The Major Arcane of Temperance in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Marseille tarot and in the Rider Waite tarot is in charge of showing us with total force the dominance you can have over yourself. It is a card that will point out certain points of yourself that are very important to be able to understand the procedure in certain situations, whether it appears upside down or upside down.
Temperance is synonymous with calm, responsibility, but also abstinence. In medieval times, medicine used bloodletting to purify the body, to temper it, to release those toxins, we would say today, that contributed to making it sick. Therefore, the publication of this card is linked to a probable health problem.
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The main image of this tarot card shown here online is the Archangel Michael. He had sided with God in the fight against Lucifer, which helped force him to take refuge in the darkness of the earthly abyss. And so the Devil Tempter card follows Temperance. If we want to have a victory over temptation, we must moderate ourselves.
In the center of the forehead a circle with a point inside, symbol of the sun. The sun that we just saw rise in the previous card, Death, now shines on the mountain and makes the Archangel’s forehead shine as a testimony to a growth in consciousness. The path of moderation is represented as a path that reaches the mountain from the water. Temperance is a solemn oath to lead a more moderate life.
Meaning of Temperance in the Marseille Tarot by Jodorowsky and Rider Waite
In the Tarot de Marseille, Temperance represents the fourteenth main arcane. She is represented by a winged woman pouring water from a golden amphora into a silver amphora. The first symbolizes consciousness, reason, while the second refers to the sphere of the unconscious.
The two amphorae describe diametrically opposed tendencies that are rebalanced by temperance itself. Through the sweetness infused into the gesture of pouring the liquid, the opposing forces cancel each other out and find a perpetual balance, transforming duality into complementarity. The image leads back to the idea of regenerative energy.
The transposition of the figurative reproduction of temperance at the level of reality must be sought in the internal sphere of the individual, in interpersonal relationships or, more generally, in common and everyday situations. Specifically, the card refers to the ceaseless movement of life. And since temperance itself is vital energy, it also contains the magical function inherent in nature, hence the close link with occult or mystical medicine.
Temperance, which in itself indicates patience, balance, measure, reasonableness and discipline, plays a fundamental role in the concepts of reconciliation, internal purification and healing: by definition, it is the bearer of harmony. For this reason, when the card refers to an individual, it generally indicates a man of faith, a priest or, in any case, a pure person, sociable and esteemed by the community.
Temperance to the right
When introduced to the law, Temperance tells us that when the going gets tough, you are someone who can remain calm and rational, who won’t let stress take over. Rather, you are patient and prepared to just go with the flow. You are blessed with the ability to see the totality of a situation clearly, allowing you to enjoy significant progress in the areas of life you choose to seek and explore.
It is a clear warning to avoid all excesses and not to go from one extreme to another. The enthusiasm for a situation must be balanced, it must not be exceeded in unbridled passions. We must try as hard as we can to stay focused, not get overly enthusiastic and overly behaving, or get discouraged by unexpected events. Temperance tells us that we can enter a new project, a new relationship, a journey, but always with the correct measure.
Temperance in Health
At the health level, Temperance warns us that moderation is the key. If you have bad habits that could compromise your health, this is a good time to try to control them. Maybe you need to exercise more often, stop smoking, or eat a more balanced diet. Addressing these areas will give you the boost you need to feel healthy and energetic again.
Temperance in Love
If you’re in a relationship, you couldn’t hope to draw a better card than temperance. It signifies the perfect balance of love, commitment, and mutual respect between soulmates. If you have recently had relationship difficulties, Temperance indicates that both you and your partner will resolve the issues that come between you harmoniously and that your union is on solid ground.
If you are single, temperance serves as an indication that you will learn to balance other areas of your life to make room for a special new lover to come into your world and leave you alone.
Temperance in Money
The appearance of this card tells us that your finances are finally beginning to stabilize, and if you have been in debt, you won’t be for much longer. This doesn’t mean you’re about to win the lottery or receive a billion-dollar inheritance, just that you’ll soon be more financially comfortable than you normally have been. However, you still need to reassess your relationship with money to realize and accept that you need to be more frugal.
Temperance at Work
This is the perfect time to set new career goals as you have the patience and persistence to achieve everything you desire. While you can rest assured that your hard work and dedication have been duly noted by your superiors, if you’re hoping for a promotion, you must remember to be patient and not instinctively jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. There may well be something even better just around the corner.
Temperance in reverse
Temperance reversed indicates imbalance and overindulgence, a warning that you are engaging in reckless behavior that will harm you again. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, overeating, impulse buying, or any other similar negative behavior, temperance is a sign that you’ve strayed too far from yourself and need to step back and realign with your inner self.
In general, the reversed Temperance card gives a clear indication that one is addicted to something. By showing upside down, it can mean that extreme behavior might also be the only way out of an equally dangerous situation. But in general, the Temperance card reversed gives a clear indication that one is addicted to something. A person who has lost control of himself and who throws himself into these excesses in order not to think, to cloud the mind and not suffer, without realizing that only moderation can positively balance difficult situations. The lack of moderation leads to an imbalance, an internal disharmony that pushes to excesses and only harms.
Temperance in Health
Even the other way around, temperance reminds us that health is still about balance and moderation. Take good care of yourself, exercise, get enough rest, eat right, do whatever you need to do to stay healthy. If you are experiencing health problems right now, it is because you are out of balance in these areas.
Temperance in Love
If you are in a relationship, the Temperance reversed position indicates that there have been numerous recent conflicts caused by an imbalance in your relationship. One of you feels that the love you are giving is not being reciprocated.
You need to find your inner balance in order to better deal with your relationship problems. Once you do, you’ll be much better equipped to make the right decisions and find solutions to the problems you face.
If you are single, you have been showing your hand too soon when it comes to your romantic interests and you need to start playing a little coyer. So go back a few notches, you don’t want to seem desperate.
Temperance in Money
Temperance reversed indicates that your finances are well balanced, that you have the right amount of money coming in and going out each month. However, you could certainly be a little more nervous, so don’t be afraid to go out and pursue any promising financial opportunity that comes your way. If you are proactive about it, more funds will find their way into your bank account.
Temperance at Work
The Temperance card reversed tells us that this is not the time to go it alone in any professional capacity. Regardless of your actual situation, you should be considered a team player by your professional superiors, even if you work independently.
Regardless of how bleak your career options may seem right now, trust that your achievements have not been overlooked and that you will eventually receive the recognition you deserve.
Temperance: Combinations | special editions
In order to know the full meaning of Temperance when it appears in a reading, it is important to know what it is conveying to us when it appears in conjunction with other cards. It is for this reason that we need to know each of its combinations with the other Major and Minor Arcane.