Temper, Temper

Temperance is a difficult concept for many people to grasp. In the tarot, I often see it as a person who learns how to mix things in just the right amounts to create. A good cook knows how to do this. So do healers.

I also see a person this card represents as a mediator, one who knows how to get people to reach agreement. That role can be fulfilled by a good friend or relative in addition to a person who has a professional role in that capacity.

When we temper steel, we make it better, harder, stronger. When we temper our remarks, we try and maintain an even disposition, saying what needs to be said without saying anything hurtful or unkind.

In the tarot, it comes between Death and the Devil. After death, which usually means the death of an aspect of our life rather than the end of our life, a rebuilding process is necessary. Once we have removed old, outdated or negative patterns of thought and action, we need to replace them with others that are more positive and empowering. We search for ways to make ourselves whole again. We do a balancing act in searching for just the right mixture of things that we need and want. It is a symbol of healing, action and vision.