Chariot, Justice, Temperance - ideas of balance in these cards?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 29 Mar 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

moon_mermaid	29 Mar 2005
The chariot, justice and temperance, they all hold the ideas of balance, but what are the differences between these ideas? Chariot - holding the horses / sphinxes to pull the chariot in one direction towards a goal. Balancing is the mean to the end? Justice - holding the scale in balance, this requires a sharp mind and strong focus (the sword) to hold onto a balance point, which is so small and delicate. This card tries to let us understand what does it actually mean about balancing? Temperance - actively involve in the balancing act itself. The act of balancing is the focus matter in this card. Just some ideas hope to get the discussion started. Could someone enlighten me please?

Leo62	29 Mar 2005
Interesting - I see it as balance operating at different levels of the psyche, or at different levels of maturity. In the Chariot, maintaining balance is a constant struggle, as the horses are continually trying to break away. The Charioteer has to exert his will to maintain the balance, and there is always the sense that at any moment he may "lose it" and the horses will bolt. Justice seems a lot more stable (no pun intended!). The woman is still, seated, looking straight out at us. The balance occurs at an intellectual level. However, she has to be continually vigilant to maintain her focus and make sure the scales do not get out of whack...On the negative side, the stability of Justice may become inflexibility and undue severity (like Laws that become out of date or inappropriate in a changing society). Temperance shows a more dynamic balance than the rather stiff figure of Justice. The water is continually moving back and forth, suggesting an ongoing process with no beginning and no end - balance at the energetic or spiritual level.

Kiama	31 Mar 2005
My thoughts on this aren't entirely collected, but I'll say what I'm thinking anyway! Chariot I see yet another Platonic analogy in this card - that of the soul. We are drivers in a chariot that is our soul, and we are constantly trying to tame and control the two wild horses that represent the different sides of our soul. We try to reign them in, and harness both sides of our selves. Is this balance? I am not sure I see the Chariot as a card of trying to balance these opposites; more one of the play-off between different polarities, and in some instances rising above them - gaining victory over polarity to become Unity. Justice I see as balance being the end-in-itself. Order, cosmic balance, scales, and constant adjustment to maintain balance and order . Temperance for me is one of polarities again, but one where polarities and opposites are balanced in some way - they are mingled together and united to create something bigger and better. Fire and water are mixed in the Cauldron; Action and Emotions unite to Manifest; Sulphur and Mercury mix in the Alchemical Vessel; Masculine and Feminine join to create the world. The opposites are just means to an end in this card. So, those are my uncollected thoughts. Enjoy! Blessings, Kiama

moon_mermaid	05 Apr 2005
Thanks for the inputs. For the chariot, yes I agree 'he is gaining victory over polarity' but not sure about 'become Unity'. As the chariot not really looking to unite the opposing forces, rather he is making use of the power produce by these opposing forces to go forward. For unity, it's the job of Temperance, the angel knows so well of the forces / elements, that making it possible to blend these forces together to create something new. Just some thoughts!

Breathhh	05 Apr 2005
Charioteer...balanced maintained and found by will and Focus. 7...that square with a triangle. form to creativity. creativity seeking form. perchance holding a paradox in balance. the vulnerable warrrior. Temperance/Art..Balanced maintained and found by mixing and blending that which may not be mixable. and then again Maybe it is? The continued magic and art of bringing together that which is unlikely to mix well and finding the wonder of such creations mixing well. Justice/Adjustment...Justice in an unjust world. balanced found &maintained by knowing that some things simply are not fair and will not find balance. And continuing to seek fairness and justice even if it sits on a fine point of contention or simply needs all sides to be considered before a decision is made. thanks for asking. in the search for balance. breathhh

The Chariot, Justice, Temperance - ideas of balance in these cards? thread was originally posted on 29 Mar 2005 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.