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 Devil Tarot Card Meaning

Oh no, it’s the Devil card! Don’t worry, it’s not all brimstone and evil… generally, the Devil represents very human aspects, rather than supernatural ones.

The Devil card is the perversion of everything good, spiritual, and whole. It shows that there are unhealthy aspects of your life that you are likely ignoring. In this card, you will find the same two people from the Lovers card now chained to the pedestal on top of which the devil sits. The winged figure above has an inverted pentacle representing the physical needs dominating over the spiritual. The Devil card represents either a negative influence upon you at this time which is usually compounded by your compliance. Typically this card will show up in a reading to identify an extremely unhealthy behavior, relationship, or environment. It is a card that acts as a warning omen that unless you correct the wrongs surrounding you in both the physical world and the metaphysical you will suffer consequences of the most unpleasant sort.

Now is a time to act and stop making excuses. It is your responsibility to make choices which are healthy and productive and there is no excuse to let obvious shackles hold you back. Extreme restraints or outlandish habits will undoubtedly both wreak havoc in your life. The card begs the questions: How are you being deceived? Are you doing it to yourself or is there an outside force to be reckoned with?

The Devil in Love

Being a card of deception, the Devil card does not bode well for a love affair. Cheating, lying, and dominating are often invoked in the mind of the recipient of this card but often it’s much simpler than that. The Devil card represents the insecurity around all of these issues as well as jealousy, co-dependency, and an overall loss of freedom that can come when one loses themselves in a relationship. Caution to both those in a relationship and those who are still searching should be had.

The Devil card can also represent not being able to trust your own judgment. You may be blinded by past deceptions and hold on to animosity that carries over into a new relationship. It may be best, for now, to really delve into the issues of your relationship and see what is true before making a decision. Many will find that the relationship issues they are going through are typical for their love patterns and that unhealthy behavior on their own part are creating unstable relationships currently.

The Devil in Health

In health the Devil card reflects hidden health issues often of internal organs or silent diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental weariness. It does not mean you are possessed or that there is some evil outside force making you sick. There is nothing to be afraid of in this card. Rather it shows up often as a warning sign that you may want to check in with your doctor. Often people that are feeling run down, overworked, or just ‘out of sorts’ will find the Devil shows up in their readings. That being said, it can also be a sign of heavier issues spiritually or mentally that are caused by excess like addiction, binging, or unhealthy behaviors that you are indulging in. Think of it as a helpful card telling you that you may need a bit of love and attention and should not be ignored.

The Devil Work and Wealth

How are your finances right now? Do you feel like you are working hard, trying to be frugal, but still are getting nowhere? Let’s be honest then, you aren’t doing everything that you can. The Devil represents gluttony on many levels and money is definitely one of them. Whether it is to do with work specifically – in this area you are likely working hard enough but not keeping your spending in check – or finances only it all comes down to the fact that you aren’t watching where your money is going close enough. Whether you have a habit of shopping, gambling, or simply spending exorbitant amounts of money on your daily coffee and snacks, it all adds up. Not to point a finger, but your money problems as of now are your own doing. The good side of this is that once you identify where the waste is, you have the power to curb the spending and get your financial goals back in line. In the work place, the Devil often represents an individual that is not to be trusted. This is another one of the major arcana cards that tells you if something is too good to be true then it probably is and you should watch carefully for anyone offering you a hand up at this time. Do not be tempted by taking the easy road or short cuts as they will likely turn out to be pitfalls.

Reversed Devil in a reading

This is one of the few cards in the deck that turn out to be positive when found in the reversed position in a reading. Often signifying a close call of some sort, the Devil in reverse can actually be a good omen in a reading. Usually you will see it present after making a choice in a relationship, taking a step in recovery, or after quitting a negative habit in your life. Take the reversed Devil card as a sign that you have made a good choice, even if you are feeling uncertain. The important trait of the Devil in this position is realizing that your decision has been good and not relapsing back into the bad situation that you avoided or just escaped from. Do not look back. Keep progressing towards the light.