TEMPERANCE
Freedom through equilibrium

Emotions such as joy, love, sorrow, or anger can get rather confusing when they conflict with each other.  Somehow, we have the impression they should be separated. Not so! We need to permit our instinctive feelings to mingle together in order to be acquainted. Passion or grief should filter through with the laughter and tears. Sensations cannot be restricted to one level of consciousness. Switch on the green light of your higher-self and allow it to flow freely with the rational mind, and you will discover a balanced harmony and contentment. Suddenly you may develop the confidence that you are making right decisions.

Blending of earth and water

The Temperance card gives dominance to the sun.  The angel wears a sun-disk as respect to its life force. The dirt path we all walk upon leads us to the illumination of the sun.  We are all given the opportunity to explore new territory, learn, and investigate fresh subjects. This path is nourished by the water of emotions which the angel has one foot in. The other foot rests on the dry ground of logic. We need to feel all sensibilities but if we emerge both feet in, we may be overwhelmed. Stagnation could be a result of having both feet on the earth … senses strive for balance of both female intuitive and male logic.

Often when we are searching, we allow our enthusiasm to turn to a superficial high only to experience an anti-climax. It is wonderful to be optimistic, but in taking control of our lives, we need to make conscious choices rather than just following moods or whims.  Making these, assertive balanced decisions bring a feeling of self-empowerment, enabling us to be comfortable with whom we are.

Balancing our emotions

The androgynous Temperance angel is pouring water patiently from one chalice to another displaying the blending of polar opposites. To understand our sensations we need to weigh measure and balance them.  Composure brings about healing and harmony. The blending of male and female energy is also displayed through the triangle and square on the angel’s tunic. The Sagittarius archer associated with Temperance has both an arrow that can be creative and destructive. The lesson is to embrace moderation and patience through knowing when to shoot which arrow, and when. 

How do you blend all your qualities together for a balanced life?