Temperance Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed & Love

After the intensity of Death, something softer appears. An angel stands with one foot on land and one in water, pouring liquid between two cups in an endless, flowing dance. A golden path winds toward the horizon where a glowing crown awaits. Temperance has arrived, and with it, a quiet exhale: balance is possible.

Temperance is card number 14 in the Major Arcana, representing balance, moderation, patience, harmony, and the art of blending opposing forces into something greater. This card is the universe's prescription for healing—and it works.

Quick Reference

Upright Meaning

Temperance upright is the card of the middle way. It appears when you need to find balance between two extremes—work and rest, giving and receiving, holding on and letting go. This isn't about compromise or settling for less. It's about alchemy: taking two opposing forces and combining them into something beautiful.

This card often shows up after a period of upheaval (it follows Death in the Major Arcana sequence for good reason). You've been through the fire, and now it's time to integrate what you've learned. Temperance says: slow down. Heal. Find your center. The answers will come not through force but through patience and flow.

There's a deeply spiritual quality to Temperance. The angel with one foot in water and one on land represents the connection between the material and spiritual worlds. You're being invited to honor both—your practical needs and your soul's calling. When these are in alignment, life flows with remarkable ease.

Reversed Meaning

Temperance reversed signals imbalance. You've tipped too far in one direction—too much work, too much pleasure, too much giving, too much withdrawal. The harmony this card represents has been disrupted, and you can feel it in your body, your mood, and your relationships. Something is off, and it needs correction.

This reversal can also indicate impatience. You're rushing a process that requires time—healing, growth, a creative project, or a relationship. The forced pace is creating more problems than it solves. Temperance reversed firmly asks: where in your life have you lost the middle ground? Find it again.

Temperance in Love & Relationships

If you're single: Temperance suggests a soulmate connection may be developing, but slowly. This isn't a whirlwind romance—it's a gradual, balanced unfolding. The person you're meant to be with may already be in your life, quietly becoming more significant over time. Be patient. Don't force a connection; let it evolve naturally.

If you're in a relationship: This card is a beautiful sign of harmony and healing within your partnership. If you've been through a difficult period, Temperance indicates that balance is being restored. Both partners are learning to give and take more equally. This is also a card of deepening spiritual connection—your relationship is becoming something more meaningful.

Temperance in Career & Finances

In career readings, Temperance encourages a balanced approach to work. If you've been overworking, pull back. If you've been coasting, step up. This card favors collaboration over competition and suggests that blending different skills or approaches will yield the best results. It's also excellent for careers in healing, counseling, and the arts.

Financially, Temperance advises moderation. Spend wisely, save consistently, and avoid both extreme frugality and reckless spending. A balanced, sustainable approach to money will serve you better than any get-rich-quick scheme. If you've been financially stressed, this card promises that stability is returning—gradually, but reliably.

Temperance as Advice

Find the middle path. Whatever situation you're navigating, the answer lies not in extremes but in balance. Pour a little from this cup, a little from that cup, and blend them together. Be patient with yourself and the process. Healing takes time. Growth takes time. The golden path is right in front of you—walk it steadily, one step at a time. Harmony isn't a destination. It's a daily practice.

Card Combinations

• Temperance + The Star = Deep healing and renewed hope. A profoundly restorative period where body, mind, and spirit come back into alignment.
• Temperance + The Lovers = A relationship finding its perfect balance. Two people blending their energies harmoniously.
• Temperance + The Devil = A warning about excess disrupting your balance. An addiction or obsession threatens the harmony you've built.

Explore more:

• Major Arcana Deep Dive
• Complete Tarot Card Meanings List