This article is part of a series of posts that will compare each card in the Tarot across different decks in order to study and explore each archetype and concept more deeply. This is not necessarily meant to be a teaching tool for others, but if you like to study the Tarot as much as I do, I hope you find it interesting. Enjoy!
For more on the decks referenced here please see this page in my blog: Tools of the Locksmith https://wordpress.com/page/theramblinglocksmith.com/163
A major reference for this study was “Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom” by Rachel Pollack.
Temperance
The word temperance at its Latin root means to mix or combine. In the tarot temperance is referring to the ability to mix elements of life, personality, inner and outer elements so that there is flow. We all have a tendency to fragment our worlds into parts, but each part individually does not make up our true authentic self. When we reach Temperance we are asked to consider how it would look to integrate these parts instead and experience living inside your true whole self.
If we are able to mix these worlds and elements we are able to use each part as we need to in moderation depending on what situation arises. This produces a sense of harmony and peace which is the true goal of the card. How do you mix different elements of your life – both internal and external worlds – to create that sense of harmony, and to also enable you to manage obstacles and problem solve in creative ways?
The elements of Rider-Waite have keys to what unlocks our own ability to live our life with the flow of temperance below, but the cards from the decks that follow dive even deeper and have beautifully varied concepts of this. I hope you enjoy this walk through all the threads around Temperance with me.
Standard images from Rider-Waite in the card include:
- One cup of water flowing into another cup of water representing all the elements of life flowing together. The lower cup is not directly below the upper cup showing a magical flow between the two cups that defies gravity
- An angel standing with one foot on land and one foot in water representing the ability to stand in the unconscious and the “real world” at the same time and the ability to link the two realms.
- Sunshine in the background and the halo of light around the angels head represent finding this “medicine” after coming through the Death card which precedes this one and releasing the “ego” through that fearful experience.
- There is a rainbow that stands for a sign of peace after a storm, reminding us that this new understanding has come after some hard work or potential hardships
The Tarot of the Divine chooses to use the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of Compassion whose goal is to liberate all creatures from suffering. Avelokiteshvara was able to move between genders, ages, and shapes in order to provide the perfect combination of forms for each situation.
When you look at this card, does it allow you to reflect on all of the different forms you are maintaining, and weather they flow together, or if you maintain separate faces throughout the day? How can you blend elements of your authentic self with each one to be more present?
In the Sufi Tarot the card for temperance is given the Arabic word “sabr” which translates more or less to patience and even more so total surrender to the present moment. Its a form of acceptance that connects us directly to our own spirit. Practicing sabr teaches us to blend dualities and bring together that which may seem disparate. There is a Sufi saying that “God is to be found where opposites meet.”
What about yourself do you need to accept in order to be more present and for the parts of yourself to become less separate? What would it mean to surrender to this version of yourself and what prevents you from doing so?
The Brady Tarot calls out Temperance as medicine by showing two snakes entwined around a tree forming the caduceus symbol where one snake is touching its tail to land, and one to water. The two energies are being combined to create new growth for the tree. The Raven (dark unconscious life energy) and the Eagle (light and higher consciousness) are also in balance above the willow tree.
What energies or aspects of yourself that you currently keep separate would create new growth for you if you were able to use them at the same time or balance them?
The Voyager Tarot has one of my favorite words for Temperance – Art! Art is medicine, and the creation of medicine is art. In it we see many versions of different processes being used to dissolve old forms and recombining them into something else.
One of my favorite ways to envision this is through cooking especially for family. Individual components are cut up and changed through heat into new delicious forms.
What can you combine to form new artistic medicine? What creative opportunities can you see if you could take two separate pieces of yourself and combine them?
The Afro Brazilian Tarot uses the Orixa of the rainbow – Oxumare. Its the medicine you learn when you come through a major cycle or ending that brings a new strength to your life because you were able to learn something important about integration during that cycle.
What cycle have you recently been through that forced you or allowed you to shed a separation and surrender or learn how to be more whole? How can you use that intentionally as a new strength?
The New Era Elements Tarot portrays Temperance by showing a young Indian man offering water to the sun as part of his morning bathing ritual. Its a morning rite practiced by Hindus for thousands of years which focuses on the elemental marriage between fire and water allowing the devotee to start the day with a profound sense of equilibrium.
Is there a daily ritual that you practice that can help you find equilibrium on a regular basis?
The Rambling Locksmith 
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