Temperance
Card XIV of the Major Arcana
Temperance is the card of balance, patience and blending opposites. It shows a winged figure with one foot in a pool and one on the shore, pouring water between two cups, with irises at the edge, a winding path and a sun on the horizon. In a reading it points to moderation and steady, harmonious progress.
Upright
balance, moderation, patience, harmony, blending
Temperance follows Death, and the quiet after an ending suits her. She pours water from one cup to the other in a steady stream, one foot on land and one in the water. Nothing spills. The path behind her winds toward a glow on the horizon, and there is no rush. Upright, the card suggests that the right mix of things, taken slowly, is what serves you now.
Reversed
excess, imbalance, impatience, discord
Reversed, the mix is off. The card can point to excess, impatience or a life pulled too far to one side: too much work, too much feeling, too little rest. It can also describe a clash between two people or two parts of you. It asks what is out of proportion, and where a little less would restore the balance.
Yes or no
Yes.
Yes, a patient one. Temperance suggests things work out through moderation and time, not haste. Reversed, it leans toward not yet, until the balance is restored.
Temperance in love
In love, Temperance suggests a patient, harmonious bond where each person adjusts to the other. It favors slow trust over drama. Reversed, it can point to imbalance, differing paces, or a relationship that swings between extremes.
Temperance at work
At work, Temperance points to teamwork, compromise and steady, measured progress. A balanced workload serves you better than a sprint. Reversed, it can mean overload, conflict or impatience with the process.
Temperance as advice
As advice, Temperance says: find the middle way. Go slowly, mix what seems opposed, and avoid extremes. Look after your rest, your work and your relationships in fair measure.
Temperance as someone's feelings
As someone's feelings, Temperance suggests they feel calm and want a steady, balanced bond with you. They are in no hurry. Reversed, they may feel out of step with you, or swing between warm and cool.
Questions about Temperance
Is Temperance a yes or no card?
Yes, a patient yes. It favors moderation and steady progress. Reversed, it reads as not yet, until balance returns.
What does Temperance mean in love?
A harmonious, patient bond where each person adjusts to the other. It favors slow, steady trust over drama.
What does Temperance reversed mean?
Excess, impatience or imbalance. It asks what in your life is out of proportion and where a little less would help.
What do the two cups in Temperance mean?
The water flowing between them stands for blending two things into one, such as thought and feeling, or two people. The steady stream shows it done with care.
Updated October 1, 2026. Published by Preffo ApS.
