Temperance depicts a female figure pouring water from one vessel into another. Sometimes this figure is a woman, sometimes an angel of indeterminate sex. The symbolic key to this card seems to lie in the name and the idea of fluid flowing from one container to another. Most people today associate the word temperance with abstention from alcohol, or moderation, but it has other, older meanings, which would have been in common use when the cards were originally designed. Temperare in Latin means to moderate, mix, blend or otherwise bring into harmony; the angel seems to be blending the contents of her two vessels rather than abstaining from a quiet drink down at the local bar. Sometimes this card is known as 'Time', which mends all wounds and marches on despite our efforts to put back the clock. Tempore in Latin means 'in the time of'; we use the word tempo to mean time in music. And as time passes the lessons of life symbolised by the Tarot unfold. The liquid symbolises the line of life, the essential connection between conscious and unconscious, and the blending of male and female elements without which life would not continue. This balancing of male and female is a recurring theme in the tarot, and indeed in ritual magic, psychology, and many spiritual doctrines. Here are the left and right sides of the brain, representing logic and intuition. Yin and Yang, light and dark, hot and cold - each requires its opposite to form a whole. Temperance is numbered fourteen, a number of the moon. On the fourteenth day of her cycle the moon is exactly midway between new and full. The fourteenth day of a woman's menstrual cycle generally falls during her fertile time, when by blending with the opposite sex she is likely to become pregnant. The Ancient Assyrians held special rituals on the seventh, fourteenth and twenty-first days of the moon's cycle, and it is thought by a number of scholars that they were honouring their goddess's menstrual cycle in this way. An old numerology text states that the number fourteen 'controls continuous change, movement, and combination.' It is the number of energy, sexuality and revolution. Temperance is associated with Sagittarius, the sign symbolised by a centaur - half man, half horse. This image also represents blending - animal and human nature are combined. Sagittarius is the great fiery seeker of the zodiac who searches for meaning above and beyond normal everyday experience. Sagittarius rules the ninth house of the zodiac, which is the house of far horizons, philosophy, higher education and religion in the broadest sense. Interpretation Temperance Temperance brings a balanced, adaptable influence into your life, and as a result you are able to see both sides of an argument clearly and to resolve matters successfully. You feel calm, in control of events around you, and able to take whatever fate throws your way. If you have been involved in any kind of dispute or disagreement you will be able to sort it out satisfactorily. This applies to personal relationships or to problems at work. Temperance settles union disputes, negotiates acceptable wage increases, helps a couple to understand and overcome their differences and 'kiss and make up' in consequence. This is an excellent card if you are involved in any kind of creative work, or have been looking for new ways to approach a project. Fresh combinations of colour, technique, ideas or methods will spring to mind. When Temperance represents a person, or aspect of character it suggests someone who works well in a team. A well-rounded personality is indicated, an excellent manager - someone who can bring out the best in everyone. This is the card of the diplomat, alchemist, and the still calm voice in the midst of storms suggested by 13, Death, and 15, The Devil. Reversed Things are out of balance. There are quarrels and disagreements; you may find it hard to get on with others, either at home or at work. An atmosphere of restless competitiveness pervades group endeavours; this may stem from those around you or you could be feeling this way yourself. You may feel as if there are not enough hours in a day. There is so much to do, and so many different activities to fit in. And then there's your social life too. Temperance reversed warns of the danger of trying to do too much, scattering your energy, and becoming imbalanced and fractious as a result. Depending upon the card's position, of course, it could be referring to someone in your life who is behaving like this. This card also signifies poor judgment; a properly balanced view of events is unlikely to be achieved, and decisions that are taken now may be regretted later. Emotionally, you and your partner could be competing with one another in the same type of work. Perhaps one, or both, of you is restless, and cannot settle to anything. The more stable partner may feel as if he or she is living with a jumpy and unpredictable creature; arguments are likely. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World