1/3/12

XIV - Temperance



Temperance
The Moon shines down on a serene scene as a woman sits peacefully in the midst of some rapids. Although the water rushes around and under her, she is unaffected by it. She holds two chalices, pouring water from one to the other. Despite the churning chaos around her, she pours perfectly calmly, nothing disturbing her. This is the simple and elegant message of Temperance: to remain perfectly balanced and centered, no matter what the circumstances. This card is about balance. It does not mean equal amounts of everything all the time. It means remaining perfectly balanced, no matter what else is going on, which means Temperance is always in motion to adjust to changing environments and situations. Sometimes she needs to pour a little more out of one chalice, sometimes the other – it all depends on what is going on around her.

This card suggests that you watch your balance. Take the time to make sure your reactions, decisions, and words are appropriate for for the situation at hand. You are advised to practice moderation and patience. This is no time for extreme behaviour or melodramatic gestures.

If reversed, this card implies someone whose behaviour is out of control and very clearly immoderate. It can, although rarely, suggest that an extreme stance is called for.

Use your intuition:

What is the white flower to the left and what does it signify?

What happens when one of the cups is emptied of all the liquid?

This scene is set at night. How would the card’s meaning change if it were daytime?

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