Each and every card in a tarot deck has its own stigma. For example, many fear receiving The Death Card, while others worry about The Tower. These cards aren’t necessarily bad; however, they are highly transformative and generally point to a change. And change, to many, is terrifying. However, the card that really seems to catch the attention of people is the temperance tarot card.
According to tarot professionals, the temperance is one of the most significant cards you can receive in a reading. But what truly makes it so powerful? In this piece, we’re going to over the upright and reversed meaning of this card and what it can actually tell you in a reading.
Temperance Tarot Card Overview
To start, the temperance tarot card is a powerful addition to the Major Arcana deck. In a reading, it’s meaning can fluctuate, however, it seems to always point back to a need for grounding and balance. Although this card typically indicates self-care, the reversed meaning may signify something more. But before we dive into that, let’s analyze the art of the card.
Temperance Tarot Card Art
While each deck depicts the temperance card differently, the art typically shows a few key characteristics. This usually includes:
- A winged angel dressed in white, both with masculine and feminine traits.
- The angel has one foot in water and one foot on land.
- The angel is pouring water from one cup to another.
- There is a stream that runs far into the background.
- In the sky behind the angel, their rests a golden crown.
Now, upon first glance, this card may seem a bit random. However, if you analyze it’s art a little further, you may find a deeper meaning. For example:
- The angel could represent both man and woman.
- The one foot on land could represent grounding energy, while the other can represent emotion and flow.
- The water that is poured between two cups could symbolize the flow of life.
- The stream that vanishes into the background could represent that path of life into the unknown.
- And lastly, the crown could symbolize purity or higher purpose in life.
Of course, as always, the meaning of the card is always up to the interpreter, so it is important to see how the card connects with your personally and go from there.
Temperance Upright Meaning
Moving onto the temperance card meaning, when you receive the card upright in a reading, it typically means you’re in need of balance and stability. You are being asked to work on yourself as the time has come for you to align yourself back to you purpose. This card warns that you may have strayed from you path, but now the universe has aligned for you to get back to yourself.
On the other hand, the temperance card also aspires to teach you to be calm. Do not let anger or stressful situations get the best of you anymore. Rather, take a moment to gather yourself before you act rashly. More so than anything, being the peacekeeper and observer is the best thing for you now, so it’s time to calm down. Once you do this, the path ahead will become clear, and all the difficulties in your life will seem to come easier.
Similarly, if you’re looking to learn about other powerful tarot cards, check out our article “The Sun Tarot Card Meaning” for additional insight.
Temperance Reversed Meaning
Alternatively, if you receive the temperance card reversed, you are being warned that your current actions and decisions are straying you away from your destiny. It’s likely you feel it too, then this is your wake up call. You are being asked to stop and analyze where you’re currently going and see if it’s what you’re meant to be doing. If not, it’s time to make a change and correct yourself before it’s too late.
On the other hand, the reversed temperance card can also point to something ‘off’ in your life. You may be deceived by someone around you or have a bad feeling about a decision you made. If you are receiving this card, you have been ignoring your intuition for too long. If you continue to ignore it, the messages will become more intense and may hurt you in the long run. Above all else, this card is asking you to take a clear look at yourself, align yourself better, and trust your instincts.
To learn more about the meaning behind the temperance card, check out Labyrinthos’s article, “Temperance Meaning – Major Arcana Tarot Card Meaning,” for more information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the temperance tarot card is very powerful to receive, whether it’s upright or reversed. Regardless of how this card came up in your reading, the main component is transformation, so be prepared for a powerful journey ahead of you. Nevertheless, the temperance card always has your best interest in mind, so pay attention. If you follow the guidance it gives you; we can assure you that you will find yourself exactly where you need to be. And in the end, it won’t be so bad after all.
For more information on the Major Arcana tarot card meanings, check out our article, “The Moon Tarot Card Overview” for more information.
