Temperance is numbered 14 among the major arcana

Temperance is the card that clearly shows the control you have over yourself. Temperance will reveal important things to you through its deep message, whether the card appears upright or reversed.

Card Correspondences:

Kabbalistically, this card is associated with the planet Jupiter, the letter Nun, and the number 50.
Esoterically, it is linked to the astrological sign of Sagittarius, the element Earth, and the season of Autumn.

In numerology, it represents the number 14 and 7 (14=4+1=5), symbolizing transformation, metamorphosis, and positive change, as it is the sum of 7+7.

Graphic Description of the Card:

The Temperance card shows an angel with wings. The angel is actually a hermaphrodite (the child of Hermes and Aphrodite), representing balance between genders.
They have one foot on solid ground, symbolizing the material world, and one foot in the water, representing the subconscious. It also symbolizes the need to “test the waters” before diving headfirst into unknown situations.

Here, Temperance calms the impulsive leap of The Fool, who jumps without a second thought. The triangle on the angel’s chest represents the woman, protected by natural law.

In the angel’s hands are two cups, used to mix the water. These cups represent the conscious and subconscious minds. One vessel can be thought of as containing hot water, and the other cold.

The water that flows between them actually moves from the lower cup to the higher, symbolizing the ascent from one plane to another. This shows that a person who practices temperance blends opposites and finds balance in life, avoiding extremes.

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Temperance Upright:

General Meaning:

This major arcana signifies balance, moderation, patience, purpose, and perseverance to achieve your goals.
It is absolutely about balance and self-control when you have mastery over yourself. It represents friendship, offering support, moderation in all things, and the ability to heal and regenerate.

Now, you’ve reached a certain level of control over your instincts, emotions, and attitudes, and you take the middle path, avoiding extremes.

Perhaps this is because you’ve understood the words of Aristotle: “In Medio Virtus” (virtue lies in the middle). It’s a habit of wisely choosing what’s best, a free conquest, always guided by reason.

You have learned (or are in the process of learning) that even though the storm may rage inside, you are able to stay calm on the outside. You don’t stress or worry, even in chaotic situations, because you have a long-term vision. You stay focused, and through balance, you will reach the goals you’ve set for yourself, and you will likely succeed.

Temperance also reflects great adaptability to others and your environment. You can harmonize, accept, and respect everyone. Temperance is an excellent card for work and social life, as there’s a natural, ongoing synergy flowing.

It bears some resemblance to “The Hermit” in the sense that you may now be considering a bit of an inward retreat, seeking a deeper purpose and meaning in life, re-evaluating your priorities, and trying to balance your inner self with your outer self.

During this process, you may feel a clash between who you were and who you are now, which might lead you to seek some time alone—not to distance yourself from others, but to rediscover a new sense of meaning in everything.

There will be no anguish or sadness in this process, just a great calm as you look inward, finding a source to recharge your energies and a permanent center of balance.

If this card appears as the final outcome, it doesn’t indicate much, other than there will be moderation and balance. It’s a somewhat positive outcome, but mainly it suggests a time when you will deeply reconsider the meaning of your existence, seeking to make it better.

If this Temperance arcana appears to describe a person, it tells us that this person is very balanced, enjoys bringing people together, and has a great capacity to adapt. They avoid conflict and are open to innovation. This is the kind of person to go to for advice or help.

When describing a situation, Temperance will indicate that it’s a time of significant changes, both internal and external. Now is the time for analysis, to consider all variables, and to seek the right advice.

It’s a card of friendship and companionship, so the help of others may be crucial. You can rely on them, leaning on your closest and most intimate friends. Good relationships are a common thread in this situation.

Love:

In love, Temperance is a very positive card. There’s a need to be together, the relationship experiences pleasant moments of understanding and companionship. You support each other equally, and there’s a deep connection.
You’ve found a new sense of self-worth, which your partner appreciates and benefits from. It’s a time to stand by each other, facing whatever the days may bring together.

It’s essential that you accept yourself, forgive your mistakes, and find inner peace. Only then will you be able to create the peaceful, loving, and harmonious environment you desire and need.

Work:

Regarding work, this card is excellent. All forms of partnerships are highly favored, and work will be stable with pleasant relationships and cooperation.
New opportunities may arise, contracts or agreements might be signed, and there will be growth and expansion, mostly based on personal relationships, which are at their peak. Your actions won’t go unnoticed—the balance and moderation you bring to everything will be appreciated and valued.

Money and Finances:

This is a card of good fortune, so unexpected luck may come your way. While Temperance isn’t directly tied to money or great wealth, it does indicate that things are in balance.
Your self-control allows you to manage your spending wisely, striking a balance between saving and spending. It’s a good time to ask for what you deserve, like a salary increase, for example.

Showcase your skills and dedication so that you’re valued correctly and get what you want. Finances will go well, not dramatically but certainly without chaos.

Health:

In terms of health, Temperance indicates that you’ll find new energy and a renewed vitality. You’re entering a time of peace and good health, mainly because you’re emotionally balanced.
If the body reflects our feelings through illness, now is the time to be healthy, as you have a healthy inner self, always seeking balance.

Moderation is key now, so you’ll likely take better care of yourself by exercising, eating well, or cutting back on bad habits, like smoking fewer cigarettes than usual.

Spirituality:

This is an important time for meditation and listening to your inner voice for guidance. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it.
You may experience some solitude, but not to disconnect from the world. Instead, it’s a way of continuing to find yourself now that you’ve rediscovered a new, promising path. Keep seeking answers from that inner source.

Temperance Reversed:

General Meaning:

It represents imbalance, lack, and a short-sighted perspective. Something is very present in your life, causing conflict and disorder, and you haven’t found the moderation needed to resolve it.
Your goals now seem to be fading, you’re not focused on the future but feel stuck in the present. You’ve lost hope in building toward the future.

You may be acting rashly, driven by impulses or by thoughts that, if you examine them closely, may not be real.

You need to refocus, don’t let impatience take over, and figure out what caused this imbalance that has thrown you off course.

Additionally, there’s a moment of tension and conflict with others. There’s no cooperation; it seems like everyone is on their own. Old, unresolved conflicts are resurfacing, and the current way of dealing with them isn’t right. There’s too much energy, almost to the point of aggression.

It’s crucial that you practice self-reflection and listen to the viewpoints of others. Relationships—whether romantic, familial, work-related, or social—now need your attention and effort.

Love:

In love, while it’s not the end of the world, Temperance reversed warns of troubled times. There are deep-rooted disagreements and conflicts, possibly dating back a long time.
Roles may have been reversed within the relationship, causing a serious imbalance. Communication is vital right now. Both of you know something’s not right, but you may not fully understand the issue yet. Not addressing key matters at the right time may be the cause.

Through communication, seeking balance, and mutual understanding, you can emerge from this situation stronger and free from old issues. It will require effort and commitment from both sides.

Work:

In terms of work, it’s a time of problems. There may be a woman who has a negative influence during this period—a boss, coworker, partner, advisor, or employee. According to this card, she could be at the center of the work-related tension.
Since you’re out of balance and impatient, it’s better to delay signing any contracts, forming new partnerships, or expanding. You need solid, balanced advice in whatever you do, from someone who can see things impartially.

Avoid hasty decisions. Now is not the time to isolate yourself at work—try to regroup with others and work as a team.

Money and Finances:

Even reversed, Temperance isn’t a bad card for finances. There’s potential for salary increases or gains.
Sometimes acting on impulse can be good, and that quick reaction can lead to “crazy decisions” that turn out to be winning moves—instinctive, bold choices that bring gains you wouldn’t have achieved through careful deliberation.

However, be mindful of your money. Avoid acting impatiently or making excessive, unnecessary expenses. Channel all that energy, that feeling of anger, into your gut instincts: if you want that raise, ask for it. If you decide to make a particular move, do it, even against all odds or logic.

Health:

When it comes to health, your digestive system may be facing issues. It’s one of the main systems affected by nerves and stress, so gastritis, ulcers, and other related problems might arise now.
Try to eat healthily and slowly, enjoying your food during relaxed moments—not in the middle of a heated discussion. Balance is key again, so make sure you get enough sleep, exercise moderately, and seek peace through meditation or prayer. It’s essential to calm down now so your health doesn’t suffer.

Spirituality:

With Temperance reversed, the suggestion is that you could greatly benefit from seeking out others who are on a spiritual journey or growth path.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to attend church regularly, but it’s one way to meet this need. Whether in person, through reading spiritual books, or by other means, it’s important that you continually renew your spiritual world.

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