XIV. TEMPERANCE How to Read Tarot

Temperance

The Temperance card embodies balance, harmony, and divine timing. An angel stands with one foot on land and the other in water, pouring liquid between two cups—a symbol of blending opposites into unity. This card speaks to patience, moderation, and spiritual alignment. It reminds us that healing and growth take time, and that equilibrium comes through mindful integration, not extremes.

Temperance invites you to find peace in the in-between, to blend intuition and logic, emotion and reason, effort and ease. It teaches the art of living in flow with the universe, trusting that balance will come when you act with patience and grace.

In essence, Temperance is the alchemy of the soul—the union of opposites into harmony. It asks: How can you create peace by blending rather than dividing?

Basic Associations:

Colors: Gold, White, Blue, and Violet 

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius 

Element: Fire 

Deity: Iris, Gabriel, Temperantia, and Alchemy Spirits 

Other: Angel, Two Cups, Water, Sun Path, Triangle, Wings, and Rainbow

UPRIGHT

Temperance upright symbolizes balance, moderation, and healing. It encourages you to remain calm, patient, and centered amid life’s changes. When this card appears, it’s a reminder that divine timing is at work—there’s no need to rush. Harmony arises when you blend your energies thoughtfully and maintain inner peace.

It also speaks to spiritual integration—uniting heart and mind, shadow and light. The path forward is one of balance, self-control, and faith in your own equilibrium.

Keywords: Balance, Harmony, Moderation, Healing, Divine Timing, Patience, Integration, Peace

REVERSED

When reversed, Temperance warns of imbalance, excess, or inner conflict. You may be overextending yourself, reacting impulsively, or struggling to maintain stability. This card encourages you to slow down, reconnect to your center, and restore harmony through mindful choices. It can also signal impatience or frustration with divine timing—wanting things to happen before they’re ready. Temperance reversed reminds you that true healing cannot be rushed.

Keywords: Imbalance, Excess, Conflict, Impatience, Discord, Recklessness, Disconnection

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Upright: In love readings, Temperance represents harmony, understanding, and emotional healing. If single, it suggests attracting love through self-balance and peace within. For couples, this card indicates a relationship grounded in patience and mutual respect. It can also mark reconciliation or renewed connection after conflict, as both partners find their rhythm again.

Reversed: Reversed, this card can show tension, miscommunication, or emotional imbalance. One or both partners may be giving too much or too little. For singles, it suggests impatience in finding love or bringing old emotional imbalance into new relationships. Focus on restoring inner harmony before seeking external balance.

CAREER & FINANCES

Upright: Temperance in career readings speaks of teamwork, cooperation, and long-term stability. It’s a positive sign for finding balance between ambition and well-being. Financially, it encourages moderation—saving, planning, and trusting the steady path rather than seeking quick gains.

Reversed: When reversed, Temperance may indicate burnout, impatience, or lack of coordination in work projects. You might be pushing too hard or acting without clarity. Slow down, breathe, and realign your priorities. Financially, this warns against overspending or chasing unstable opportunities.

HEALTH

Upright: Temperance is a card of holistic healing. It calls for balance in all areas—diet, rest, activity, and emotional well-being. This card often appears when you’re finding your natural rhythm again, emphasizing moderation and self-care as medicine.

Reversed: When reversed, it can signify imbalance or neglect—overindulgence, stress, or ignoring your body’s needs. You may be trying to do too much at once. Healing comes through simplicity, rest, and re-centering.

SPIRITUALITY

Upright: Spiritually, Temperance represents alignment and divine harmony. You’re blending higher wisdom with earthly experience, learning to live in spiritual flow. It reminds you that enlightenment is a process of balance, patience, and trust in divine timing.

Reversed: Reversed, Temperance may reveal disconnection from your spiritual path or imbalance between material and spiritual worlds. It asks you to restore faith and balance—to merge your inner and outer worlds with compassion and grace.

SUMMARY

Temperance is the card of balance, patience, and harmony—a gentle reminder that healing and transformation take time. Whether upright or reversed, it teaches you to blend the elements of your life with intention and grace. Trust divine timing, stay centered, and find peace in moderation. In the stillness between effort and surrender, true magic unfolds.