Temperance in summary
Temperance is the fourteenth card of the tarot deck, marking a pivotal moment of balance and moderation in the journey through the Major Arcana. This card depicts an angelic figure, often considered androgynous, blending water between two cups, symbolizing the flow and alchemy of life. The angel stands with one foot on land and the other in water, illustrating the bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. Just as the water flows between the cups without spilling, Temperance teaches us the importance of equilibrium and patience in our lives.
The background, typically a calming landscape with a rising path, encourages us on a journey of personal development and spiritual enlightenment. The angel's presence reassures us of divine protection and guidance as we balance opposing forces within ourselves. The irises, commonly seen blooming in the card, are symbols of wisdom and messages from the heavens.
Temperance calls for a harmonious blend of opposites, urging us to remain calm and composed even in turbulent times. It speaks to the art of moderation and the avoidance of extremes, suggesting that a balanced approach will lead to long-term success and fulfillment. When this card appears in a reading, it is a favorable omen for healing and integration, indicating that it is time to temper our passions and align more closely with our higher purpose. It invites us to reflect on our progress, integrate our learnings, and prepare for the next phase of our lives, emphasizing that balance is key to a peaceful existence and spiritual progression.
Understanding, supportive, compromising
When the Temperance card appears in a love reading, it often signifies a period of balance and harmony in your romantic life. This card suggests a relationship where both partners are learning to blend their differences, creating a peaceful and stable connection. It may indicate that you and your partner are finding common ground, or learning how to compromise effectively, leading to a deeper understanding and respect for one another.
For singles, Temperance is a sign that patience will be your virtue in the quest for love. You are likely taking the time to heal from past relationships and are focusing on personal growth. This self-reflection and inner harmony are attracting the right kind of energy into your life, paving the way for a relationship that will be balanced and fulfilling. The card advises you to maintain this balance and not rush into anything impulsively.
If Temperance appears reversed in a love reading, it may point to a lack of harmony and imbalance in your emotional life. You might be feeling that your relationships are too intense or chaotic, or perhaps you are struggling to blend your life with someone else's. It suggests the need to restore balance, possibly by taking time apart to evaluate what you truly need from a relationship or by adjusting your expectations to find a middle ground. This card encourages you to seek peace and equilibrium, as these will guide you to healthier and more satisfying relationships.
Efficient, collaborative, methodical
In the realm of work, the Temperance card suggests a period of balance and steady progress. This card indicates that you are finding a harmonious way to blend your skills and resources, leading to sustainable growth and efficiency in your professional life. It may also hint at successful collaborations where different perspectives and talents are coming together smoothly. If you've been considering a change in your career path or a shift in your job role, Temperance advises a thoughtful and measured approach. This card encourages patience and persistence, as well as the continuous refinement of your abilities to achieve long-term success.
Regarding finances, Temperance speaks to financial stability and prudent management. It suggests that now is a time for careful budgeting and avoiding any extremes in spending. This card may also indicate a phase where you can effectively balance your expenditures and savings, leading to a healthier financial state. If you've been pondering an investment, Temperance calls for a conservative approach, possibly in stable and long-term opportunities rather than quick gains. It might also be an ideal time to reassess your financial strategies to ensure they align with your overall life goals, promoting a sense of security and peace.
Welcoming, inclusive, peace-making
When Temperance appears in a social and friendship reading, it signifies harmony and balance in your relationships. You possess a natural ability to mediate and bring people together, fostering peaceful connections among your friends. This card indicates that you strive to maintain equilibrium in your social life, ensuring no one feels neglected while tactfully diffusing potential conflicts. You're also known for offering sound advice, creating an atmosphere where others feel safe to confide in you.
However, when Temperance is reversed, there may be tension or discord brewing. Misunderstandings or mismatched expectations can lead to strained relationships, leaving you feeling off-balance. You might be finding it challenging to manage your social commitments, resulting in overexertion or impatience. Take time to reestablish boundaries and communicate openly with your friends to restore the harmony and positive energy Temperance promises in its upright form.
Nurturing, mediator, consistent
When Temperance appears in a family-oriented tarot spread, it typically indicates a period of harmonious balance and healing within the household. This card suggests that family members are learning to blend their different personalities and viewpoints in a manner that fosters unity and mutual respect. It might be a time when past conflicts are being resolved through compromise and understanding, and you are finding a new equilibrium in your family life.
In its reversed position, Temperance warns of imbalance and discord among family members. It may indicate that someone is struggling to find common ground or that there are extreme differences in lifestyle or opinion creating tension. This card reversed suggests that there is a need to address these disparities and work towards reintroducing harmony and cooperation in the family dynamics. It's a call to avoid extremes and seek a more moderate, balanced approach to family relationships.
Reflective, insightful, tranquil
In a spiritual context, the Temperance card signals a period of inner harmony and balance that is crucial for your personal growth. This card encourages you to find moderation and purpose in your actions, suggesting that now is the time to blend opposite forces in your life into a meaningful whole. Temperance invites you to explore the peaceful stability that comes when you are truly aligned with your spiritual path.
It asks you to consider how well you integrate your beliefs into your daily life and whether you maintain equilibrium between the material and spiritual worlds. Are you nurturing your soul with as much care as you manage your physical and emotional needs? This card is a reminder that true wisdom comes from a balanced life.

When Temperance appears upright in a reading, it brings a harmonious message of balance, moderation, and purpose. This card signifies that you are in a space where you can blend different elements of your life, creating a seamless and meaningful union. You may be experiencing a period where your emotions, actions, and thoughts align, allowing you to navigate challenges with a calm and centered mindset. This harmony suggests that you're finding ways to integrate various aspects of your personality, values, and goals into a cohesive whole.
Temperance encourages patience and moderation in your endeavors. Rather than rushing into decisions, you recognize the value of carefully weighing your options and approaching situations thoughtfully. You're learning how to manage your energy and resources wisely, ensuring that no part of your life is neglected. This card invites you to embrace a balanced lifestyle, where you blend the spiritual and the material, the conscious and the subconscious.
It symbolizes healing and renewal, urging you to focus on inner peace and equilibrium. If you've been dealing with conflict or turbulence, Temperance suggests that a solution is on the horizon, one that will bring a satisfying resolution for all involved. Now is the time to nurture a state of grace and ease, knowing that you are creating something beautiful and sustainable for the long term.

When Temperance appears reversed, it suggests a disruption in the balance that the card usually represents. There's a lack of harmony in your life, and this may stem from impatience or an inability to find a middle ground in certain matters. Perhaps you're pushing too hard to achieve something, overlooking the need for moderation, or you might be feeling the weight of being pulled in too many directions. This imbalance could cause stress or hinder your progress toward goals.
The reversed Temperance card may also indicate unresolved inner conflicts or emotional turmoil that prevent you from finding peace. You might feel disconnected from yourself or others, struggling to adapt to changing circumstances. At times, it hints at self-indulgence or over-commitment to an idea that isn’t serving you well, possibly leading to burnout. In relationships, it can mean difficulties in finding compromise, or perhaps avoiding necessary conversations.
The reversed Temperance urges you to step back, realign, and find the equilibrium that allows growth and fulfillment. Remember that flexibility and patience will help you navigate through this period of discord, leading to a renewed sense of peace and understanding in due time.
To go further
Card meanings
Discover all the tarot cards and interpret their presence in your reading.
The Major Arcana
Discover the 22 Major Arcana to understand their meaning and what they promise.
The Minor Arcana
Discover the 56 Minor Arcana with interpretations of the Swords, Pentacles, Cups, and Wands cards.