Temperance

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Yodes	04 Aug 2002
I'm having a hard time working out the meaning of this card. I'd really like to hear your thoughts and ideas. All i have really read is that Temperance is the act of justice, as appossed to the justice card which is justice being done. If that doesn't make sense, i apologise, but that is why i'm asking. =) Thanks in advance, Yodes

Strega	04 Aug 2002
Hmmm... I'm not sure I understand. :D But for me... Justice and Temperance are different (although they can be seen as compliments). Justice makes a decision based on rational thought... what is fair and objective. Temperance follows the dictates of feelings... what is compassionate and merciful. The goal is always balance. Rational balance with Justice. Emotional balance with Temperance. I hope that makes sense. :)

jmd	04 Aug 2002
As Strega as pointed out, Justice may indicate rational balance and Temperance emotional balance. Each card may also, in addition, reflect other factors. For example, Justice may also indicate (amongst others): the inner consequences of each action (at times illustrated with the weighing of the Heart); considerations which need to be made for a true and empathetic understanding of the specific situation at hand; the harsh reality of the Law/legalese; that appropriate action/decision needs to be made in order for Justitia to reign. As for Temperance, it may also indicate (again amongst other possibilities): the need to establish a proper admixture of thoughts being considered; that current actions needs tempering; that due considerations have to be given to the consequences of any forthcoming decision; that Temperance, to flourish, requires an accute understanding of the correct (social/political/spiritual) appropriateness of conduct. In addition, of course, is the specific spread or reading at hand, and the way in which the card reveals itself in such instance. Hope I've added to clarity, and not to confusion!

Minderwiz	04 Aug 2002
I take Temperance to mean acting (or the need to act) in a moderate, restrained and prudent way. No extreme paths, no being unfair, no prejudice. Calm and reasonable. This is not without emotion but the emotion is compassion and care for others, being gentle to others and offering friendship to others. Minderwiz

Starfish	04 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Strega The goal is always balance. Rational balance with Justice. Emotional balance with Temperance. I love this interpretation! (off to add this to my journal) :TSTRE Starfish

Laurel	04 Aug 2002
Temperance is one of my favorite cards. "Nothing To Excess" is one of the two pieces of wisdom written on the pillars in front of the temple of Delphi. Temperance is the act of achieving the equilibrium between two opposites -- within oneself-- as a spiritual expression. Its done out of love- love of self, love of god, love of man, etc. Laurel

Thirteen	05 Aug 2002
Justice is a cool, mental card. This is Libra, objective, in the mind. With Justice, you sacrifice, you cut out the waste, the excesses, in order to balance out your life. Think of that scale--you remove parts from one side to the other so that it hangs balanced. You, in other words, ignore your wants, desires, even needs--and logically, rationally, fairly alter the situation--be it your life, or legal problems, or anything else, to get that equalibrium. Temperance is a warm, spiritual card. Remember, Justice has the sword--cut things in half. Temperance as the cups, pouring together two things to form a third--or, as Sagitarrius is the archer, put the bow and arrow together to hit the target--or as with fire, rub two stick together to get that spark. So where you cut things down or split them to reach a balance with Justice, with Temperance you merge two opposites into a unified--and completely different third. You synthesize, create an alchemical mix, meld, moderate--as between two arguing parties. See? Justice = cool and cutting to reach a logical, fair and just balance. Trim with the sword and rearrange till the scales balance out. Temperance = warm and mixing to achieve a spritual and emotional balance. Pour a bit from each cup into a third to get a moderate merging of the two.

Starfish	05 Aug 2002
Thirteen - I love your explanations. Concise and easy to understand. I'm printing it off. I agree with the cool-justice, warm-temperance concept. Blessings - :TSTRE Starfish

Strega	05 Aug 2002
I like Thirteen's explanation on balance on both cards. Couldn't have said it any better. :)

Thirteen	05 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Strega I like Thirteen's explanation on balance on both cards. Couldn't have said it any better. :) Gosh, thanks, but you were the one who said it first--rational vs. emotional balance ;) I guess the best way to see Justice vs. Temperance is to think in terms of problems--which card is best for solve which problem. For example: You have a friend who drinks or eats or smokes too much. They want your advice on how to get in shape. Taking Justice as your cue, you tell them they have to trim back on their excesses food, liquor and tobacco as health isn't going to be gained otherwise. They won't want to do this, and it'll be hard, but that's a fair and accurate judgement. On the other hand, say you have a friend who loves her work, but yearns to be a stay-at-home mom. She feels she can't do both and asks you which she should sacrifice. You go the way of Temperance--advise her that she *can* have both, she just has to find a way to merge the two. Either she must create or find a job that she can happily do at home (and so be with baby)--or find a job that allows her to bring baby to work--or work part-time. And there you have Strega's "rational" Justice--cold but fair--and "emotional" Temperance--warm but moderate--at work.

HudsonGray	05 Aug 2002
I had a strange connection during meditation on this card--I use the Robin Wood deck & the Devil card is in a cave tunnel with the entrance open to the outside world way in the background. Walking OUT of the cave left me right in the meadow that the Temperence card was--and the Temperence 'Angel' just turned & indicated that everything needed to be in moderation. Gee, going from greed & excess to moderation.......hmm. Leastwise, that's what my mind stuck me into on the Temperence card. (The angel was awfully bland to talk to though, even if he COULD juggle).

divinerguy	06 Aug 2002
Temperance is balance and harmony, which is imposed by the self. It is a indicative of the personal strength needed to bring one's own life under control. Temperance allows the querent more power to control his destiny. Justice is more often related to fate or others balancing the equities. When it comes to the outcome here, you might as well be throwing dice in Las Vegas.

The Temperance thread was originally posted on 04 Aug 2002 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.