Long ago, Plutarch (46-120 CE) said, “Moderation is best, and to avoid all extremes” (Camillus)
Regarding the allegory of the Temperance Tarot card, two words to consider right away are moderation and extremes. We can approach the meaning of Temperance from the point of view of moderate intentions 
on the one hand, and opposing extreme situations on the other. Throughout history, prudent moderation has been expressed through right discipline of thought and action. Yet, in certain situations, sometimes moderate achievements have been trampled upon by excessive extremes of all kinds. Today, we see these extremes especially in the political machinations and ideologies of the far-right or far-left, which have led to conflict and even war around the world.
on the one hand, and opposing extreme situations on the other. Throughout history, prudent moderation has been expressed through right discipline of thought and action. Yet, in certain situations, sometimes moderate achievements have been trampled upon by excessive extremes of all kinds. Today, we see these extremes especially in the political machinations and ideologies of the far-right or far-left, which have led to conflict and even war around the world.
The figure in the Waite deck Tarot card of Temperance is portrayed as an angel who is pouring liquid from one vase into another vase. In the Tarot world, it is usually interpreted as the mixing and blending of human interactions and the “tempering” of oneself. When discussions are conducted in the spirit of moderation and, combined with cooperation, negotiation and mutual compromise, a group can arrive at a consensus which will carry them forward. An agreement can be achieved through calm conversation and common-sense dialogue.
“Temperance appears often in the art of Europe, usually with
attributes familiar from the Tarot.”
Brian Williams, The Minchiate Tarot (Destiny Books, 1999)
Over the centuries, Temperance, when portrayed figuratively in literature and art, has always been included in the list of Virtues. Many philosophical and religious practices advocated following the guidelines of the Virtues even before early Greco-Roman times. Positive models of conduct known as the Seven Virtues were instituted in Europe and perhaps elsewhere. For example, Scipio Africanus, a Roman General, (d.183 BCE) was depicted in Renaissance paintings and literature as a role-model for fairness and was usually shown seated next to the deity of Temperance. He represented self-restraint, as in the defeat of Hannibal, by putting the good of the Republic ahead of plunder and profit. The Seven Virtues were positive prototypes for the qualities of Prudence, Strength, Temperance, Justice, Faith, Hope and Charity (Love) which were also espoused by the Church. The purpose and intent of Temperance was to point society in the direction of self-control and right action based upon a principled model of moderate moral conduct.
Contrary to the Seven Virtues, were the Seven Vices. These malicious counterparts represented wrongdoing, usually expressed in sundry degenerate and corrupt behaviors. Such misconduct was to be wary of and avoided, and were often trailed by the damages of injustice and excesses of violent and extreme exploits. These negative and destructive characteristics were described as Anger, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Gluttony.
(See my blog article on the Virtues and Vices and Influence on Tarot, June 13, 2015,
and
Temperance Then and Now July 28, 2018)
Tempering oneself in Moderation:
Mystical Alchemy and the alchemical marriage
In Medieval Times, the concept of tempering and blending of human interaction was sometimes applied to Mystical Alchemy. Temperance, when understood in an alchemical sense, which, besides trying to make pure gold from combining various metals in a retort, implied the purification and tempering of the person through the crucible of trial and error. In a spiritual sense, this meant purging one’s five senses and actions of excessive and extreme behaviors. Today, and every day, we are being “cooked” and “tempered” in the “pot” of life-experiences. Metaphysically, we are learning to balance opposites, which involves undergoing a “tempering and distilling” process and, for some, it is “a trial by fire;” for others, it is a “bed of roses.” In modern-day psychological terms, we would think of Temperance (moderation) as improving ourselves through certain current counseling programs, such as psychoanalysis; marriage counseling, or behavior modification and ridding ourselves of self-destructive habits; and joining something like the 
Twelve Step Program, where people are empowered in overcoming addiction. To Medieval Mystics, the esoteric symbol of the alchemical marriage in the Athanor or globe of the retort, emphasized the importance of blending love and compassion through the purification of one’s character. Temperance was an allegorical theme representing a harmonious balance between the male principle and the female principle. It inferred an initiation through the blended harmony of opposites and moving to a higher spiritual understanding. In their spiritual transmutation to a higher dimension, supposedly, the two became one in spirit and achieved a state of oneness with the creator, a union with the divine.
Twelve Step Program, where people are empowered in overcoming addiction. To Medieval Mystics, the esoteric symbol of the alchemical marriage in the Athanor or globe of the retort, emphasized the importance of blending love and compassion through the purification of one’s character. Temperance was an allegorical theme representing a harmonious balance between the male principle and the female principle. It inferred an initiation through the blended harmony of opposites and moving to a higher spiritual understanding. In their spiritual transmutation to a higher dimension, supposedly, the two became one in spirit and achieved a state of oneness with the creator, a union with the divine.
“Compatible ‘temperament’ in marriage was to be developed by tempering
one’s behavior with courtesy and kindness.”
The Secrets of the Tarot, Barbara Walker (HarperCollins, 1984)
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| Temperance TOCC |
Extremes today:
Extreme behaviors happening now look like something we might see on the Science Fiction TV show “The X-Files,” except that these events have actually been occurring in real-life. Today, the TV news and social media have made political propaganda a mainstay at dinner time, showing us the extremes on both the far-right and far-left. We see “conspiracy theorists” promoting lies and false narratives. Nazi-style cults, violent protests, and anti-government subcultures with what appears to be KKK roots, get prime news time and even some of their proponents have achieved elected office. The worst bizarre fantasy concocted is a delusional conjecture that reptilian aliens have taken over some of our representatives and that certain politicians are practicing satanic rituals. Give me a break! This made-up set of lies is a form of some weird things you might see on the X-Files TV show, conjured up from completely irrational and “snake oil” beliefs. We have seen the results of lies and extremist ideology in the violent insurrectionist style attack on the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, as the final votes were being counted for the Presidency of the United States of America.
In James Lowell’s essay, “Abraham Lincoln, 1864-1865,” he states that:
“The different sometimes conflicting interests and social systems of the several states made existence as a Union and coalescence into a nation conditional on a constant practice of moderation and compromise.” (Essay on Democracy)
Yes, we know our American Democracy and the Constitution was based upon Democratic Government and were supposed to be formed as a “Perfect Union” in 1787. But obviously, we are still working on achieving that goal. When the constitution was written with the declaration that “all men are created equal” [And what happened to women?] unfortunately, the “Founding Fathers” were overlooking something going on in their backyards and farms: slaves at work. African human beings were being bought and sold in the slave trade market like cattle through to the 1800’s. No, we were not a “Perfect Union” then, but still, Democracy was underway. And, we know what immense work has gone on in America since the signing of the Constitution of those working to improve the “Perfect Union.” Unfortunately, the struggle has not always been fair or just. First, was the gruesome American Civil War between the North and the South in the 1860’s in the brutal effort to keep the states remaining “united.” Then Reconstruction and Segregation and “Jim Crow” followed in the South, up to the 1960’s. Work still goes on to establish equality and respect for the downtrodden as seen in protests and freedom marches.
“The civil rights movement was more than a struggle over legal rights, it was a spiritual movement led by ministers who wanted to confront the erroneous belief that some of us are more valuable or more important than others, and demonstrate the truth of human equality.”
John Lewis, Across That Bridge (Hachette Books, 2017)
Beyond that, we must not forget war time American involvement in WWI in 1918; WWII in the 1940’s; the Korean War in the 1950’s; and Viet Nam War in 1970’s; not to mention the Cold War and Cuban Crisis, and so on. Even now, congress is still continuing to work on improving our Democracy while inexplicably being involved in ongoing wars. And of course, the people continue to protest against discrimination, prejudice and inequities. Courageous people are still at work to correct the many injustices that are still prevalent.
Moderation: What should ‘moderation’ look like today?
What does this mean for a Tarot reading? What does it mean for your life?
When you get the Temperance card in a reading, this is a sign to keep your feet firmly on the ground. Contemplate the importance of maintaining a calm, moderate outlook on every day matters, and avoid being caught up in the sensational distractions of all the negative reporting that goes on in the news and social media. Ask yourself these questions: What are your ethical values? What kind of moral conduct enhances your life and how does it affect others in your environment? How are you rooting out any extreme concepts and behavior? How are you managing your feelings about business and family issues? How can you bring kindness, patience and graciousness to interactions and discussions with others?
“We recently completed card XIV of the Tarot, which is temperance,
something the modern world has lost sight of.”
Niki Saint Phalle, “House of Cards” (Architectural Digest, September 1987)
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| Protecting Angel, Niki's Temperance in Zurich |
Buddhists work on the Eightfold Path, which consists of the right view, the right resolve, the right speech and conduct, the right livelihood, the right effort, right mindfulness and right union that leads to enlightenment. This means to avoid being be driven by fear of the unknown or fear of the future. Think about what the old saying of “everything in moderation” means to you and how it influences your life. When confronted with fanatical talk and behavior, don’t take the bait, and don’t accept extreme views and fabricated lies about - “life, the universe and everything.” Keep your focus on the facts of truth-finding through critical thinking. This implies being kind and respectful to your neighbors and helpful to those in need, and especially, to take a lot of the chaos and disorder that appears to be going on with a “grain of salt.” Now is the time to practice non-violence, modesty and humility, more than ever.
“Temperance is your self-regulating mechanism, your innate ability to heal yourself by correcting imbalances and to reconcile difficulties in the environment through compassion.”
“What am I doing with all the knowledge I have distilled from my experiences.”
Tarot Mirrors, Mary Greer (Newcastle Publishing Co. 1988)
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| Wheel of Samsara |
References:
Astrology, Magic and Alchemy in Art by Matilda Battistini (Getty Publications, 2007)
Signs and Symbols in Christian Art by George Ferguson (Galaxy Books, 1966)
