Temperance

Temperance

Temperance is one of the most graceful figures in the tarot. The sorrow of the 13th card gives way to the healing of the 14th. The angel emerges here from the reconciliation of the cardinal components of our nature: material, emotional, passionate, and mental. Temperance awakens our awareness of the state of our dependencies. She comes to temper our excesses by substituting creative passion for corrupting impulses. Temperance is marked by healing symbols. Her robe forms a chalice on her chest. Within the cup, one can discern a crest where the Moon pours healing energy onto the four primordial elements (earth, water, fire, and air). Below, hands joined in prayer create a connection between the sacral chakra and the solar plexus. Further down, the flow of water between the jars reminds us that harmony is achieved when energy circulates on all levels. Everything attests that Temperance invites us to transfiguration. A gentle transformation that inevitably involves the healing of our inner wounds and the reconciliation of our deep-seated conflicts. - Based on "Temperance," Piero del Pollaiolo (circa 1441 - 1496)

Synthesis

Type

Major

Family

Element

-

Air-water

Consciousness

Mental

Numerology

14 Phase

Planet(s)

Sign(s)

Chakra(s)

Alphabet

Healing

Chiron

Ophiuchus

Throat

Nun

The plusses

Interpretation

The lessers

#Healing
#Harmony
#Reconciliation
#Care
#Protection
#Health
#Measure
#Moderation
#Tolerance
#Balance
#Cure
#Temperance

Temperance invites us to become aware of our toxic dependencies and to address them. Unlike the more radical cards such as the Nameless Arcana or the Tower, she encourages us to approach our excesses with leniency and to favor moderation over deprivation. To help us break free, she suggests replacing our addictions with healthy passions. And to regain a state of balance, what better way than to channel our creativity into our passions? In a reading, Temperance urges us to take care of ourselves and those around us. She reminds us that well-being is cultivated daily... and that health and hygiene are easy disciplines when they become routine. For Temperance, "a sound mind in a sound body" are fundamental principles. She thus encourages us to bring more mindfulness into our lifestyle habits... and consumption choices. Finally, this universal healer readily paraphrases Paracelsus: "In its natural state, everything is poison and nothing is. It is the dose that makes the poison." Her advice: "Add water to your wine."

#Excess
#Dependency
#Intoxication
#Addiction
#Habituation
#Deficiency
#Withdrawal
#Imbalance
#Deficit
#PoorHealth
#Illness
#SelfDestruction

Families

Majors

Cups

Wands

Swords

Pentacles