Temperance Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Temperance Keywords 

• Upright: moderation, rejuvenation, harmony, inner peace, restoring balance, adaptability, reconciling opposites
• Reversed: excess, imbalance, recklessness, one-sided perspective, impatience, inner conflict

Temperance: Description and Symbolism

The Temperance card depicts an angel with one foot in the grass and another in a lake. The grass represents her connection to worldly events, while the water represents her connection to the spiritual plane. The angel is capable of bridging the gap between earthly and divine influences. 

The angel holds a cup in each hand, pouring from one to the other. Cups represent the element of water throughout the tarot, emphasizing themes of intuition and compassion. The depiction of water flowing magically between two cups symbolizes the blending of opposites. The angel in the Temperance card reconciles the conscious and unconscious drives that naturally flow within her. She embodies this internal balance, represented by the triangle on her robe, which signifies the mind, body, and spirit.

The angel herself represents the connection to the divine through her endeavors. She embodies pure intentions, symbolized by the white robe she wears. Her red wings represent the willingness to act on principle. The road behind her leads to a sunset, symbolizing the abundant success she will achieve from having a balanced mindset. The surrounding hills and greenery represent the worldly potential of her adaptive energy. The yellow irises symbolize wisdom and hope through her endeavors. The Temperance angel is divinely guided, represented by the golden halo around her head.

The Temperance card is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. As a fire sign ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius’ energy can be described as abundant, wise, and open to new perspectives. This astrological association speaks to the Temperance card’s themes of moderation, adaptability, and reconciliation.

Temperance – Upright Meaning

The Temperance card appears as a positive sign of recovery and reconciliation. Any conflicts or concerns that have been weighing on you can be resolved now. You are in tune with your inner voice as you traverse new terrain. Now is a good time for tackling projects and commitments that would usually feel overwhelming. 

There is no need to go to extremes at this time. When Temperance appears, you will benefit from keeping your efforts in moderation. Keep your inner peace in mind as you make new commitments. You are in a period of restoring balance.

Love Meaning – Temperance Upright

When Temperance appears in a love context, it is a time of reconciliation and recovery. If you and your partner have been struggling to make a decision or reach an agreement, it is a good time to address the issue. You feel more capable of keeping an open mind, and your concerns are likely to be heard in full. Conversations are likely to go over smoothly at this time.

If you are single, Temperance encourages you to take your time pursuing new connections. It is a lovely time to weigh your options while pouring more attention into yourself. New beginnings in love will come when the time is right, so go with the flow. If you are healing from a recent separation, it would benefit you to lean into your innermost desires and needs to regenerate your energy.

As a relationship dynamic, the Temperance card depicts a harmonious and balanced connection. Both partners are willing to account for an opposing perspective, inspiring mutual understanding and healing.

When reading for how someone feels, Temperance represents someone who is hopeful about the connection. This romantic interest is taking their time in their pursuits to ensure that everyone is happy in the end.

Career and Finance Meaning – Temperance Upright

The Temperance card suggests it is a great time to restore a work-life balance. You have learned to control your energy output at work to stay inspired in other areas. If you have wanted to pursue a degree or start a small business on the side of your current job, Temperance suggests you can find a balance.

Try not to overdo it with your work and finances at this time. Temperance encourages you to measure your efforts to maintain an internal balance. Remain adaptable to new expenses and responsibilities as they arise, and you will stay satisfied.

Health Meaning – Temperance Upright

Temperance promises a period of recovery and restored balance. It is a great time to address recent health concerns with new self-care activities and hobbies. You will cultivate satisfaction throughout your life the more you prioritize your inner peace now.

Spirituality Meaning – Temperance Upright

When Temperance appears in a spiritual context, it is a great time to focus on manifestation practices. Create a vision board and journal about the goals you would like to set for the week. Attuning to different creative ideas and giving them an outlet will inform your spiritual growth now.

Temperance As Feelings Meaning – Upright

Temperance represents feelings of inner peace and patience. By accepting your internal opposing drives, you are now content and accepting of any external factors that arise.

Temperance As Actions Meaning – Upright

The Temperance card suggests a motivation to adapt and bring balance to a given situation. You are driven to find the middle ground to keep matters running smoothly.

Temperance – Reversed Meaning

When Temperance appears reversed in a tarot reading, you could be feeling pulled in multiple directions. It may be challenging to balance your work, relationships, and home life at this time. You are gently reminded to turn your attention inward to clarify your focus. Once you find a balance within, it will be easier to cultivate balance throughout your life.

The reversed Temperance card may suggest that you have been taking on commitments more quickly than you would like. Perhaps you feel an internal pressure to keep others happy in a given situation. Even still, there is no need to overdo it. Making quick decisions without proper thought will pull you away from your path at this time.

Love Meaning – Temperance Reversed

When the Temperance card appears reversed in a love context, you could be going through a situation where it is difficult not to overreact. Perhaps someone from your past has reached out to you, or an argument within your relationship has left you feeling uneasy. This card gently reminds you not to give in to passionate feelings in your responses. You will benefit from taking a breath and reflecting on the outcome you are striving for in your relationships.

The reversed Temperance card may also suggest that you are growing impatient in your relationships. Reflect on the amount of energy and attention you have been pouring into your connections. You may realize you are putting in unequal effort. Whether you are giving less or more than your partner or romantic interest, you will achieve the results you desire once you validate yourself on the support you need.

As a relationship dynamic, reversed Temperance represents an imbalanced or one-sided connection. One or both partners need to reflect on the meaning behind their efforts to cultivate mutual satisfaction.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Temperance card depicts someone who is quick to react. You may need to give this romantic interest time to recalibrate their desires before believing their words as truth.

Career and Finance Meaning – Temperance Reversed 

When Temperance appears reversed in a career context, you could be struggling to adapt to a responsibility or expense that suddenly cropped up. Rather than allowing unexpected events to shift your approach, you are encouraged to take a breath. Reflect on the best path forward to maintain peace and satisfaction with your endeavors.

The reversed Temperance card may also suggest a lack of balance in your work life. Perhaps your home responsibilities have fallen through the cracks to keep up with deadlines, or your ideas haven’t been taken into account alongside your peers’. Before jumping into another task to keep up with the pace, you are gently reminded to attune to your energy levels. You can only give so much, so don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ or set boundaries around your time.

Health Meaning – Temperance Reversed

In a health context, the reversed Temperance card suggests you may be struggling to maintain a balance among your commitments. You are tempted to pick up the next task to get it over with rather than sit with your feelings. To restore inner peace, this card encourages you to set realistic expectations for yourself. Pay attention to your energy levels and which commitments rejuvenate you the most.

Spirituality Meaning – Temperance Reversed

When Temperance appears reversed, you could feel that you have strayed from your spiritual path. Consider what fleeting ideas and emotions have pulled you away from your purpose. It may be time to practice grounding techniques to restore inner balance.

Temperance As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Temperance card signifies feelings of impatience and internal conflict. You could need an outlet for your suppressed energy to give it proper direction. Then, you will find it easier to cope with changing circumstances.

Temperance As Actions Meaning – Reversed

As actions, the reversed Temperance card represents impulsiveness and reactivity. You may be acting on passing feelings and ideas more quickly than you would like in your given situation. To adapt to the changes in your environment, it would benefit you to implement mindfulness practices to hone in on your goals.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When Temperance appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a situation where you learned to bring opposing forces into balance. You learned the importance of internal harmony and moderation, which is now influencing your current situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, Temperance suggests that you are going through a situation that requires you to be adaptable. You are actively learning to pursue your desires in moderation to maintain inner peace. Be patient with yourself as you find a balance.

Future Position

The Temperance card in the ‘future’ position predicts an upcoming need for balance and energy renewal. Your current situation will lead you to come to terms with co-existing needs and desires. 

Yes or No Meaning of Temperance 

• Temperance Upright: Yes
• Temperance Reversed: No

When Temperance appears upright in a tarot reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. As a card representing renewal and restored balance, a favorable outcome is likely in your given situation.

When the Temperance card appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’.  Your approach to the given situation needs to be reconsidered to achieve the outcome you seek.

Advice and Message of Temperance

The Temperance card reminds you to take life as it comes. You are capable of maintaining inner peace, no matter what may appear at your doorstep.  You are encouraged to remain adaptable and accepting of your present circumstances. Trust the path you are following – the lessons will empower you.

Summary of Temperance Tarot Meaning

When Temperance appears, you are ready to bring balance to your situation. You have endured enough lessons and experiences to find peace where you are. Now it is time to recover and cultivate a sense of harmony. When reversed, you may be going through a period where it is challenging to balance opposing forces. Temperance gently reminds you to practice self-compassion as you adapt to your changing situation.