Temperance tarot card — Rider–Waite

Temperance

Major
Element
Fire
Zodiac
Sagittarius
Number
14

Temperance shows an angel gently mixing water between two cups, standing with one foot on land and one in a pool. This card is all about balance, patience, and the art of blending different aspects of life. When Temperance appears, it’s a reminder to stay calm and approach challenges with moderation and understanding. It encourages you to find middle ground, adapt to change, and trust that things are coming together in their own time. Progress may be slow, but steady effort and cooperation will bring peace and healing. Temperance asks you to remain centered, practice patience, and embrace harmony in yourself and your surroundings.

Temperance — General meaning

Upright meaning

Temperance upright is all about creating balance, practicing patience, and finding harmony in your life. You may be blending different ideas, finding a peaceful resolution to a conflict, or learning to adapt gracefully to change. This card encourages you to take a moderate approach, avoid extremes, and work steadily toward your goals. Sometimes it’s about combining your talents or working with others to create something better than you could on your own. Trust the process and give yourself permission to take things step by step. Lasting success comes from careful planning, open-mindedness, and keeping your emotions in check.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, Temperance points to imbalance, impatience, or frustration with the pace of events. You might be overdoing things, struggling to find compromise, or reacting to situations in extreme ways. Sometimes this card signals that you’re trying to force outcomes instead of letting things develop naturally. Temperance reversed encourages you to slow down, reassess your approach, and seek out areas where more balance is needed. It’s okay to take a break, delegate tasks, or ask for help. Healing and progress come from being gentle with yourself, practicing moderation, and trusting that balance can be restored over time.

Upright keywords: Balance, Patience, Harmony, Moderation, Blending

Reversed keywords: Imbalance, Impatience, Excess, Frustration, Rushing

Temperance — Love meaning

Upright meaning

In love, Temperance upright brings harmony, understanding, and the ability to grow together through patience. If you’re single, this card encourages taking your time to find the right partner and being open to new connections. For couples, it’s about compromise, cooperation, and building trust through honest communication. You and your partner may be learning to balance your differences or blend your lives in new ways. Temperance suggests that relationships flourish when both people are willing to listen, adapt, and support each other’s growth. Practice patience and let love unfold naturally.

Reversed meaning

In love, Temperance reversed can show tension, misunderstandings, or a lack of cooperation in relationships. One or both partners might be impatient, unwilling to compromise, or reacting emotionally to small issues. If single, you could be rushing into connections or feeling dissatisfied with your progress. This card asks you to reflect on what you truly want and give relationships time to grow. Communication and patience are key. Work toward understanding, address any imbalances, and let go of unrealistic expectations. Healing and harmony come when both people are willing to meet halfway.

Upright keywords: Understanding, Cooperation, Patience, Trust, Growth

Reversed keywords: Tension, Misunderstanding, Impatience, Disconnection, Unrealistic expectations

Temperance — Career meaning

Upright meaning

For career, Temperance upright suggests a period of steady progress, teamwork, and working toward long-term goals. Projects are most successful now when you take a balanced approach and are open to feedback or collaboration. This card may point to blending different skills, finding compromise, or mediating between coworkers. If things have felt stressful, Temperance reminds you to keep your cool and avoid overcommitting. Take things one step at a time, set realistic expectations, and focus on creating harmony in your workplace. Your patience and diplomacy will help you achieve positive results.

Reversed meaning

For career, Temperance reversed points to workplace stress, disagreements, or feeling stretched too thin. You might be taking on too much, pushing for quick results, or struggling to get along with colleagues. This card advises stepping back, setting realistic goals, and focusing on cooperation instead of competition. Be open to feedback, seek compromise, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Progress will come when you slow down, regain your sense of balance, and approach your work with patience and flexibility.

Upright keywords: Teamwork, Steady progress, Compromise, Flexibility, Diplomacy

Reversed keywords: Stress, Disagreements, Overload, Lack of teamwork, Competition

Temperance — Spiritual meaning

Upright meaning

Spiritually, Temperance upright is about integrating different beliefs, practices, or experiences into a more balanced approach to life. You might be exploring new philosophies, learning from others, or seeking harmony between your mind, body, and spirit. This card invites you to practice moderation, trust your intuition, and be patient with your spiritual growth. Progress may feel slow, but the lessons you’re learning are deep and lasting. Meditate, reflect, and be open to new perspectives. True peace comes when you find your center and accept the flow of life as it unfolds.

Reversed meaning

Spiritually, Temperance reversed suggests feeling disconnected, scattered, or overwhelmed by trying to do too much at once. You may be jumping between practices, doubting your path, or unable to find your center. The message is to simplify, let go of what doesn’t serve you, and trust in the process of growth. Find time for quiet reflection, practice mindfulness, and be gentle with yourself as you seek harmony within. Spiritual balance is restored when you focus on what feels genuine, practice patience, and allow your journey to unfold step by step.

Upright keywords: Integration, Balance, Growth, Moderation, Flow

Reversed keywords: Disconnection, Scattered energy, Overwhelm, Imbalance, Restoration needed