Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

The Temperance card depicts an angel standing at the source of a stream, pouring liquid from one vessel to another. One of the angel's feet is on dry land, the other in the water - as if balancing or demonstrating caution, unwilling to step fully into the water, calling us to the same behavior.

In the background of the card, there's a straight path leading to the horizon, where a bright light shines, symbolizing harmony and Higher Knowledge. This is the path of Temperance, and blessed is the one who can follow it - Truth will be revealed to them.

The Temperance tarot card in its upright position signifies a gradual and harmonious resolution of a question or life situation, but only if you have the necessary patience. Destiny is giving you a test of endurance - don't fail it!

You cannot have everything at once and right now - everything has its own time. Don't try to hasten events by rushing to extremes or provoking conflicts - if the Temperance card appears, it will only lead to negative outcomes and negative emotions.

Focus on the main things will help you, as well as flexibility, gentleness, and balance - by finding compromises with those around you, gently influencing through word and deed, adapting to circumstances, you steadily move towards your desired goal, maintaining harmony in your soul and vital energy.

This tarot arcana can also imply the necessity of being temperate in your spending, food, and physical pleasures, curbing your passions. It is not about total abstinence but about restraint and control over your vices and desires.

Perhaps, you now want to eat healthily, quit smoking or drinking, save some money by foregoing some non-essential purchases or entertainment. These are all manifestations of the Temperance card in your life.

Key Meanings of the Upright Temperance Card

• Balance, equilibrium, unification, tranquility, diplomacy, forgiveness.
• Patience, endurance, compromise, cooperation, the ability to live in harmony with oneself and the world.
• Accumulation, frugality, restraint.

If the Temperance card appears in a spread in the reversed position, the harmony and stability in your life have been shaken. Something is amiss, you act too spontaneously, display excessive activity, are reckless and impulsive in your desires and actions, which makes your life too restless and unpredictable. Perhaps, you constantly argue at home and at work, spend too much time on trivial things or fruitless hobbies, scattering and exhausting yourself.

The reversed Temperance card is an indicator of problems in relationships and career as a result of uncontrolled behavior. You shouldn't be trying to break down walls head-on—there is another way suggested by this Tarot Major Arcana.

Keep calm and clear-minded, try to look at the situation a little detached. However, you should not fall into the other extreme—inertia—and sit on the sidelines, waiting for everything to resolve itself. Find a balance between action and passive observation!

Key Meanings of the Reversed Temperance Card

• Fanaticism, unrestraint, impatience, frivolity, misunderstanding.
• Conflict, excessive emotions, impulsiveness, haste, excess, rupture.
• Struggle, limited thinking, hot-headedness.
• Extravagance in money, stinginess, greed.

The upright Temperance card in a love reading indicates mature, strong, and harmonious relationships between partners. Perhaps there is a slight lack of passion here, but there's an abundance of care, tenderness, patience, understanding, mutual readiness for compromise, and trust.

All problems in personal life are solved, all i's are dotted, relationships are in complete harmony and peace. Partners have reconciled with each other's shortcomings, abandoned the idea of reshaping the other person "to fit their needs," learned not to impose their opinion, and carefully control emotions.

In the reversed position, the meaning of the card changes to the opposite, speaking of quarrels, disharmonious and problematic relationships.

When Reading for an Admirer or Loved One

In a reading for an admirer or partner, the upright card signifies that in love, your chosen one is almost perfect! They know how to achieve harmony, can smooth out rough edges, and are always ready to compromise with the person they love.

The reversed card indicates that in love, your chosen one is very emotional! Their impulsiveness and spontaneity attract the attention of the opposite sex, but in the end, cause quite a few problems.

In business readings, the Temperance card urges you to seek compromises in challenging situations and learn to work as a team. It also suggests balancing work and leisure to avoid unnecessary stress.

No significant obstacles or upheavals are foreseen in the near future; your professional endeavors will progress smoothly and calmly. However, there's no need to expect windfalls or rapid career growth - money will come steadily and consistently in the same amounts, and promotions are not expected at the moment. Patience is required - everything will come in due time.

When reversed, the meaning of the card changes to its opposite, indicating an inability to control oneself, disagreements with partners, and unstable earnings.

When interpreting this card in a reading for a person, an upright position signifies an incredibly diplomatic and flexible individual, capable of empathy. With a desire to do so, they can find common ground and points of connection with almost anyone.

In a reversed position, this person is distant from diplomacy, finding it very challenging to keep their desires and true feelings under strict control - they often burst out and come to the surface.

In the upright position, this card advises you to lower the bar of your expectations to find a reasonable compromise between your dreams and real life.

Appearing in a reversed position in the reading, the card advises you not to try to have it all at once - it won't work out anyway. Learn to restrain yourself in desires, actions, and emotions.

If the card appears in an upright position, the forecast for your situation is favorable. As a result, you will achieve your goals, thanks to your patience, prudence, and willingness to make reasonable compromises.

In a reversed position, the forecast for your situation is uncertain. It may be hindered by the desire to have it all at once. Be more modest in your desires!

With card 0 The Fool - Cheerful disposition, childlike spontaneity, the ability to rest and relax.

With card 1 The Magician - Enjoyable work, smooth growth and development, an agreeable conversationalist or friend with interesting ideas.

With card 2 The High Priestess - Harmony, an additional reserve of energy, the return of a close person or a loved one.

In combination with card 3 The Empress - Effective economy, harmonious health, emotional stability, a gentle woman.

With card 4 The Emperor - Stability or a delay in progress, lack of development, satisfactory outcomes.

With card 5 The Hierophant - Accumulation of wisdom, rushing without reason, the need to show understanding.

With card 6 The Lovers - Wise decision-making, agreeing to compromise, steady romantic relationships, restrained feelings.

With card 7 The Chariot - A short trip, minor squabbles among relatives or acquaintances, everyday concerns.

With card 8 Strength - Containing impulses, waiting for the right moment, handling what is precious with care.

With card 9 The Hermit - Keeping promises, living by principles, getting used to solitude or ending old commitments.

With card 10 Wheel of Fortune - Gradual improvements for the better, not rushing luck, unexpected opportunities.

With card 11 Justice - A rational approach, following the rules, clear problem-solving procedures.

With card 12 The Hanged Man - A short rest, payment or credit delay, the need to stop being moody.

With card 13 Death - The need to accelerate work pace, possible conflicts with authorities or significant others, lack of understanding.

With card 15 The Devil - A fleeting romance, rebellious character, negative changes or prolonged entertainment.

With card 16 The Tower - Disrupted balance, domestic or workplace unpleasantness, bad news.

With card 17 The Star - Utilizing imagination, taking a break for a while, preparing for a vacation or resort trip.

With card 18 The Moon - Deteriorating health, unpleasant thoughts or premonitions, nervousness.

With card 19 The Sun - Accumulating a substantial sum, receiving sudden benefits and encouragement, reuniting with a loved one or preserving a family.

With card 20 Judgment - Unexpected changes, reflecting on the past, healing or recovery.

With card 21 The World - The return of good fortune, reconciliation with a significant other or relatives, calming one's temperament to achieve harmony.

With the Ace of Wands - Long-awaited victory, a lifelong endeavor, a thoughtful action, or decision.

With the Two of Wands - Much talk, little action, demagogy, fear of taking the first step or entering into relationships.

In combination with the Three of Wands - Testing of skills, practice or exams, a step towards independence.

With the Four of Wands - Stable partnership, marital understanding, making contact with relatives.

With the Five of Wands - Healthy criticism, discussing plans, the ability to hold a dialogue and find compromises.

With the Six of Wands - Gain confidence, assert your demands, composure will lead to victory.

With the Seven of Wands - Don't "bottle up" flattery, it's better to remain silent in this situation, open confrontation won't lead to desired results.

With the Eight of Wands - Mutually beneficial agreement, diplomacy, or the gift of persuasion, the system will do most of the work.

With the Nine of Wands - Be cautious or expect a catch, inherent mistrust, caution, or indecisiveness.

With the Ten of Wands - Loss of patience or control, too much responsibility, events unfolding on their own.

With the Page of Wands - Know when to stop, occupy your niche or position, present a solid proposal.

With the Knight of Wands - Set a goal, proper planning, gradual progress towards success or a promising employee.

With the Queen of Wands - Gain support or patronage, join a larger company, be in good standing.

With the King of Wands - An unrestrained nature hinders the common cause or relationships, going beyond what's allowed, attracting undesirable attention.

With the Ace of Swords - News that will make you more active, being saddened by learning something bad, confirmation of bad premonitions.

With the Two of Swords - Relying on fate, accepting circumstances, an illusory choice, or a passive stance.

In combination with the Three of Swords - Internal disappointment, betrayal, going through difficult times.

With the Four of Swords - Fear hindering progress, imagined problems, an issue not solved but postponed.

With the Five of Swords - Dissatisfaction with one's situation, knowledge that cannot be applied, more contemplation, less action.

With the Six of Swords - Business activity, organizing something mundane, routine.

With the Seven of Swords - Each will stick to their own, contract termination or parting ways, being deceived in the intentions of a romantic partner.

With the Eight of Swords - Maintain composure, dealing with a complex situation without panicking.

With the Nine of Swords - Reverting to the past, going in circles, seeking refuge from the hustle of the world.

With the Ten of Swords - Suffering as a means of renewal, enduring a difficult phase to strengthen one's character, bright sadness.

With the Page of Swords - Overcoming enemies or competitors with calmness and thoughtfulness, drawing attention to oneself, the ability to persuade people.

With the Knight of Swords - An honest police officer or civil servant, using power for the greater good, a formidable person with a gentle soul.

With the Queen of Swords - Special treatment, an unexpected problem resolution, obtaining a high position through years of service.

With the King of Swords - Affiliation with the judicial system, a just decision, seeking advice from a knowledgeable person.

With the Ace of Cups - Observing fasting or a diet, being mindful of emotions, becoming more peace-loving.

With the Two of Cups - Disagreement in a young family or couple, minor indisposition, a conversation with old friends or acquaintances.

In combination with the Three of Cups - Spreading and discussing gossip, self-love, disapproval from society or household members.

With the Four of Cups - Sadness, melancholy, tiredness, or internal grievances without reason.

With the Five of Cups - A spiritual path, choosing a religion or philosophy, self-improvement.

With the Six of Cups - Forgiving a loved one, reconciling with family members or friends, the path of virtue.

With the Seven of Cups - Strengthening intentions and desires, seeing long-term prospects, manifesting desires into reality.

With the Eight of Cups - Thoughtful approach to life, knowing how to resist temptations, unconventional problem-solving methods, deliberate restraint.

With the Nine of Cups - Imagination-driven passions, fleeting infatuation, a man should settle down.

With the Ten of Cups - Unclear situation within the family, each person living their own life, losing passion in a long-lasting union.

With the Page of Cups - Observing society from a distance, giving advice but not participating in events, an unapproachable young lady.

With the Knight of Cups - A guy who is hard to impress, an official reception or celebration, making a good impression.

With the Queen of Cups - Tender attachment, an emotional individual, pleasant communication without romantic continuation.

With the King of Cups - A surge of inspiration and success, luck in creative endeavors, gaining profit and recognition while engaging in a beloved hobby.

With the Ace of Pentacles - Having enough, not experiencing need, comfortable living and a regular work schedule.

With the Two of Pentacles - Happiness is not just about money, a good-natured person, forgive a debt.

In combination with the Three of Pentacles - Engaging in a new venture, steady progress, establishing contacts, and receiving a small profit.

With the Four of Pentacles - Reserves for a rainy day, saving a small amount or starting to accumulate, budget planning and caring for the future.

With the Five of Pentacles - An investment that will be unsuccessful, losing some finances, a small risky bet.

With the Six of Pentacles - Show compassion, and it will be repaid manifold, providing financial support to relatives, conscience.

With the Seven of Pentacles - Dividends, an account in a state bank, converting funds into gold or securities.

With the Eight of Pentacles - Stable income, a good employee, an experienced man, or an honest admirer.

With the Nine of Pentacles - A well-off bride, a smart girl with a good dowry, an entrepreneurial spirit.

With the Ten of Pentacles - Saving pocket money, learning the trade from the elders, learning from experience or studying a profitable profession, a advantageous marriage.

With the Page of Pentacles - First savings, joy in receiving a salary or scholarship, turning out to be right.

With the Knight of Pentacles - A well-deserved result, working as part of a team, a business with a capable partner, a possible romance with a colleague.

With the Queen of Pentacles - Being a good specialist, receiving a bonus or professional award, a harmonious individual with prosperity.

With the King of Pentacles - Systematic self-improvement, seeing a project through to the end, a practical and calculating approach.