Major Arcana
Temperance
Temperance is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of balance, moderation and patience. Reversed, it points to excess, imbalance and impatience. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- 14
- Element
- Fire
- Astrology
- Sagittarius
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
A winged angel keeps one foot in water and the other on land, pouring liquid between two cups in a continuous stream. On the chest is a triangle within a square, and in the distance a path rises toward a crowned sun. Irises and lilies line the stream. Blending, measure and patience: the number 14 is the alchemy that integrates opposites after transformation.
Affirmation
“I find balance in my own rhythm and trust the process of healing.”
Upright meaning
- balance
- moderation
- patience
- integration
- harmony
- General
- Temperance asks for measure, patience and the art of blending different elements in harmony. After the intensity of the previous cycle comes gradual healing and integration of reason and emotion, action and rest. No extremes: the middle path is the most sustainable. There is spiritual meaning and purpose in the distance.
- Love
- A balanced relationship, with patience, listening and mutual care. As a couple, this is the phase to harmonize differences rather than eliminate them. If single, go slowly and build connection in due time.
- Work & money
- Collaboration, steadiness and good management of time and resources. Results come from a sustainable rhythm. Balancing personal and professional life improves the quality of your work.
- Advice
- Find the middle ground and keep a steady rhythm. Blend with care, without haste.
Reversed meaning
- excess
- imbalance
- impatience
- extremes
- discord
- General
- Reversed, Temperance points to excess, impatience and swings between extremes. It can be life out of balance between work and rest, or conflict between what you value and what you do. The mixture overflows and measure is missing. Rediscover your rhythm through small daily adjustments.
- Love
- Imbalance in the relationship, with emotional excess, lack of patience or intensity alternating with coldness. As a couple, seek a shared rhythm. If single, avoid skipping steps.
- Work & money
- Overload, lack of balance between life areas or conflict among colleagues. Excessive spending needs attention. Reorganize priorities and time.
- Advice
- Identify where there is excess and trim it a little. Return to simple routines of rest, food and movement.
Guides about Temperance
- Temperance and Strength in Tarot: What Is the Difference?Compare Temperance (XIV) and Strength (VIII): balance and gentle courage in tarot, with examples from love, work and daily routine.
- Is Temperance a Yes or a No in Tarot?Learn why Temperance leans toward yes, what the card requires to confirm the answer, and how to read a yes-or-no question when it comes up reversed.
- What Does Temperance Mean in Friendship?Temperance in a reading about friendship speaks of balance, patience and fair exchange. Learn to read the card for reconciliations, distance and new friends.
- What Does Temperance Mean as Someone's Feelings for You?See what Temperance says about someone's feelings for you, from balanced affection to reversed ups and downs, with examples and useful questions.
- Can tarot help you prepare for a difficult conversation with your partner?Use tarot to rehearse a difficult conversation with your partner: name what you feel, define your request and choose the moment, without predicting a reaction.
- Tarot and money: how do you read the cards about financial planning?Learn to use tarot to reflect on your relationship with money and your habits, without ever treating it as financial advice.