Temperance: tarot card meaning

In love

In love it speaks of harmony and a relationship that heals and matures. Differences blend through dialogue and patience. It's a good time for reconciliation and for building steadily.

Temperance as a friend

As a friend, Temperance is the peacemaker who calms conflicts, finds the middle ground and looks after the balance of the group. It's a serene, healing friendship. Reversed, it points to excess or an unbalanced bond, where one person demands too much or everything swings to extremes.

Friendship reading derived from the card's general meaning (Waite, 1911; RWS tradition): not a separate doctrine.

At work

At work it advises moderation and teamwork: combine resources, negotiate calmly, and avoid impulsive decisions. Progress will be gradual but solid.

Temperance reversed

Reversed, it points to excess, impatience, or a life out of balance. Something is overdone — work, emotions, habits. Find the middle ground before the imbalance takes its toll.

Sources: Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911); tradición RWS

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Frequently asked questions

What does Temperance mean in tarot?

Temperance brings calm, balance, and healing. It's the art of blending opposites in the right measure and moving forward without extremes. Patience and moderation take you further than haste.

What does Temperance mean in love?

In love it speaks of harmony and a relationship that heals and matures. Differences blend through dialogue and patience. It's a good time for reconciliation and for building steadily.

What does Temperance mean as a friend?

As a friend, Temperance is the peacemaker who calms conflicts, finds the middle ground and looks after the balance of the group. It's a serene, healing friendship. Reversed, it points to excess or an unbalanced bond, where one person demands too much or everything swings to extremes.

What does Temperance reversed mean?

Reversed, it points to excess, impatience, or a life out of balance. Something is overdone — work, emotions, habits. Find the middle ground before the imbalance takes its toll.