Tarot Cards - Major Arcana - Temperance - 14
REVERSED: Imbalance, excess, self-healing, re-alignment
TEMPERANCE DESCRIPTION
The Temperance card shows a large, winged angel who is both masculine and feminine. She wears a light blue robe with a triangle enclosed in a square on the front, representing that humans (the triangle) are bound by the Earth and natural law (square). The angel balances between one foot on the rocks, expressing the need to stay grounded, and one foot in the water, showing the need to be in flow. She pours water between two cups, symbolic of the flow and alchemy of life.
In the background, there is a winding path up to a mountain range, reflecting the journey through life. Above the mountains hovers a golden crown encased in a glowing light, a symbol of taking the Higher path and staying true to one’s life purpose and meaning.
Reversed Meaning
Keywords (Reversed): Imbalance, excess, impatience, lack of harmony, clashing elements.
When Temperance appears reversed, the graceful flow of water between the angel's gold and silver vessels spills onto the earth. The moderate equilibrium of the upright card is lost to extremes—overindulgence, volatile mood swings, impatience, or trying to combine conflicting energies that simply cannot mix at this time. You may feel physically depleted, emotionally frayed, or spiritually fragmented.
In partnerships and projects, the reversal signals friction caused by a lack of compromise and an inability to find middle ground.
Guidance & Remedy: Return to center. Eliminate excesses in diet, work, and emotional reactivity. Practice stillness and allow turbulent waters to settle until clarity is restored.
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