Major Arcana · Card XIV
Temperance
About Temperance
An angel stands with one foot on land and one in water, pouring liquid between two cups in an endless flow. A path leads from the water toward a distant mountain range, with a golden crown of light shining between two peaks. Irises grow at the water's edge, symbolizing hope and wisdom.
Temperance Upright Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
Temperance represents balance, moderation, patience, and finding meaning. An angel pours water between two cups, symbolizing the flow and balance between the conscious and subconscious, the material and spiritual. This card calls for a middle path — avoiding extremes and finding harmony through patience and deliberate blending of opposing forces.
\u2665Love & Relationships
In love, Temperance indicates a harmonious, balanced relationship where both partners complement each other. Patience and compromise strengthen your bond. If single, this card suggests that the right person will come when you have achieved inner balance.
\u2606Career & Finances
For career, Temperance advises a measured, patient approach. Balance work with rest, ambition with contentment. Collaborative efforts that blend different skills and perspectives will produce the best results.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
In health, Temperance is one of the most positive cards, suggesting healing, recovery, and a balanced approach to wellness. Moderation in diet, exercise, and lifestyle brings optimal health.
Temperance Reversed Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
Temperance reversed suggests imbalance, excess, lack of patience, or misalignment with your purpose. You may be overindulging in one area while neglecting another, or forcing outcomes rather than allowing natural processes to unfold.
\u2665Love & Relationships
Reversed in love, Temperance indicates relationship imbalance, impatience with your partner, or excessive compromise that leaves you feeling depleted.
\u2606Career & Finances
In career reversed, this card warns of work-life imbalance, impatience with career progress, or taking on too many projects simultaneously.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
For health reversed, Temperance suggests unhealthy excess — overeating, overdrinking, overworking, or any extreme behavior that disrupts your body's natural balance.
Symbolism of Temperance
The two cups represent the conscious and subconscious minds, the material and spiritual realms. The flow between them symbolizes the alchemical process of integration. One foot on land and one in water represents the balance between the material and emotional worlds. The triangle within the square on the angel's robe represents the spirit contained within the material world. The distant mountain crown represents the ultimate goal of spiritual attainment.
Key Advice From Temperance
“Seek the middle way. Avoid extremes and find harmony through patience, moderation, and the deliberate blending of seemingly opposing forces. The best outcomes emerge not from force but from the gentle, persistent integration of all aspects of your being.”
See Temperance in Action
Pull Temperance in one of our free interactive tarot readings and discover what it means in the context of your personal question.