Two cards

The Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

Out of the whole deck this one is always the one that causes the most confusion on the meaning. 

You know what most people think when they pull this card... they think boring. They think what the hell does this mean. They think some women standing there pouring water between two cups like she's got nothing better to do on a Tuesday. Wrong. So wrong. The good news for you...this is about... finally getting your head screwed on after weeks (maybe months) of shit and stress. It's the moment you stop pouring water on the fire and start actually dealing with the mess. If you asked a yes or no question then this is a yes.

The Temperance card often comes up in a reading when you need to learn or understand the concept of all things in moderation. It is a card of joining forces, working together, uniting opposites, and spiritual balance with the end result being a harmonious mix of all things. It begs the question: In what ways are you over-extending yourself or being too rigid? Like most cards, this card is rich in symbolism. Temperance by its very meaning is a bending of one's will to the direction of the almighty. The card depicts this through multiple layers of symbolism. Usually noticed first is how the card shows an archangel (often said to be Michael) mixing water between two chalices as a representation of balance between the elements and the dissolution of the liquids between each other. Both he and the mountains in the background are touched with a halo of gold, radiating understanding that comes with age and time. A commonly missed symbolism is the feet of the angel, one in the water and one upon the land which reinforces the concept of balance and of both body and mind.

Many people on my socials will be reactive to this card, because often it is shining light on a flaw within them or within a relationship that they are seeking to develop. Temperance is saying to question your true priorities in life and requires that you be sure that you are not the one blocking your own success by stretching yourself too thin. Try hard to see things from the universe’s perspective and understand that the tarot is not pointing a finger at you directly, but merely trying to guide you to lessen your load. Taking on too much or too little can be detrimental to your purpose at this time.

Temperance in Love

When seeking advice from the tarot about love and relationships, the Temperance card indicates a need for balance in either the relationship your relationship. If you are currently single then the card is more direct and states that there is likely something blocking you from love in your life and usually represents the fact that you are giving too much in another area. For example, you are looking for love but are you really ready for it? Are there other commitments in your life such as work or family that are holding you back and taking too many resources and creating a situation where you are unlikely to be successful?

Temperance As Feelings

In a relationship reading for feelings, the temperance card will show a need for balance between both individuals. This card is drawn when compromise and compassion are needed between two people. It can represent fighting and strife. Remember that you are in the relationship with your partner for a reason and when this card comes up it is apparent that there is a true emotional connection. It is a positive card that tells you that this relationship is worth the extra effort at this time.

The Temperance tarot card can also signal a delicate balance between fire and water. It reflects that we all have the power to control our emotions, even when things around us seem chaotic. It speaks of suppressed feelings and holding back on expressing people in order to maintain peace.

The card often represents the need for patience and understanding as it relates to our feelings –--- the idea of controlling ourselves rather than letting others control us. We tend to mirror others' behavior, which can lead to feeling like we are walking on eggshells when those around us are unpredictable or volatile.

Temperance also speaks about reality versus fakery, sometimes being too trusting or naive that literally leads us into a web of lies, where everything is surface level with no depth at all. It’s important to stay balanced and grounded while still experiencing life’s joyous moments, feeling secure enough in ourselves that we don't have anything to hide or prove from anyone else's perspective.

This tarot card contains a message about trust – with yourself as well as with those who mean something special in your life -and how allowing yourself the freedom of expression within these relationships can bring harmony into every aspect of your life.

Temperance in Health

In regards to health and wellness, the Temperance card is an omen that you need to either take it back or turn it up a notch. Both ends of the spectrum can be bad for one’s health – being slothful or being too lax with your health can be just as bad as overexerting yourself or doing too much. We usually see this card when health issues are on the rise and it is likely that you have already noticed deterioration in your wellness in some way. The positive news is that it is not too late to do something positive and see improvement. Think of this as a warning to take a keen look at your own mind and body and see where additional care needs to be taken. The answer will be quite obvious as rarely ever does someone in peak physical condition pull this card. If you feel however that physical health is not a problem, it is also indicative of mental health and can do not ignore signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or overindulgent behavior.

Temperance in Work and Wealth

Right now you need to take your money and put it under your mattress and be careful of taking risks. While the card itself means balance, more often than not when it comes to money and career it is a sign to take a step back and be more conservative with your income. It’s a touchy time for you to be taking huge risks in either avenue of your life. You need to be very careful with actions you take and possibilities that seem to arise at this time are not as good as they seem. Often this card will show that it is a good time to wait on an opportunity that arises, stating that with patience you will see a better one down the road that will pan out more fruitfully for you. A rule of thumb with the Temperance card and financial aspects be it money or work is: If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.

Reversed Temperance in a reading

In the reversed position indicates a personal balance is needed and the card is usually more internal than external. Rather than looking around and pointing fingers at others, now is an excellent time to see where you personally can scale back, create harmony in a rough situation, or literally suck it up. With the reversal of Temperance we see an even wider swing of negativity around as well. Health problems you have require more attentive care, financial problems need to be curbed immediately, and in relationships you need to seek the truth of the matter before making a decision. Often this card is drawn when a person is in a downward spiral situation and is unable to see the rational side of the problem. You need to stop and ask yourself where you could use assistance in your life to get back on track and possibly consider seeking advice from others to turn your perspective to a more productive and healthy outlook.

The Sun Tarot Card Meaning

The Sun is the most positive oracle in the deck.

In the Rider Waite deck the symbolism of the card is easily interpreted as the sun shines over a new baby and aptly named “sun”flowers in the background. The infant, along with the flowers growing, indicates new life and in readings and often represents a new direction. Children being born, questions of prosperity are answered, abundance of wealth, and recovery from illness are all implied by this card. As the infant rides atop the white stallion, he carries a red banner. The deck is famous for using color as symbolism and red often symbolizes power, momentum, and triumph. This card represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater.

Think of the Sun as a representation of power without dominance. Rather, it is a power that allows you to be free. Essentially there is a win-win situation present in which all parties involved will get what they need. It is also an indication of liberation, freedom, and being at peace with your spirituality. Of course, depending on the position of the card in the reading as well as the type of reading itself, it can indicate success in different avenues. However, overall it is a prosperous card indicative of making the right choice and being able to be satisfied that you're on the path in one way or another.

In a reading, often this card is seen after dark times, when an a hidden opportunity is coming to light, or when clarity is needed. It can also be represented as having a new freedom to choose such as when it is time to take the next step in a relationship or job. It is not an overall “happy card”. It’s much more than that because the sun is rising on a brand new day, new life abounds, and momentum begins. The key here is to see what has been holding you back, standing in your way, or causing difficulties with progression and realizing that there is a way out and hope.

The Sun Card in Love

In relationship readings, the Sun does not guarantee happiness, but liberation. While it can state that the relationship is in a healthy place and headed on a positive path… more often it refers to everything being revealed. If there are aspects hidden on your part or with your partner these things will be come to light. In a situation, for example, where one individual is cheating or holding something significant back it can seem like a devastating card brining anger, loss, or jealousy.

A relationship with aspects hidden is by and large an unhealthy relationship. The presence of the Sun card is usually the universe’s way of telling you that you need to make a choice and provides you with all of the information to do so. Also, when the Sun card pops up in a relationship or love reading it acts as a reminder that you have the power and the strength of the universe backing you in making a choice of what direction to take in the relationship. Rest assured, it is certainly not a card to cause concern in the love department when you look at the grand scheme of things. Because even if you are asking about your current relationship and find that things are hidden or will not be working out - you can rest assured that there is s a beginning to a new relationship or even entering into a new stage of your current relationship on the horizon. The Sun promises new beginnings.

The Sun Card in Health

For those going through illness or preparing for surgery, the Sun is a positive indicator of vitality and recovery. The importance of this card in health and wellness is attributed to the growth factors and shows an emphasis in improvement of health and increased stamina. The energy of the Sun enables a healthy mind and body in healing as well thriving after illness.

The Sun Card in Work and Wealth

If you are seeking answers regarding your career or money, you will find the good omen for you. It will indicate monetary gain and growth. Health and wealth are often represented similarly in the tarot and with the Rider Waite deck it is no different. This card brings with it sound business practices and a boost of luck as well. It can indicate that it is a good time to take small risks with money or jobs such as gambling or seeking a change in your career.

Reversed Meaning - The Sun

In the reversed position this card, like most other major arcana cards, it has a direct opposite meaning. It will represent feeling trapped, unable to see a way out of a situation, or having an unclear path. The key to this card in the reversed position understands that you are often the one that is creating the difficulty and that the oppression you're under is one of your own making. Often accepting responsibility for actions, making clear or final decisions, and allowing yourself to be open to new possibilities is all that is needed to find your way. Essentially, it shows that the Sun card is present in your reading, but you are not recognizing it’s force working in your life at present.