family with harmonious relationships; even if unpleasant incidents occur among family members, they can be resolved through communication.

Relationship with Elders

You're seen as a good child by elders, thus receiving more affection; you have many opportunities to communicate and can directly participate in their activities.

Relationship with Peers

Your relationship with peers is very good; everyone can cooperate and support each other, and if you take on a leadership role, you'll be universally recognized.

Relationship with Juniors

You have a great rapport with juniors, teaching them a lot while also learning new concepts from them, which is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Academics

Academic Situation

This is an excellent time for you to learn, consolidating past fragmented concepts, leading to a fresh understanding of these subjects.

Learning Methods

Discuss with classmates, not only to better understand the content but also to grasp the core of the issue during debates, while also fostering friendships.

Relationship with Teachers

A teacher skilled at teaching, who handles student issues fairly, so your performance determines your relationship; you should perform well.

Relationship with Classmates

Your classmates are very important for your academic progress, so you should spend more time with them, and you'll make many good friends as a result.

Finance

Financial Situation

Even if you're not wealthy now, your financial structure is sound, and overall you can achieve a balance of income and expenditure, with a solid foundation for long-term development.

Investment Situation

Your investments can be adjusted now, but it's not advisable to add new investments; develop on the existing basis, and future returns should be satisfactory.

Purchasing Strategy

At this time, don't focus only on unit price; consider the total cost as well. After carefully evaluating the entire purchasing plan, you can find the most advantageous method.

Keywords

Imbalance, Excess, Disagreement, Impatience, Misalignment

General Overview

In its reversed position, the Temperance card warns of a lack of balance and harmony in one’s life. It suggests that the careful blending of elements, which once brought equilibrium, has been disturbed. Where there was once peace and moderation, there may now be excess, impatience, or a lack of foresight.

This reversed position can point to inner conflicts, struggles, and tensions that prevent smooth progress. It’s a caution against hasty actions, rash decisions, and the dangers of extremes. Just as the upright Temperance speaks to alchemical fusion, its reversal can denote separation or division – elements that should be united are being kept apart, or those that should be apart are forced together inappropriately.

The challenge presented by the reversed Temperance card is to identify the sources of disharmony and take conscious steps to restore balance. This might require introspection, patience, and the willingness to compromise or change course.

Character

Personality of the Individual

Prone to be influenced by others and lose their own stance, when faced with unsolvable problems, they tend to react emotionally or make judgments based on subjective intuition.

Work Philosophy

It is difficult to cooperate with others at work, often ending in a breakdown. They have an overly optimistic view of things, which often leads to unexpected difficulties when executing tasks.

Emotional Outlook

Unrealistic in love, willing to give everything for love, but often encounters unsuitable people. When problems arise in relationships, they tend to avoid issues.

Financial Perspective

Sometimes overly frugal, but at other times excessively wasteful. Often lacks practical planning for their assets and may not even know how much money they have.

How to Deal with the Individual

A person with little conviction, but do not try to influence them. If they make mistakes, they might blame you and it's best not to cooperate with them.

Representative Figures

Moonlight clan, maxed-out card users, newcomers, transfer students, mixed-race individuals, new immigrants.

Work

Work Situation

You are caught in the middle of conflicts of interest at work, resembling a sandwich, where siding with either side brings new problems.

How to Solve Work Difficulties

Focus on completing your own tasks and avoid interfering with others' responsibilities. It's necessary to set clear boundaries to avoid being dragged down by others.

Workplace Relationships

The workplace has complex interpersonal dynamics. All relationships are important, and while you are a sought-after individual, be wary of potential backstabbing.

How to Get Along with Your Boss

Your superior is rather conservative, so it's okay to offer suggestions moderately but avoid getting too close to avoid creating more issues due to personal relationships.

Job Prospects

The future prospects of this job are average, with no significant changes expected. However, be cautious of interpersonal developments, as different factions may engage in struggles.

Job Hunting/Changing Jobs

The current job hunting situation is not smooth, or you could try a new field and re-present your previous knowledge in a different way.

Love

Love Situation

Currently facing poor communication in relationships, unable to understand each other's thoughts, leading to arguments and unresolved issues.

Possibility of New Romance

There is no possibility of a new romance at the moment; instead, it's a time for self-reflection and reconsidering your emotional needs.

View on This Relationship

Perhaps because this relationship started without clear thinking, serious issues have arisen, and you are considering whether to continue.

Sexual Attraction

There is sexual attraction between the two, which is a significant reason for being together. However, because it's an emotional union, it may also bring problems.

How to Resolve Arguments

At this time, you should slow down the pace of handling matters and discuss patiently with the other party to pull them out of an emotional state to resolve the issue.

Possibility of a Breakup

As long as one party proposes a breakup, the relationship is considered over. It's best to do this via phone or letter, not face-to-face.

Possibility of Reconciliation

This relationship is unlikely to reconcile; the feelings are completely broken. Leaving this person is the right decision for you, and there's no need to make things harder for yourself.

Friendship

Interpersonal Situation

You often feel unable to cooperate with others and find it hard to integrate into groups, possibly due to unfamiliarity with the environment, keeping a distance from others.

How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends

Put aside your emotions, reflect on where you might have gone wrong, and then communicate with the other party. Remember to stay rational to succeed.

Family

Family Situation

The family is facing a crisis of division due to differing views on an issue, creating a tense atmosphere that cannot be resolved at the moment.

Relationship with Elders

You enjoy chatting with elders or listening to their discussions, but they may not appreciate it, sometimes leading to conflicts due to conversations.

Relationship with Peers

It's best for peers to do their own things. If there is cooperation, disputes often arise, and it's best to avoid financial entanglements.

Relationship with Juniors

You are concerned about juniors and eager to educate them, but they often feel you are too nosy and may not be willing to share certain matters with you.

Academics

Academic Situation

Learning is particularly important to you now, with many things happening at once. If you push too hard, you might not learn well at all, so it's important to know your limits.

Learning Methods

You need both abstract thinking and practical application. Besides studying, you need a lot of time for practice and internships to learn quickly and effectively.

Relationship with Teachers

Perhaps because you don't get along well with the teacher, there are often misunderstandings in communication. If you don't understand immediately, you should ask questions to clarify.

Relationship with Classmates

Your learning mood might be affected by interpersonal relationships with classmates. Making friends takes time to adapt, so don't rush for results.

Finance

Financial Situation

Your current financial structure is not sound, so it's important to readjust pragmatically. Avoid partnerships or lending money to avoid significant disputes.

Investment Situation

It's not suitable for investment right now. If there are partnerships, they should be ended soon. All assets should be accounted for and wait for the right time to proceed.

Purchasing Strategy

It's not suitable for purchasing right now. You can save money for later. If purchasing is necessary, plan and evaluate carefully to avoid being deceived.