Temperance Tarot Card Meanings

Major Arcana Tarot

Temperance Tarot Card Meanings

Upright Card Meaning

Moderation may not be glamorous but it is the only way to forge a strong path to the truth. The card of Temperance represents those qualities that we need to overcome the forces that buffet us in our path. Temperance embodies patience, balance and moderation. A person ruled by this card has no problem waiting and evaluating a situation before taking decisive action. They are frugal in their energy and money. They are able to manage competing forces effectively, minimizing their respective damage.
This card in a reading is advising you on the way forward. Perhaps you have been torn between two choices, but temperance is showing you that you can find a happy compromise between the two. If you are in a position where you are leading others, leading through moderation and patience will help all of you achieve this goal.
The ease evoked by this card can be deceptive. All of these qualities are difficult to learn and even harder to embody in regular practice, but they are necessary.

Major Arcana Tarot

Temperance Tarot Card Meanings

Reversed Card Meaning

Without the moderating influence of Temperance, life can get very messy indeed. Temperance reversed indicates that your life is ruled by extremes. Perhaps you are allowing yourself to be ruled by excessive emotion or succumbing to that inner wildness. Giving in to your passions may feel liberating in the moment, but cleaning up the messes your wild nature has made is taking up far too much of your energy.
Or, the card is alerting you to your difficulty in managing competing forces in your life. Perhaps you are under the influence of two very different people, or having trouble reconciling two schools of thought. These competing interests are pulling you apart and you must find a way to balance them.
Temperance reversed can also serve as a reminder to turn your powers of moderation inwards. You have succeeded in forging a peace between the competing forces around you, but do you have peace within? Take some time to work towards self-healing and realignment of your goals so you may go forward even stronger.