Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

The Temperance card depicts an angel standing by the source of a stream, pouring liquid from one cup to another. One foot of the angel is on land, and the other in the water, as if balancing or showing caution, not wishing to step fully into the water. This imagery invites us to adopt a similar approach in life.

In the background of the card, there is a straight road leading to the horizon, where a bright light shines, symbolizing harmony and Higher Knowledge. This is the path of Temperance, and blessed are those who can follow it, for they will uncover Truth.

The Tarot card Temperance, in its upright position, signifies a gradual and successful resolution of a question or life situation, but only if you have enough patience. Fate is giving you a test of endurance—don’t fail it!

You can't have everything all at once—there is a time for everything. Don't try to rush events by swinging to extremes or provoking conflicts—when the Temperance card appears, this will only lead to negative results and emotions.

Focus on what's important: flexibility, gentleness, and balance. By finding compromises with those around you and gently influencing through words and actions, adapting to circumstances, you steadily move towards your desired goal while maintaining inner harmony and life energy.

This tarot card also suggests the need to practice moderation in spending money, eating, and physical pleasures—taming your passions. It's not about complete denial but rather about restraint and controlling your vices and desires.

You might feel inclined to start eating healthily, quit smoking or drinking, save a bit by skipping non-essential purchases or entertainment. All these are manifestations of the Temperance card in your life.

Key Meanings of the Upright Temperance Card

• Balance, equilibrium, integration, tranquility, diplomacy, forgiveness.
• Patience, endurance, compromise, cooperation, the ability to live in harmony with yourself and the world.
• Accumulation, saving, moderation.

When the Tarot card 'Temperance' appears in a reversed position, it suggests that harmony and stability in your life have been disrupted. Something is off-balance; you may be acting too spontaneously, showing excessive activity, or being reckless and impulsive in your desires and actions, making your life too chaotic and unpredictable. Perhaps you're constantly clashing at home and work, spending too much time on trivial matters or fruitless pursuits, spreading yourself thin and exhausting your energy.

The reversed Temperance card serves as an indicator of issues in relationships and career stemming from uncontrolled behavior. It's not wise to keep banging your head against the wall—this tarot arcana suggests there's another way.

Maintain calm and clarity of mind; try to look at the situation from a slightly detached perspective. However, don't swing to the opposite extreme—apathy—and sit idly by, waiting for everything to sort itself out. Seek a balance between action and passive observation!

Key Meanings of the Reversed Temperance Card

• Fanaticism, lack of restraint, impatience, frivolity, misunderstanding.
• Conflict, excessive emotions, impulsiveness, haste, excessiveness, rupture.
• Struggle, limited thinking, short temper.
• Immoderation with money, stinginess, greed.

When the Temperance card appears upright in a love reading, it signifies mature, stable, and harmonious relationships between partners. There may be a slight lack of passion, but it's more than compensated by care, tenderness, patience, understanding, a mutual readiness for compromise, and trust.

All issues in personal life are resolved; clarity and understanding prevail. Complete harmony and peace reign in the relationship. Partners have accepted each other's flaws and let go of the idea of changing one another to fit their own ideals. They have learned not to impose their opinions and to carefully manage their emotions.

When reversed, the card's meaning shifts to highlight conflicts, disharmony, and problematic relationships.

In Readings About a Lover or Admirer

In readings about a lover or admirer, an upright Temperance card suggests that your chosen one is almost perfect in love! They know how to achieve harmony, can smooth over rough edges, and are always ready to compromise with the person they care for deeply.

A reversed card indicates that your admirer is very emotional in love! Their impulsiveness and spontaneity might attract attention from the opposite sex but often end up causing quite a few problems for everyone involved.

In business readings, the Temperance card encourages finding compromises in challenging situations and learning to work as a team. It also suggests balancing work and rest to avoid unnecessary stress.

There are no significant obstacles or upheavals expected in the near future, and your professional life should remain smooth and calm. However, don't expect extraordinary profits or rapid career growth—finances will come in steadily and consistently as before, and promotions are not on the horizon yet. Be patient—everything will come in due time.

In a reversed position, the card's meaning shifts to the opposite, highlighting a lack of self-control, disagreements with partners, and unstable earnings.

In a Tarot reading about a person, the upright Temperance card suggests someone who is incredibly diplomatic and flexible, with a great capacity for empathy. When they wish, they can find common ground and connect with just about anyone.

When the card appears reversed, it describes someone who struggles with diplomacy. It can be challenging for them to keep their desires and true feelings tightly controlled—they often slip out into the open.

In its upright position, the Temperance card advises you to lower your expectations a bit to find a reasonable compromise between your dreams and real life.

When it appears reversed in a reading, the card suggests that trying to get everything at once is unlikely to succeed. Practice self-restraint in your desires, actions, and emotions.

If the card appears upright, the outlook for your situation is promising. You'll achieve your goals by embracing patience, wisdom, and a willingness to make sensible compromises.

If the card appears reversed, the outcome for your situation is uncertain. Your desire to have everything at once may hinder you. Consider tempering your ambitions!

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.