MAJOR ARCANA · XIV
Temperance
Let differences blend gradually, and nurture a harmony that feels true to you.
- Harmony
- Integration
- Adjustment
- Healing
- Moderation
- Recovery
- Adaptation
- Gentle progress
SYMBOL & STORY
What Temperance represents
Temperance is a card about blending different things together and creating a new harmony. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, a winged angel pours liquid back and forth between two cups. Waite describes this being in masculine terms while also stating that it is actually neither male nor female. He describes what flows between the cups not as mere water, but as the "essence of life." One of the angel's feet rests on the earth, while the other is in the water. If the earth is read as a symbol of reality or conscious awareness, and the water as emotion or the unconscious, the figure can be understood as showing a way of living that does not lean entirely toward either side, but remains in contact with both worlds. What matters in Temperance is not simply "taking the middle." It is about carefully moving between things of different natures, allowing them to become accustomed to one another, and creating a new state that did not exist before. In love, for example, harmony does not mean that both people simply endure half of everything. Temperance can also mean finding a form of relationship that suits the two of you while each person continues to have different ways of thinking and different ways of living. In work, it may mean combining different abilities or opinions and creating a result that no one could have produced alone. Later tarot interpretations sometimes see alchemical symbolism in this process of "joining different things and transforming them into something new." However, this does not mean that Waite himself clearly defined this card as "a card of alchemy"; it is one interpretation that developed from the symbolism. Waite himself explained this card as representing the work of "tempering, combining, and harmonizing" spiritual and material qualities. Among its divinatory meanings, he listed moderation, frugality, management, and accommodation. For that reason, Temperance is not only about inner harmony; it also carries the meaning of practically putting everyday life and work into order. On the angel's chest are a square and a triangle, and a solar symbol appears on the forehead. In the distance, a straight path leads toward the mountains, and within a great light beyond them something like a crown can be seen. This is not a road that reaches its destination immediately. It can be seen as a process of life in which you first bring yourself into balance where you are, then move forward step by step until you gradually draw closer to the distant light. Temperance also comes immediately after Major Arcana XIII, Death. After the old form comes to an end through Death, Temperance slowly combines what remains and begins creating a new way of living and a new state of mind. That is why Temperance is not a card of simply waiting quietly. The angel is calm, but the hands never stop moving. "Not rushing" and "doing nothing" are not the same thing. Try something. Watch the response. Change it a little. Then try again. Temperance is a card of creating a sustainable flow through the accumulation of these gentle adjustments.
UPRIGHT & REVERSED
Upright and reversed Temperance
Compare the keywords and detailed meanings to see how the symbol changes with orientation.
UPRIGHT
Upright meaning
Let differences blend gradually, and nurture a harmony that feels true to you.
- Harmony
- Integration
- Recovery
- Adaptation
- Gentle progress
Temperance upright represents things that were different gradually beginning to blend, allowing a situation to settle into a more natural form. Rather than dramatic success or sudden transformation, it suggests a disturbed flow becoming calmer, or relationships beginning to fit together little by little. Even if things are not complete yet, adjustment may already be moving in a favorable direction. On an inner level, you do not need to decide that only one of two conflicting feelings within you is correct. Complex feelings such as "I want to move forward, but I am afraid" or "I care about this person, but I also need distance" can both be accepted as parts of who you are right now. Doing so can help your heart settle. In practical circumstances, people with different opinions may begin meeting each other halfway, or separate elements may combine well. Small adjustments—such as cooperation with others, improving daily habits, or revising how you work—can lead to greater stability. In terms of action, rather than changing everything at once, it is better to try something small and adjust while watching the results. If you are considering a job change, begin with gathering information or studying. In love, rather than suddenly trying to close the distance, build up natural conversations. If you are improving your lifestyle, begin with something sustainable rather than aiming for perfect habits. This is the kind of progress Temperance favors. Temperance is also different from mere compromise. It is not about one person enduring everything. What matters is preserving the good qualities of each side while searching for a better combination. If this card appears in response to "Where is this relationship going?", it may indicate the gradual formation of trust rather than a sudden development. If the question is "What do I need right now?", you may need to adjust how much you push yourself and how much you rest, your distance from other people, or the balance between your feelings and practical circumstances. Temperance teaches that you do not need to find the perfect answer from the beginning. You can discover the right form by trying and adjusting along the way.
REVERSED
Reversed meaning
Once you notice the imbalance, you can gradually bring the flow back into order.
- Disharmony
- Over-accommodation
- Misalignment
- Imbalance
- Insufficient adjustment
Temperance reversed represents a state in which things that would normally blend together are not integrating well. Like the contents of two cups that refuse to mix, values or feelings may fail to align. On the other hand, you may be trying so hard to blend things that the original strengths of each side begin to disappear. For that reason, Temperance reversed does not have only one simple meaning of "poor balance." One possibility is insufficient adjustment. You may cling to your own way of thinking, be unable to listen to the other person, or fail to review the pace of your life or work. The process of reconciling differences has stopped. Another possibility is too much adjustment. You may keep adapting to someone else or prioritize maintaining harmony so much that you no longer know what you yourself truly feel. You may also be trying to bring things into order too quickly. Relationships and plans that naturally need time to blend can become strained when you rush to force them into one form. Conversely, you may become too cautious, repeatedly making adjustments until you are no longer able to act. You may think, "There must be a better time," for so long that the flow itself comes to a halt. Among the reversed divinatory meanings Waite listed are "separation," "unfortunate combinations," and "competing interests." In modern consultations, these can be read as differences in compatibility, conflicts of interest, disharmony within a team, or situations in which both sides are facing different directions. At the same time, the existence of differences does not necessarily mean that separation is required. The card may simply be saying that the current way of combining things is not working. Temperance reversed is less a card that declares failure than one that says, "Try changing the proportions." Are you adding too much of one side? Are you adapting too much to someone else? Or, on the contrary, are you protecting only your own way of doing things? By reviewing the balance little by little, there is room to restore the flow.
LOVE
Temperance in love
Upright love
When Temperance appears upright in a love reading, it suggests the possibility of nurturing a natural relationship while accepting the differences between the two of you. Rather than a romance that burns intensely, this is the kind of relationship that makes you feel, "I can relax when we talk," or "I do not have to force myself around this person." Even when you differ, you do not need to decide immediately that you are incompatible. You can search together for a distance that suits both of you. With unrequited love, it is more important to build a relationship in which you can speak comfortably than to rush for a result. If you are already in a relationship, this is a time to adjust differences in lifestyle rhythm and values. Even if your opinions differ, one person does not need to win. Thinking, "You see it that way, and I see it this way. So what kind of arrangement works for both of us?" can deepen the relationship. For reconciliation, it is more important to rebuild a new relationship than simply return to the old one. If you review the misunderstandings that caused the separation and can relate to one another differently than before, the relationship may gradually come back into balance over time. If you are looking for a new connection, pay attention not only to the excitement of a first impression, but to people around whom you can be yourself. Even if the relationship does not look dramatic at first, it may be a connection that gradually begins to feel natural to your heart. In love, Temperance says both "do not rush" and "keep nurturing the relationship little by little." It is not about doing nothing and waiting; it is about taking natural steps while paying attention to the other person's response.
Reversed love
When Temperance appears reversed in a love reading, the feelings, sense of distance, or pace of life between the two of you may not be fitting together well at the moment. With unrequited love, you may want to close the distance quickly while the other person prefers to move slowly, creating a difference in emotional speed. This card can also appear when you are reacting so strongly to every small response from the other person that your own emotions are swinging widely. In that case, rather than trying to force the other person to change their pace, it is important to regain your own rhythm first. Conversely, you may be holding back so much that you communicate nothing. If you keep adapting to the other person because "I do not want to bother them" or "I do not want them to dislike me," until you lose sight of your own feelings, the harmony of Temperance has tipped into over-accommodation. If you are already in a relationship, differences in communication frequency, time spent together, expressions of affection, or daily habits may become more noticeable. In a relationship where only one person continually adjusts, dissatisfaction may be accumulating quietly. Another possibility is that neither person is willing to yield and the two cups remain apart. Rather than asking, "Which of us is right?", it may help to ask, "What kind of arrangement could the two of us actually continue?" For reconciliation, rushing back together out of loneliness or lingering attachment may lead to the same problems repeating. First, it is necessary to review what failed to blend between the two of you. On the other hand, the card can also mean that you are both being so cautious that nothing moves even though feelings remain. Look at the surrounding cards to judge whether the issue is moving too fast or being too careful. If you are looking for a new connection, you may be clinging too strongly to ideal conditions, or, conversely, adapting yourself to anyone simply because you feel lonely. Before searching for someone, check what kind of relationship actually feels comfortable to you.
FEELINGS
Temperance in their feelings
Upright their feelings
When Temperance appears upright as the other person's feelings, they may feel a sense of ease and familiarity with you and want to relate in a natural, unforced way. This is less like a sudden blaze of passion and more like a feeling that becomes increasingly comfortable as conversation and shared time accumulate. Rather than treating differences between you as immediate problems, they may be thinking about how the two of you can be comfortable together. Even if romantic feelings are growing, they may prefer to sense the temperature of the relationship gradually rather than rush to define it. In behavior, this can appear as naturally starting conversations, making plans within a comfortable range, and listening to your point of view. Even without dramatic displays, steady and continuing contact can itself be an important sign. The feeling of Temperance is something like, "I feel calm with this person" or "I think we could understand each other little by little." Instead of demanding an immediate result, watch whether your two rhythms can blend naturally over time. That makes the deepening of the feeling easier to see.
Reversed their feelings
When Temperance appears reversed as the other person's feelings, they may have feelings for you but be struggling to find the right distance or timing. The desire to move closer may be mixed with a wish to be cautious, leaving them unsure how to behave. They may be suppressing themselves too much, or the opposite may be true and impatience may be taking over. They could be exhausting themselves by trying too hard to match your pace, or creating friction because they are prioritizing their own rhythm too strongly. In behavior, this can appear as an uneven pace of messages or conversation, alternating between friendliness and distance, or so much consideration that their real feelings become difficult to read. It is better not to judge that instability immediately as proof of either affection or lack of affection. A helpful way to read this card is that they are still searching for a way to be natural with you. Once the two of you find a distance that does not require either person to strain, their emotions can become calmer and the relationship easier to balance.
WORK
Temperance in work
Upright work
When Temperance appears upright in a work reading, the ability to adjust, cooperate, and respond flexibly can lead to results. Work may proceed more smoothly when you bring together the opinions of people in different positions or combine the strongest parts of multiple methods. Rather than treating the choice as "the old way or the new way," you may discover a method that makes use of the advantages of both. In the workplace, relationships may gradually settle, or roles and responsibilities may become better organized. Even when there is conflict, understanding the circumstances on both sides rather than emotionally siding with one party may help lead toward resolution. If you are considering a job change, this is a good time to prepare while thinking about how your current life will connect to the next stage, rather than impulsively abandoning your present environment. Studying for qualifications, trying a side job, gathering information, and preparing applications can all become bridges between your present life and what comes next. When pursuing a goal, creating a pace you can maintain is more important than pushing yourself too hard for a short period. By building a system that lets you make even a little progress each day, you may ultimately travel much farther. In terms of evaluation, not only visible achievements but also your ability to cooperate with others and calmly adjust during trouble can become strengths. The ability to connect different people and systems is itself one of the valuable talents represented by Temperance.
Reversed work
When Temperance appears reversed in a work reading, there may be an imbalance somewhere in workload, roles, relationships, or the way work is being carried out. You may be taking on too much work, or you may be trying to handle several tasks at once and losing focus. Before deciding that "working harder will solve it," it may be better to reconsider the distribution of the work itself. In the workplace, poor coordination between departments or staff, inadequate information sharing, or differences in values may become visible. Rather than anyone being entirely at fault, different methods may simply not be connecting well. Also be careful if you are accommodating the people around you so much that you alone carry the burden. If you accept every request and focus only on smoothing over the atmosphere, Temperance's strength of coordination can turn into self-sacrifice. Conversely, cooperation may be difficult because you are unwilling to compromise from the belief that "my way is right." If you are considering a job change, choosing the next position only from the desire to escape your current workplace may lead to a mismatch in conditions. It is better to organize what you want to prioritize—job duties, income, commute, time outside work, relationships—and decide from there. On the other hand, if you have become unable to decide because you keep comparing and preparing, it may be necessary to take one step toward an option that is good enough rather than waiting forever for "a workplace where every condition is perfect." For achieving a goal, check whether your plan and the pace of reality still match. Sometimes you need to reduce the schedule; other times, instead of thinking more, you need to actually try something.
MONEY
Temperance in money
Upright money
When Temperance appears upright in a financial reading, it is important to bring the flow of money into order without placing unreasonable strain on yourself. Just as Waite included "moderation," "frugality," and "management" among the card's divinatory meanings, Temperance is more compatible with stable financial management than with sudden windfalls. In terms of income, rather than trying to increase it dramatically all at once, a method that combines several elements without overextending yourself—such as your current job, skill development, and additional income—may work well. With spending, "spend nothing at all" is not necessarily the right answer. Spend on what you need and on things that enrich your life, while reducing what is unnecessary. Finding a balance you can sustain is important. The same applies to saving. Rather than practicing extreme austerity until you become exhausted, it is more in keeping with Temperance to create a system that you can continue even if the amount is modest. For investments or major purchases, do not decide from a single piece of information. Compare the benefits and risks. Looking at several options and blending the information until you can reach a judgment you genuinely understand can help.
Reversed money
When Temperance appears reversed in a financial reading, the balance between income and spending, or between using money and saving it, may have become distorted. In an obvious form, this can appear as impulse buying or wasteful spending. You may be spending more than planned without noticing because of shopping to relieve stress or through the accumulation of many small purchases. However, it is also important to watch for imbalance in the opposite direction. Anxiety about the future may lead you to save too severely and deny yourself even necessary things. If focusing on protecting money has made daily life itself painful, that too is a loss of Temperance. With saving, overly strict rules created from the desire to "manage everything perfectly" may be difficult to sustain. If severe restraint produces a backlash that makes you spend heavily all at once, leaving a little room in your budget may create more stability in the long run. With investments or side work, you may not be comparing enough information. You may focus only on potential profit and underestimate risk, or fear loss so much that you become unable to decide anything at all. For major purchases, the more strongly you feel pressured to "decide right now," the more important it is to give yourself some time. With Temperance reversed, prioritize restoring the flow before trying to increase your money. Simply checking where your money is going may already reveal areas that can be improved.
RELATIONSHIPS
Temperance in relationships
Upright relationships
When Temperance appears upright in a relationship reading, there is potential to create a comfortable relationship while respecting the differences between you. In friendship, even if your ways of thinking or pace of life differ, that alone does not mean the relationship must break down. By adjusting things such as how often you meet or how much you communicate so that neither person is strained, the relationship may continue for a long time. Within the family, rather than trying to change someone's way of thinking completely, it is important to look for a point of balance that allows everyone to live more comfortably. Clarifying what can be compromised and what cannot may make the relationship easier. At work, you may become the person who connects people in different positions. You may act as a coordinator yourself, or the card may show that cooperation with the people around you is beginning to improve. However, harmony does not mean that only you endure. Your feelings and the other person's feelings are both cups. Temperance teaches you to look for a relationship in which both can be valued.
Reversed relationships
When Temperance appears reversed in a relationship reading, there may be a mismatch in distance or values. You may be trying to understand one another, yet the conversation simply does not connect. This does not necessarily mean either person is at fault. You may simply want different things or move at different relational speeds right now. In friendship, the burden may have become one-sided—for example, you may always be the one who makes contact or the one who adjusts to the other person. Conversely, both people may be waiting for the other to approach, allowing the distance to grow. Within the family, the expectation that "because we are family, they should understand" can deepen misunderstandings. The closer the relationship, the more helpful it can be to remember that the other person still has thoughts different from your own. At work, differences in position or interests can make agreement difficult. Waite's reversed meaning of "competing interests" can appear very directly in such situations. This is also a card that people who are skilled at accommodating others should pay particular attention to. If you try to keep every relationship smooth, your own feelings may be left behind. Harmony does not mean never having conflict with anyone. Expressing your own opinion when necessary and taking appropriate distance are also forms of adjustment that help relationships last.
YES OR NO
Yes or No for Temperance
Upright judgment
- Judgment
- Yes
- Reason
- Temperance upright shows different elements being adjusted without force and gradually brought into a better balance. It is not a card of sudden success, but it can move steadily and peacefully toward Yes.
- What could change the answer
- The reading weakens if only one side keeps forcing themselves to adapt. If both people can acknowledge their differences and adjust at a realistic pace, the Yes becomes stronger over time.
Reversed judgment
- Judgment
- It depends
- Reason
- Reversed Temperance shows a mismatch of pace or conditions, making the outcome unstable if nothing changes. However, if the issue is simply poor adjustment, there is still room to correct it, so this is not automatically a No.
- What could change the answer
- If you identify what is excessive and what is lacking, then adjust the parts that are creating strain, the reading moves toward Yes. If the imbalance is ignored and one person continues to carry all the strain, it moves toward No.
MESSAGE FROM THE CARD
Advice from Temperance
Upright
You do not have to decide the answer immediately. If there are two feelings within you, you do not have to erase one of them. If reality and your ideal are different, you may still be able to build a path between the two. What you need now may be a small adjustment rather than a great leap. Talk a little. Rest a little. Change one part of your method. Then look at the result and think again. As you pour gradually from one cup to another, search for the proportion that suits you. You do not need to rush to seize an answer far away. The road already continues from beneath your feet. Move forward without rushing, but also without remaining completely still, by accumulating the gentle steps you can take now.
Reversed
Even if something is not fitting together well right now, that alone does not mean you are on the wrong path. Perhaps what you need is not to work harder, but to change the proportions a little. If you are adapting too much to other people, take back one part of your own feelings. If you are too fixed in your own way of thinking, look a little into the other person's cup as well. If you are moving too fast, slow down. If you are being too cautious, try something small. The important thing is not to decide which side is right, but to notice which direction you yourself are leaning too far toward. When two things do not blend well, the answer is not always to discard one of them. Changing the amount, allowing more time, or trying a different way of combining them may help them settle into an unexpected new form. The disharmony you feel now is a sign showing you where adjustment is needed. Do not rush to make everything complete. Instead, begin rebuilding a flow that you can sustain without forcing yourself.
READ IT YOUR WAY
Let Temperance lead to a reading in your own words.
Use these meanings as a guide or develop language of your own. With a custom deck, you can shape every description and image to fit your practice.