Tarot Card Symbolism: Temperance of the Major Arcana

Temperance is the fourteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of patience, moderation, and the blending of opposites.

The Symbolism of the Temperance Tarot Card

This card is represented by a woman pouring liquid from one cup into another, representing the dilution of wine with water. She has large, feathery wings, and stands with one foot on land, the other in water, indicating her ability to unite opposites.

Temperance bears the number “14,” and is the teacher of moderation for the Fool after his encounter with Death.

The General Interpretation of the Temperance Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a need for the flow of feelings. It also suggests the potential for harmony and unity, perhaps in love, business, or another aspect of life. Moderation is required, however, for this to happen. Moderation is the key to life.

The Fool is challenged to develop a balanced heart. He is also reminded that he cannot remain forever in the safety of Temperance, and must eventually continue with his journey.

The Inner Meaning of the Temperance in Tarot

Temperance is the image of a balanced heart. Unlike Justice, Temperance is kind and merciful, willing to make exceptions to the rules when the situation warrants it. However, she is not overly sentimental, for emotions are a reaction to a situation. This card is connected to feeling, which is an active, fluid process that’s quite distinct from emotion.

The pouring of liquid from one cup to another is significant for more than one reason. It signifies moderation, on one hand, but it also signifies harmony. True harmony requires the constant adjustment of feeling, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. Thus, she continues to pour the waters, eternally seeking balance.
The Fool learns that feeling is a delicate thing; it can be affected by circumstance. However, he also knows that it is an active choice, and that he can use it to his advantage. He can manipulate external circumstances so that he can create his own reality. This is a lesson which empowers the Fool.

He begins to understand that he must temper justice with patience and understanding, and with compassion. Too much of any one thing can yield nothing but poor results. However, if he can but moderate himself and his attitudes, he will reap the rewards. Temperance teaches him balance and integration.

Temperance is what the Fool must encounter after he meets Death, on the path to his meeting with the Devil.