The Temperance: discover the meaning of this Tarot card
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The Tarot deck has been around since the mid-15th century, and is a set of 78 cards used for divination purposes. It connects us with the higher Source, to reflect on our lives and help assist us in predicting events and making choices. The Temperance Card is labeled card “14” in the tarot deck, and holds a significant meaning when it appears during a reading.
The Temperance Card: Meaning
The Temperance Card is a card of the Tarot deck which helps compose the Major Arcana. The Major Arcana is the first 22 cards of the deck, which are the “trump” cards.” These cards are numbered from 0 to 21.
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The Temperance Card is labeled number “14,” so it possesses the vibrational energy and characteristics of the Number Fourteen.
Some of the associations we will analyze to interpret the meaning of the Temperance Card include its illustration, the Numerology of the Number Fourteen, and the relationship it has with the zodiac sign Sagittarius.
Visual Interpretation
The illustration of the Temperance Card displays an angel with beautiful red wings – an angel that is both masculine and feminine, what we would call a “hermaphrodite.” The angel has one foot on land, and one in water, and has a triangle inside a square on the robe donned. The angelic entity holds two cups, one in each hand, and is pouring water from one cup into the other.
The essential energy of this card revolves around supreme balance. For example, the red wings show a balance between spiritual energy (wings) and a grounded energy (the color red). The fact that the angel is both masculine and feminine is another obvious metaphor of the balance between masculine and feminine energies.
The theme of balance continues in how the feet of the angel are fixed: one is on land (Earthly, material world), and the other is in the water (emotional, subconscious world). The upright triangle is not only representative of the fire element (and fire signs of the zodiac, like Sagittarius), but it also represents the holy trinity (triangle) within our current foundational structure of Earth (square).
The most significant aspect of this card is shown in the pouring of water from one cup to another, reflecting a balance of duality and a mixture of two separate objects. This process is called “tempering,” which in essence is a slow process that eventually finds the “perfect middle ground.”
These cups represent anything of duality, such as: male/female, spirit/physical, emotion/logic, conscious/subconscious, and even subconscious/superconscious.
Numerology Association of The Temperance Card
The Number 14 is a higher frequency of the Number Five, as it reduces to 5 (1 + 4 = 5).
The Number One possesses an energy of p ioneering, independence, masculinity, confidence, new beginnings, initiation, and individuality.
The Number Four possesses a strong masculine energy of foundation, stability, security, practicality, order, diligence, control, and the creation of things that will last.
The Number Five possesses an energy of change, innovation, expansiveness, constructive freedom, rebellion, pioneering, adventure, restlessness, action, variety, opportunity, independence, and life experience.
Therefore, the Number Fourteen holds a vibration of new beginnings (1), foundation building (4), and constructive expansiveness (5).
Zodiac Association
The astrological zodiac sign of Sagittarius is ruled by the Temperance Card. Sagittarius is centaur archer of the astrological zodiac; they are the teacher of optimism, enthusiasm, truth, beauty, adaptability, and tolerance.
An obvious reason Sagittarius is related to the Temperance Card is the fact it’s represented by a half animal, half human: the centaur. This glyph is a metaphor emanating the capability to balance connection between the physical world, (animal instinct + conscious), and the mental spiritual world, (human capability to look within subconscious + spirit).
Sagittarius possesses a need and deep desire to increase consciousness, achieve higher awareness, and attain as much infinite wisdom as possible. The aspect of the Sagittarius that is “The Archer” encompass the symbolism of pulling back their arrow into the darkness and shadows, and shooting it out into the unseen and unknown – all of which serve a purpose of new knowledge and spiritual growth. They aim high and have zero hesitation to do so.
The soul purpose of a Sagittarius is all about seeking knowledge, uncovering truth, and obtaining spiritual growth.
What The Temperance Card Means In a Reading
When the Temperance Card shows itself in a tarot reading, it reflects balance and moderation with patience. It can signify many things, including a sense of coordination, flexibility, adaptation, and cooperation with external influences. This may mean either you are learning to, or you have started to, accomplish this.
This is a very positive sign about your current ventures. Additionally, it may signify that you have been taking the middle road lately, being careful to avoid extreme situations… all while maintaining peace of mind.
When this card appears, it is a great indicator you are doing your due diligence in the physical; on the surface you seem calm, even if below the surface (or in the unseen of your subconscious), you are chaotic and stressed.
This sense of balance and appreciation of tranquility will be an efficient tool to move toward the fulfillment and satisfaction you seek. Just maintain patience and moderation, and you will reap the benefits that the situation is evolving toward.
Your temperament is balanced and therefore you have a phenomenal hold on both the management and outlook of your life. You take your time, and possess a clear vision; you know the importance of how to strive toward it, and understand there is a learning path to encounter along that journey.
Remember, there are other messages this card may bring. One prominent theme is the fact that even steel is “tempered,” in order to make it stronger.
Are you acting with supreme balance of intellect and emotion? Are there areas in your life in which you live in excess or in extremes? Are you as capable of dealing with the bad events as you are with the good events?
This card is always a great reminder to “check yourself,” and balance out the aspects of your life that you know you should!
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