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 Four of Pentacles Tarot Card Meaning

When faced with the Four of Pentacles in a reading it can indicate a great success in your life but also calls for balance.

Like the man on the card, there is wealth around you and it can be a time to protect your ideas, money, or other material aspects. It is a positive card though as well. Having this card in your reading shows that you actually have items or ideas of in your life value that are worth protecting. Now is a time that you want to focus on bringing together the aspects of your life in which you feel wealth or success and build upon them. The Four of Pentacles is a grounding card and you may want to take stock in the things that you do have in your life, rather than what you do not have.

The Pentacles as a suit tend to have dual meanings to the cards, more so than any other suit. This is because there is difficulty in sorting out the energy at hand. It is very easy to give into the temptations of stability, wealth, or monetary items. More than any other suit, the call of the energy is easy to give into and there is usually not an instant consequence for doing too much when concerning the pentacles. Unlike fire where if you give in, you see passion or anger right away, the pentacles can cause stubbornness or sluggishness in your life before you even realize it.

The Four of Pentacles warns against guarding too much. While you have excess in some areas of your life, it is a call to share your joys rather than hording them to yourself. Consider ways in which you are not giving like you should or where you are being selfish in ways that are not to your benefit.

The Four of Pentacles in Love

In love, especially in a relationship, the Four of Pentacles indicates that you are likely guarding your relationship too close or holding on to someone too tight. It could also be that you are experiencing this from a partner. Either way you are dealing with almost a suffocating aspect in a relationship where there is not room enough to breathe. You need to focus on ways to make your relationship more open and free in order for the relationship to thrive.

When looking for love the Four of Pentacles indicates unrequited love. The energy of the card is intense and often too much for a budding relationship. Be sure that the affections that you are putting out at this time are ones that are working for you. Watch how others around you are receiving your attentions and be mindful of their wiliness to reciprocate. Avoid wasting your own time on avenues that are not going to develop and focus on ways in which you can show your affections without coming on too strong.

The Four of Pentacles in Health

With the Four of Pentacles energy around your health it can give a mixed signal. On one hand there are definitely things to be celebrated in health but then you have to also focus on specific health issues. Rather than having a focus on health and wellness right now, pay close attention to what your body is telling you. It is likely that issues revolving your health are forming due to either high stress or increased worry. You may find that issues related to laziness are also exacerbated at this time.

The Four of Pentacles in Work and Wealth

Like the man on the card, right now is likely a time to be holding on to your wealth and keeping your monies close to you. It is certainly not a time to put yourself out there or to take a risk. Focus on areas of wealth that you can build on in the future and make sure that you sort out any budgeting or planning. In the work arena you want to be exceptionally careful about who is sniffing around your work right now. Either due to keeping a project secret or wanting to make sure that others are not taking your ideas and using them as their own. Not to say to be paranoid, but you really want to cover your behind in the work area to make sure that you are getting the credit where you deserve.

As always you want to be wary of being paranoid or sketchy. The card doesn’t tell you to share at all. In fact, it can be a good idea to give SOME information out to coworkers, especially if you are required to work as a team. It’s just a card to tell you to take extra caution at this time… more than you normally would.

Reversed Four of Pentacles in a reading

The Four of Pentacles in the reversed position is a much more laid back card then when viewed upright. The reversed position says that you need to take time to allow yourself to experience generosity and freedom. Rather than instructing you to old on tightly to things or ideas and to seek balance while keeping these aspects to yourself, the reversed position allows for the sharing of excess. There is still a call to seek out balance but it is more of a suggestion than a demand that is placed upon you. When in the reversed position it can be a great time to plan for the future and start a new project. You have the ability and the time to dally along your path right now and you don’t have to make any hard or fast decisions. It’s a good time to consider the next step in a relationship or be open to casual relationships that have a strong potential to grow into more.

The one big caution found with the reversed Four of Pentacles is that it can represent an abuse of power around you. It is usually less of an indicator that you are the abuser and more of an issue of someone around causing problems because they are abusing their status. Typically this will be seen in the work place as a person who is not a boss or management, but a person who is acting more important than they are.

Upright Four Of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Possessiveness
• Saving Money
• Protecting your assets
• Wealth
• The builder and Worker
• Hard Work
• Miser

Reversed Four of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Greed
• Spending Too Much
• Protecting Assets
• Penny Pinching