Temperance: Harmonizing the Elements of Life
Temperance Tarot Card Meanings
Keywords - Upright and Reversed
Upright Keywords: Balance, Patience, Peace, Moderation, Perspective, Inner calm, Tranquility, Soulmates, Harmonious Relationships
Reversed Keywords: Imbalance, Excess, Self-indulgence, Clashing, Discord, Lack of Perspective, Antagonism, Hastiness, Recklessness
Description
The Temperance card depicts an angel with wings whose gender is not immediately apparent, implying that the sexes are in balance. The angel’s foot is in the water, symbolizing the subconscious, while the other is on dry land, symbolizing the material world. Another echo of the physical earth in connection with the holy trinity is a square on her garment with a triangle engraved inside. The angel holds two cups in such a way that the waters, which represent the super and subconscious minds, can be mixed. The water flows between them, implying infinity and togetherness. The complete harmony that results from the union of dualities is represented by everything about this card.

Upright Meaning
General Meaning
the Temperance card serves as a positive reminder to approach life with moderation, balance, and patience. It offers guidance in finding harmony within oneself and in various aspects of life, leading to personal growth, emotional stability, and fulfilling relationships.
It can indicate a situation where the Seeker learns valuable lessons in leadership and emotional balance by combining opposing aspects in their life. This card is a positive sign that the Seeker can maintain order by balancing these aspects.
Temperance + Strength – it suggests that the Seeker has a strong grip on their emotions.
Temperance +Tower – it suggests that the Seeker may experience emotional highs and lows, but can handle the unpredictability with ease.
Temperance +Star – it suggests the Seeker’s exposure to the public eye, and their ability to handle interactions with others on a larger scale.
Temperance +Judgement – it suggests the Seeker is given more responsibility, but also has the capability to handle it
Finances and Career
Love and Relationships
The Temperance card is one of the best cards to receive in a love Tarot reading. It represents a loving, committed, and respectful relationship where the Seeker and their partner have found the perfect balance of love, commitment, and respect. It’s also a symbol of soulmates. If the Seeker is in a relationship, Temperance suggests that they will overcome any difficulties to move forward together. If the Seeker is single, this card encourages them to balance other aspects of their life to make room for a loving companion to enter their life. Once this is achieved, the ideal partner will come into their life.
Health and Spirituality
The Temperance card emphasizes the importance of balance for good health. If the Seeker needs to curb any bad habits, now is an excellent time to do so. It’s a good idea to assess different aspects of their life where they have been under or overdoing things. Bringing these parts into balance can provide a healing boost. Temperance encourages the Seeker to follow their intuition and trust that their spiritual guides are watching over them. It’s also a positive sign that their body, mind, and spirit are in good working order.
Journal Prompts (Upright)
- Where in my life am I currently finding harmony, and where is it lacking?
- What areas need more patience and gentle care from me?
- How can I better integrate opposing forces within myself?
Affirmations (Upright)
- I am the calm within the storm.
- Balance flows through me with every breath I take.
- Patience leads me to peace and purposeful action.

Reversed Meaning
The reversed Temperance card suggests that the Seeker may feel overwhelmed by their current situation, leading them to be brought to their knees. Others may intentionally make things difficult for the Seeker, even sabotaging their progress.
It may suggest that the Seeker has lost touch with their inner calmness, leading them to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways. This card can also indicate a lack of peace in relationships, leading to arguments and getting involved in other people’s problems. The Seeker may be lacking perspective and failing to see the bigger picture. It’s important to take a step back, assess their behavior, and work towards resolving any underlying issues.
Moreover, the reversed Temperance serves as a cautionary message to identify areas in your life where you might be going overboard or neglecting something crucial. It encourages you to seek balance and moderation to restore harmony and well-being.
Reversed Temperance + Fool – it denotes unexpected reactions that make it challenging to move forward and get along with others.
Reversed Temperance + The Magician – It suggests that the Seeker may feel unworthy and have a lack of confidence.
Reversed Temperance + Moon – It suggests that the Seeker may struggle to get proper rest, leading to sleeplessness, fretting, or nightmares.
Reversed Temperance + Sun – It indicates that things will change soon.
Journal Prompts (Reversed)
- What habits or thoughts are throwing me off balance?
- Who or what in my life is disrupting my inner calm?
- How can I restore moderation and peace in this season?
Affirmations (Reversed)
- I let go of extremes and choose balance.
- I trust myself to create harmony, even in chaos.
- With each mindful step, I return to center.
Keywords The Temperance tarot card interpretation, Symbolism of the Temperance card in tarot, Exploring the Temperance tarot card, Tarot symbolism and meanings, Major Arcana tarot cards
- Explore All Major Arcana Tarot Cards →
- Previous Card: Death Tarot Meaning →
- Next Card: The Devil Tarot Meaning →