#14: Temperance
Temperance is the card of balance, patience, and harmony. It represents the blending of opposites, the art of moderation, and the ability to navigate life with grace. This card encourages you to find equilibrium—whether between mind and heart, work and rest, or intuition and logic. In queer spaces, Temperance reminds us that identity is fluid, healing is a process, and balance is something we cultivate over time, not something we perfect overnight.
UPRIGHT
Balance, harmony, patience, integration, moderation
REVERSED
Imbalance, overindulgence, frustration, lack of patience
Temperance and the Trans Experience
Temperance teaches the importance of flow. It encourages us to move through life with awareness, making adjustments where needed rather than forcing things to happen. This card appears when you are being called to practice patience and create balance. Instead of extremes, look for the middle path.
If Temperance appears in your reading, you may be integrating two parts of your life, working toward emotional balance, or learning to trust in divine timing. This card asks: Where can you bring more harmony into your life? Are you rushing something that needs more time?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Angel – Represents guidance, wisdom, and the higher self.
The Two Cups – Water is being poured between them, symbolizing the blending of different elements to create harmony.
One Foot in the Water, One on Land – Represents balance between the material and emotional realms.
The Path Leading to the Sun – A reminder that patience and balance lead to enlightenment and success.
The Triangle on the Robe – A symbol of integration, wholeness, and divine alignment.
Upright Meaning
Upright, Temperance encourages patience and balance. It may be a sign that you are on the right path but need to proceed with moderation. This is a time to stay centered, trust in the process, and avoid extremes.
In a reading, ask yourself: Where in my life do I need more balance? Am I being patient with my growth? How can I integrate opposing parts of myself or my life?
Reversed Meaning: Imbalance and Burnout
Reversed, Temperance warns of imbalance or impatience. You may be rushing a process that needs more time or struggling with extremes in your emotions, habits, or relationships. The key is to slow down and make adjustments where needed.
In a reading, ask yourself: Am I being too extreme in my approach? Where do I need to restore balance? What happens if I allow things to unfold naturally?
Final Thoughts
Temperance reminds us that balance is an ongoing practice, not a fixed state. Move with intention, trust the timing of your journey, and know that harmony is created one step at a time.
#14: Temperance
Queer and Transgender Meaning
Temperance is balance, harmony, and the art of blending different parts of yourself into something whole. It is the integration of past and present, the merging of identity and expression, the patience required to transition at your own pace. This card reminds you that healing is not about rushing forward—it is about moving with intention, grace, and trust in your journey.
UPRIGHT
Balance, patience, integration, self-acceptance, flow, healing
REVERSED
Imbalance, frustration, forcing progress, burnout, struggling with identity
Temperance and the Trans Experience
Temperance is the delicate balance of transition. It is learning to hold multiple truths at once—the joy of becoming and the grief of letting go, the excitement of progress and the patience required to see it unfold.
For trans people, this card represents the process of integration. Transition is not about erasing the past—it is about weaving all parts of yourself into something complete. It is about finding peace between who you were, who you are, and who you are becoming.
Temperance also speaks to moderation and pacing. The desire to transition quickly can be overwhelming—wanting instant change, instant recognition, instant relief. But Temperance teaches that true transformation requires time. This is a card of trusting the process, finding harmony, and allowing things to unfold naturally.
Temperance asks: Are you allowing yourself to move at a pace that feels right? How can you create balance in your transition? What parts of yourself need to be integrated?
Symbolism and Imagery
Temperance’s imagery is all about harmony, blending, and balance.
An angel pouring water between two cups – A symbol of integration. You are bringing together different parts of yourself into a unified whole.
One foot in the water, one on land – The balance between emotions (water) and reality (earth). Transition requires both inner and outer alignment.
A glowing sun rising in the distance – Progress is happening, even if it is slow. Trust that you are on the right path.
A triangle on their robe – A symbol of unity, self-acceptance, and divine balance.
Upright Meaning: Balance and Integration
When Temperance appears upright, it is a reminder to move with patience, trust your process, and create harmony in your transition.
For trans people, this might mean:
Finding balance between transition and daily life – Not letting the process consume you, but integrating it naturally.
Embracing both past and present – Honoring where you came from while stepping into who you are.
Pacing yourself – Trusting that change will come in its own time.
Allowing healing to unfold – Transition is not just physical; it is emotional, spiritual, and psychological.
This card reminds you that there is no rush—your journey is unfolding exactly as it should.
Reversed Meaning: Imbalance and Burnout
When Temperance appears reversed, you may be struggling with impatience, imbalance, or trying to force progress.
For trans people, this can look like:
Feeling frustrated with slow progress – Wanting things to change faster than they are.
Neglecting self-care – Over-focusing on transition while forgetting to take care of other aspects of your life.
Struggling with identity integration – Feeling disconnected from your past or unsure how to blend old and new.
Burnout from trying to rush everything – Remember, transition is a marathon, not a sprint.
Temperance reversed challenges you to slow down, find balance, and trust that everything is coming together in its own time.
Final Thoughts
Temperance is the reminder that transition is not just about change—it is about balance, integration, and moving at a pace that allows for true growth.
This card says: Trust yourself. You are becoming whole. Let the process unfold.