Astrology and Tarot: Temperance

 In the Major Arcana of the Tarot, Temperance (XIV) is the card of Alchemy: the reconciliation of opposites. The card depicts Michael, the Archangel of Fire with one bare foot standing on the rocks and the other in the water. From one golden cup to another, He is pouring the Waters of Life. The Archangel Michael transforms the individual elements of fire and water into a new whole.

 

In “Tarot Beyond the Basics,” Anthony Louis relates who Michael is. The name of this Archangel means “Like unto God.” Michael, who leads God’s Army of Angels, is neither excessively proud not humble. He has achieved a position of harmony as depicted in Temperance (XIV).

 

In the background of this Tarot card, there is a road ascending to distant mountains. Hovering over them is a sun with a crown. In the foreground are yellow irises. Each element has a symbolic meaning that adds to the whole.

 

In her book, “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card,” Mary Greer explains the symbols depicted in Temperance (XIV). The rocks that Michael stands on is the steadfast foundation of the virtue of temperance. The distant mountains indicate the challenge that a person should aspire to which is spiritual attainment. The road that connects the pond to the mountains encourages that journey to enlightenment.

 

Nevill Dury, in “The Tarot Workbook,” explains the deeper meaning of the iris flower. These flowers are sacred to Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow. In addition, God’s promise to humanity is the rainbow. Moreover, the rainbow is the union of water and fire.

 

In “The Essential Guide to the Tarot,” David Fontana asserts that the sun with the crown means victory over ego. Is the sun rising or setting? Or does it reflect the theme of Temperance (XIV), and lies between these liminal places.

 

Fontana relates that the stream of water moving between the two cups creates an active balance. Michael, as the Alchemist, is mixing fire and water. Transmuting the male (fire) and female (water) into one being, the Archangel balances between what was and what will be.

 

The Astrological Sign associated with Temperance (XIV) is Sagittarius, the Archer. Moreover, Sagittarius is the Centaur, who is half man and half horse. Like Temperance (XIV), Sagittarius is the melding of opposites – an active balance between man and beast. His is the joining of intellect and instinct. Sagittarius’ energy is mutable fire, which is like the rainbow, refined and ethereal.

 

As The Archer, Sagittarius shoots his arrow upwards. He aims for higher aspirations. Like the road in Temperance (XIV), the arrow leads beyond the mountains. Sagittarius, Himself, flies through time and space to the farthest shore.

Sagittarius is the Ruler of the Ninth House, which is also associated with Temperance (XIV). This House governs philosophy, higher education, and travel. In Astrology, the Ninth House is paired with the Third House, which is ruled by Gemini. The Ninth House expands on the Third House, in which lies the beginnings in learning and traveling. In the Tarot, Gemini governs The Lovers (VI). This pairing indicates that Temperance (XIV) is the joining of The Lovers (VI) in perfect harmony.

 

Corrine Kenner writes in “Tarot and Astrology,” that Temperance (XIV) is like the Ninth House. The two both bridge the wide distances of time and space to experience wonders. The Ninth House and Temperance (XIV) focus on philosophy and religion becoming balanced and optimistic.

 

Works Used:

Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Drury, Nevill, “The Tarot Workbook.” 2004. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego (CA).

Fontana, David, “The Essential Guide to the Tarot.” 2011. Watkins: London.

Gillett, Roy, “The Secret Language of Astrology.” 2011. Watkins: London.

Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.

Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).