Temperance

The Timekeeper

Temperance is Major Arcana number 14, who gives The Fool the patience they need to make it the rest of the way through the arcana. It is the timekeeper of the Tarot deck, and makes sure it stays approximately the same over time. The Tarot interpretation of Temperance often includes a team of experts or the successful combination of disparate things.

The Temperance tarot card from the Cary-Yale Visconti deck, part of the Tarocchi Visconti di Modrone collection, illustrated in the 15th century by Bonifacio Bembo. Medieval tarot symbolism, representing balance, harmony, and spiritual integration.
The Temperance tarot card from the Piedmontese tarot deck (Tarocco Piemontese), published in 1865. Traditional Italian tarot artwork symbolizing moderation, patience, and inner alignment.

Temperance Card Meaning

Temperance is about the mixing together of things, usually in a way that makes something brand new, such as how moments of the past are constantly mixing together to form something new (the future).

Symbolism in Temperance

Temperance is symbolized by rain, an hourglass, and chemistry. Temperance is commonly associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius in the context of Astrology, as both can adapt as needed for the expansive territories that they seek to hold domain over.

Temperance Reversed Meaning

Temperance reversed means a chain reaction gone wrong, a team is missing a key member, or floods.

Major Arcana
Tarot Cards

Does Temperance represent you right now?

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All tarot card images shown on this page are in the public domain. The faithful reproductions are considered public domain under the faithful reproduction clause in the United States.

Fool’s Key Tarot

Fool’s Key weaves Tarot, Astrology, and other esoteric traditions into a unified symbolic system. By exploring their interconnections, you can uncover deeper meanings, sharpen your intuition, and discover new ways to learn, reflect, and grow.