You Are Learning Tarot Meanings: Temperance

Learning Tarot Meanings: Temperance

The Temperance card is the 14^th card in the Major Arcana.  Since numerology often ties in closely with tarot meaning, it’s important to take a look at the numerological significance its placement.  The number 14 breaks down into the number 5 in numerology.   

A number 5 is associated with challenges and fluctuations.  These can be positive or negative changes, but you’ll certainly feel as if you are on a roller coaster ride.  In addition, the number 5 can also indicate material prosperity but spiritual poverty. 

The Meaning of the Card

However, the Temperance card in tarot meanings also indicates that you’ll be tested.  The card is encouraging you to remain temperate or in control of yourself during these challenging times.  A balance is important when facing difficulties or the temptations of excess. 

The Temperance card can also indicate that you are dealing with issues from the past.  Problems and situations that you had thought you put to rest could be coming back to nip at your heels such as; old friends and lovers, bad habits and desires, money or health problems.  They are testing your self-control and your ability to handle the situations that pop up. 

Remaining temperate in these times can reap you rewards.  You’ll have the skills and ability to handle any opposing forces, find balance between the material and spiritual and see both sides of any situation. 

In addition, the Temperance card can pop up for you during times of excess.  It’s urging you to pull back and find that balance before the pressure causes you ill health or worse.

Description of the Card

Tarot meanings are also based on the images and symbolism of the card.  In the case of Temperance you’ll often see the Archangel Michael balancing one foot on earth and one in the water.  This signals the union of the material and the spiritual world.  The angel has a triangle inside of a square on his chest.  The triangle is the spiritual within all material things.

Michael is also usually depicted pouring liquid from a silver cup to a golden cup.  The liquid represents life force flowing from the subconscious to the conscious and back again, perpetually. 

The shining crown of mastery or control is your goal shown in the background as a shining light or crown at the end of a long path.

Special Advice: You’ll need to put in the effort to find your balance or the answers to the current situation, but you will succeed in the end.