Temperance
(XIV)
Overview
Upright Meaning: Balance, Harmony, and Patience
The Temperance card is the alchemist of the Tarot. After the profound change of Death (XIII), Temperance brings healing and equilibrium. It is about blending opposites—work and play, logic and emotion, action and rest—to create a unified whole. It signifies a time of moderation, patience, and "going with the flow" rather than forcing an outcome. On Dream Decoder, link this to dreams of mixing fluids, cooking, or standing calmly in the middle of a storm, which often reflect your subconscious attempting to integrate conflicting parts of yourself.
Reversed Meaning: Imbalance, Excess, or Clashing Forces
Reversed, Temperance suggests that your life’s mix is off. You might be acting impulsively, indulging in excess (food, spending, emotion), or feeling like you are pouring from an empty cup. It can indicate a lack of long-term vision, where you are seeking instant gratification instead of sustainable results. Reflect on dreams of spilling water, breaking glass, or feeling dizzy/off-center, as these act as red flags that you need to slow down and recalibrate.
Symbolism and Imagery
The card features a winged angel (often gender-neutral) standing with one foot on rocks (the material world) and one foot in the water (the subconscious). They pour liquid between two cups, defying gravity, symbolizing the magical act of finding the "middle path" where miracles happen. In the background, a path leads up to a mountain with a glowing crown (or sun), representing the higher purpose that comes from inner peace. The triangle on the angel’s robe represents spirit contained within the square of matter. Consider how the idea of "mixing" applies to your life—what two things are you trying to combine right now?
## In a Tarot Reading: Practical Advice
Love & Relationships: A sign of a healthy, balanced partnership where both people listen and compromise. If you are single, it suggests you need to find peace with yourself before inviting someone else in.
Career & Finances: Encourages a steady, sustainable pace. It is not the time for risky "all-in" bets; it is the time for budgeting, saving, and steady growth.
Personal Growth: The ultimate self-care card. It calls for you to check your "spiritual pH levels." Are you too rigid? Too chaotic? Bring it back to the center.
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