In its current use, we define Temperance as moderation or voluntary self-restraint. Modern society typically describes Temperance as what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing.
Definition of Temperance.
1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling: restraint. 2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions. b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages. Temperance comes from the Greek word egkrateia, meaning strength, not physical strength, but inward strength that helps us to make the best choices. This strength can only come from our daily dedication to obtaining and maintaining the other fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5.
The Bible defines Temperance as: “Emotional restraint or self-control. Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one with a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Folly is someone who does not respect God.) Daniel is an excellent example of a person with Temperance. In the Christian religion, Temperance is a virtue that moderates attraction and desire for pleasure and “provides balance in the use of created goods.” St. Thomas calls it a “disposition of the mind which binds the passions.”
Temperance, Christians believe, will combat the sin of gluttony. Patience is the good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence. A patient person bears pains and trials without complaint. On the other hand, Temperance is the trait of avoiding excesses and living in moderation. We learn Temperance, like all virtues, through practice and patience. While it may not sound like much fun, the only natural way to become temperate is through prayer and self-denial. In other words, you have to tell yourself no now and then.
Today’s Card
Temperance (XIV) is the fourteenth trump or Major Arcana card in most traditional Tarot decks. It is used in game playing as well as in divination.
Depiction: Temperance is almost invariably depicted as a person pouring liquid from one receptacle into another. In many decks, the person is a winged person or angel, usually female or androgynous, and stands with one foot on water and one foot on land.
Meaning: This card indicates that you should learn to bring balance, patience, and moderation into your life. You should take the middle road, avoid extremes, and maintain a sense of calm.
Upright card (keywords): Alchemy, Balance, Connecting with your guides, Harmony, Looking for divine intervention, moderation
Reversed card (keywords): Disharmony, Imbalance, Lack of patience, Onset of illness.
Temperance Reversed
This is a warning about excess. If people live in harmony with each other, they live together peacefully rather than fighting or arguing. It’s time to embrace everything in moderation. It’s not you can’t have any fun; it’s going a little easier with indulgences. Cut back on any unhealthy, destabilizing habits. Here is an invitation to stabilize your energy and allow the life force to course through you without pressure or resistance. Recover your flow and get your life back into order and balance.
Temperance, a fundamental human virtue, is the card for bringing harmony, forbearance, and moderateness into your life. Harmony is a noun that describes an agreement, such as in feeling, sounds, looks, feel, or smell. Harmony is the sound of things that go together well — people singing harmoniously are in tune with each other. Best friends should be in harmony most of the time if they want to stay best buds! It allows you to maintain calm and focus on stormy days. Temperance means you carry out your life in a measured, thoughtful, and steady manner, whatever the circumstances you face. Have a daily honey lemon ginger tea and meditate on your beautiful life. (EZM)
You must be logged in to post a comment.