Temperance is a calm, inviting, and warm presence.
The Oxford Dictionary defines temperance as the quality of moderation or self-restraint. We can see the figure on the card practicing restraint by only having one foot in the water and one on land. He is testing the waters, simply dipping his toes before taking the dive. Temperance goes beyond restraint and into moderation.
Following the death tarot card, temperance can perceived as a sort of rebirth, however, we are more equipped with greater intelligence and wisdom this time. Our outdated ideals and sense of self have died. We have lost it all and are ready to pick and choose what to move forward with. This is a card of contemplation.
Temperance Over Time
In the 1400s, a hand-painted deck with gilded golden edges became the first tarot deck. The Visconti-Sforza rendition shows a woman pouring water from one jug to another, similar to Waite’s art. We can see a valley of hills or mountains in the background, perhaps suggesting that we have won our battles and are at a place of reprieve.
Marsielle’s tarot deck also depicts an angelic figure who pours water between jugs. A wavy body of water precedes her, and she shares the same kind and patient expression as the other two. There are many other versions of temperance, these are the first few that have set the stage for artists to build upon for centuries.
The themes of patience, moderation, and balance are reflected in all three of these versions. It seems that over the years, the calm woman has turned into a symbol represented by an angel.
Rider-Waite Symbolism
His facial expression is kind and patient. He has large red wings that expand beyond the edges of the card. The red color could be suggestive of a passion for something. The cups are golden yellow, the same shade as the sun and the flowers in the background. The cups can be seen as a representation of emotion, as the suit of cups is traditionally connected to. The environment is lush, with a dirt path leading directly to the sun.
Temperance in Daily Life
Temperance encourages us to practice moderation in our daily lives. You may want to go out and party all night long, but you must remember how you will feel the following day. You could compromise by setting yourself limits. You can purchase whatever goods and novelties you’d like from the store but remember to budget for your bills. We can indulge in whatever we want, and do whatever we want, but our actions have consequences, good, bad, or somewhere in between.
- Ask yourself, “Where can I find balance in my life?” “Where do I need to practice moderation?” “How is temperance showing up in my life?”
- We can cultivate this harmony and balance by practicing mindfulness and staying aware of the situations we find ourselves in.
Temperance Takeaways
While the textbook definition of temperance may not truly grasp the depth of the tarot card, the imagery tells us everything we need to know. By tempering our emotions, we too can achieve the bliss as seen by the figure on this card.
How have you tempered your life? Where do you have a knack for balance? Let me know in the comments below! Join the discussion and dive deeper by following That Witchy Friend on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!