Card Type: Major Arcana
Card Number: 14
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Fire
Crystal: Black Obsidian
Other Names: Archangel Michael
Key Meaning: Patience Brings Progress
The Temperance Tarot card signifies that progress comes now by embracing the virtues of patience, balance and moderation.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
Temperance Keywords
🥰 Upright: Healing, patience, moderation
😒 Reversed: Out of control, exhaustion, need to stop
Temperance Tarot Card Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. An angel, possibly Archangel Michael, stands by a river bank, pouring water between two chalices. This water is the elixir of life, also known as chi, prana or life force energy. The triangle on his robe symbolizes we are bound to some degree by the laws of science on earth, and it is also recognized as a symbol of healing. The angel stands with one foot in the river, and one foot on land; this is meant to symbolise mind and body. We restore balance and heal when we focus on creating a mind, body and spirit connection.
When Temperance turns up in your reading, it means be gentle with yourself at this time, and patient with your progress. The word ‘temperance’ has its root in the word ‘tempus’ meaning time. This suggests that timing is, to some degree, beyond our control. Rather than rushing, we must rather be patient and remain ready. At this time your spiritual knowledge or faith is likely to be expanding.
This card also guides you to develop self-control and resist temptation. The angels are watching, and trying to guide you to do the right thing. For example, it could mean resisting the temptation to break your diet or fitness regime. Or it could be more serious, resisting the temptation to have a love affair, steal or lie.
Additional keyword meanings: creative visualization, great work, higher aims and aspirations, knowing when to stop, synchronization.
What Zodiac Sign is The Temperance Tarot Card?
The Temperance card is assigned the star sign Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the sign of higher education, philosophy and journeys.
The planet assigned to Temperance is Jupiter, which is the ruling planet of Sagittarius. Astrologers call Jupiter the Great Benefic, the bringer of prosperity and luck. It is the planet of expansion, and helps us to broaden our horizons and expand our minds through life experiences, education and spirituality. This is the planet that inspires us to chase our dreams, no matter how out of reach them seem. In ancient Rome, Jupiter was the ruler of gods and their protector.
In astrology, Temperance is assigned to the ninth house, which is ruled by Sagittarius and Jupiter. The ninth house is where astrologers look for information on higher learning, travel and spiritual awakening.
The Temperance card corresponds to the element fire.
Temperance is also assigned to the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Samech.
Romance: What does The Temperance Tarot Card Mean when You Ask About Love?
When Temperance turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on your question. For example, if you asked:
💖 Will I find love? This card classically means, you need to be patient and wait longer. It can also mean, don’t rush into bed with someone too quickly, particularly if you have a history of making bad choices. Take responsibility for your heart, don’t give it away too freely.
💖 Does he or she like me? The answer is, they are undecided. Give them a chance to get to know you a little better.
💖 What is the future of our relationship? This card means your relationship is healing, and you are finding a way to move forward together.
Other Relationship Guidance:
💖 This card guides you to be honest, and resist the temptation to have an affair.
💖 If you have fallen out with someone, perhaps a family member, close friend or neighbor, this card means the rift will heal in time.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business or study and you receive the Temperance Tarot card, then here is your guidance:
⭕Be patient with yourself when starting a new job or business. There will be a learning curve.
⭕Calmness returns to a stressful work situation, and colleagues get on better with each other.
⭕Higher education is recommended when this card appears.
⭕Consider casting a spell to improve your future prospects. The angel in this card could be mixing ingredients, like an alchemist turning lead into gold, darkness into light, or ignorance into wisdom.
⭕If you asked about career direction, consider anything in the healing arts, or in something that makes the world a better place.
Careers associated with this card include: healer, doctor, nurse, vet, witch, angel intuitive, any humanitarian or charity job, science teacher, professor, anthropologist. Industries include: pharmaceutical, climate science, marine science.
If you are considering hiring a candidate and this card appears, it means:
This candidate is more comfortable behind the throne, rather than on the throne. They excel at supporting other team members and in creating a harmonious workplace.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The Temperance Tarot Card in a Money Reading?
If you asked the Tarot about money and finances, and you receive Temperance, it can mean:
💲 Moderation is key. Don’t expect any immediate gains or big profits at this time.
💲 You finally pay off debts and balance your finances.
💲 If you want to buy or sell a house, this card recommends waiting for perfect timing.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“Temperance combined with 10 of Pentacles” – Finding your forever home, finally!
“Combined with 5 of Pentacles” – Healing takes time
“Temperance combined with Knight of Swords” – Resist the temptation to rush this
HEALTH: What does This Card Mean when You Ask About Health?
Temperance is the ultimate healing card! This is the card you want to turn up in a health reading. Whether your health issue is physical or emotional, an angel is walking with you. You are protected and watched over.
The next card in the major arcana after Temperance, is the Devil. This order comes as a cautionary tale, that temptation still lies ahead. Assume that you will be tempted to quit your health or spiritual regime. When this happens, it will be useful to have a plan already in place, a strategy to get back on track. Interestingly, the word ‘temperance’ was associated with the prohibition movement and sobriety. Forewarned is forearmed.
A reversal of Temperance can indicate feeling out of whack, exhausted, prone to infection and falling ill.
Health conditions associated with this card include: Addiction, alcoholism, fluid retention, bloating. This card rules: hips, thighs, joints
YES/NO: Does The Temperance Tarot Card Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and this Tarot card turns up, then the answer is not yet.
TIMING: Does Temperance Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 The Temperance card represents November 21 to December 20. If the card is reversed, timing will be longer – perhaps up to a year later, same date.
Karina’s Timing Method:
I am using a traditional major arcana timing method here, based on the zodiac sign assigned to each card.
What is the Meaning of The Temperance Tarot Card Reversed?
When Temperance is upside down then the angel struggles to complete his work. This can mean:
✔️You are being impatient, which increases the risk of you losing motivation and giving up too soon.
✔️ Are you overindulging or not giving your body the love it needs?
✔️Reckless spending can plunge you into debt.
✔️You are struggling to handle all your responsibilities, and something has to give.
✔️You are not compatible with someone in a relationship.
✔️Giving into temptation, adultery, stealing, corruption or lying.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: excess, wrong timing, pouring oil on a situation.
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Temperance Card Symbolism
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Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
