The Card of the Day: Temperance
"Ask yourself what you need."
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Temperance signifies balance, moderation, and slowing down. This card represents your inner "stress barometer" which notifies you when your mind and body are under too much strain. When Temperance appears, it is time to give your body more of what it needs right now, in order to restore your equilibrium. The card encapsulates finding the right balance between two opposing forces, to restore harmony.
Does your body "act up" when you’re stressed? Do you get strange sensations that make you worry you might have something seriously wrong with you? Do you listen to your inner needs when you are spread too thin, or do you "power" through, depleting yourself further?
The angel on the Temperance card represents your higher self, which knows just how much of anything you can endure. The angel is pouring just the right amount of water from one cup, to replenish the other. This represents your need to replenish what has been depleted. The angel also has one foot on dry land, and the other foot in the stream. This symbolizes that although he is operating in the "real world" (the dry land), he keeps one foot in contact with what his inner self needs (the stream). The path behind him leads to a bright destination. If you follow the angel's example and look after your equilibrium, you will also find a healthier, happier future awaiting you.
Temperance is sandwiched between two challenging cards: Death and the Devil. It is an oasis stop in the journey through the Major Arcana. It symbolizes a place of self-care and restoration before getting back in the ring. The many Angels that appear in the tarot represent your Higher-Self. The location of Temperance in the Major Arcana symbolizes the need to reconnect with the transcendent, “big-picture,” while amid difficulties. Stressful situations can deplete you quickly. It like holding your breath under water and endlessly swimming. The symbol of Temperance is much like returning above the water’s surface, to replenish yourself with a full breath of sweet air. Temperance enables you to go back beneath the surface renewed and revitalized.
You may think that life is just too demanding and busy, and that you don’t have the time for self-care. Many people give all the energy they have and feel strained, stressed and even crazy from burning the candle at both ends. Temperance reminds you to listen to your body, quiet your mind, and spend some to come up for air. No matter what demands are being placed on you currently, you need to replenish yourself.
Not wanting to disappoint others makes us jump through impossible circles and hoops, attempting to be Superman or Superwoman. All the while we slowly deplete ourselves to a point where we need rescuing! Temperance gently guides you to protect your own health and well-being first. In this way, you will have plenty to share with others.
To restore your balance, what is your body signaling to you that it needs? More water? More rest? Some quiet time? A vacation? A break? Time with your favorite books? A reading?
Wrap yourself in the angel's wings, and lovingly give your body what it needs. The Angel of Temperance is guiding you back toward what you need for balance. Taking the time to restore your equilibrium will ensure that you have an abundance of energy to invest in all the people are goals and improvements that are waiting for you.
*Temperance in a Love Reading:
New Relationship
For a budding partnership, Temperance advises taking things slow. Put your toe into the water before taking the plunge. This relationship will thrive when it progresses gradually and organically. Temperance relationships thrive with easygoing, harmonious exchanges of energy.
Long Term Partnership
This complimentary relationship has created much healing for both partners. Although there is a preference for calm, this relationship may need to be exposed to more excitement from time to time. Plan adventures to exotic places or focus on a shared goal. This card can also signify a need to restore relationship bonds through emotional intimacy.
Seeking Romance
If you are single, Temperance can indicate that you are still healing. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Delve into self-care to gain insight into your deepest needs. By caring for yourself, you will increase your ability to open your heart authentically with another.
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*This excerpt is a sneak peek at my book “Tarot in Love: Consulting the Cards in Matters of the Heart” from Llewellyn Books - now available for purchase!
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