Temperance in tarot:
a time for slow blending

Temperance isn't telling you to grit your teeth. It's about mixing: pouring two different things together slowly until you find the right proportion.

Look at the picture first

An angel stands at the water's edge, one foot in the water and one on the bank, pouring water back and forth between two cups. Irises bloom nearby, and a path leads to distant mountains with light at the top.

The water flows between the two cups without spilling. This card is good for talking about rhythm: adjust a little at a time, with no need to pour it all at once.

Upright

Often about balance, patience and finding the right rhythm. It can also speak of repair, reconciliation, or slowly bringing together two things that seem to conflict.

Reversed

Often about imbalance: rushing, overdoing it, wanting to finish everything at once, or being pulled back and forth between two things and doing neither well.

In love questions

When Temperance comes up for two people whose paces differ, you can talk about adjusting how often and how closely you're together, instead of one person fitting entirely around the other. When it appears after an argument, it's often a reminder to talk things through slowly first.

In work questions

When you have several things to look after at once, Temperance reminds you to set priorities and a rhythm. You can ask: which things should slow down? Which one could actually be handed over?

What to adjust first when you draw it

• Is there anything I've been doing too much or too fast this week?
• How can I keep some time for each of two things pulling against each other?
• What do my body and routine need restored first?

To get to know the Major Arcana better, read the Fool's Journey, or look them up in all 78 card meanings.

Common questions