The Temperance upright tarot card represents our need to be patient and find purpose in our progress. There is no need to speed up and expect instant results.
Slow down and take the holistic perspective. You’ve got this!
The Temperance Upright
Too often we’re pushing so hard for success. There is now a culture of ‘success at all costs’ and a community who knocks down those who aren’t producing effectively. We’re here to tell you that you’re in the right place if you’re being patience.
Success comes to those who work hard, but fulfillment comes to those who relax and go with the flow, while being committed to their destination. You really should have both well balanced.
By knowing what you’re going for and why you’re going for it, you’ll find yourself closer there more harmoniously. This is without the stress and anxiety that comes with those who ‘grind it out’ for the mission.
Card meaning
The Temperance Upright is a ‘Yes’ Tarot card. We’ve used the Rider Waite series which we highly recommend. We see the beautiful angel here which blends both feminity and masculinity.
This female angel has one foot well planted on the rocks which means we must stand grounded, with the other in the water representing fluidity and progress on the path. As water is poured between her two cups, we feel a sense of connection and harmony. This represents her willingness to carve out time to be patience.
The light blue robe is symbolic of the sky and patience. During the biggest of storms, the sky remains patient until such crazyness has passed and where harmony is then restored.
Can you see the mountain in the background? This shows her journey through life and the need to stick to the path, while also pacing ourselves. The crown is there as the final eclipse of the journey.
This is one of the most holistic cards in the Rider Waite series. It’s where everything should be conducted in moderation and nothing in excess. Even if you aren’t pursuing big journey, avoid the temptation to strive for one thing above all else.
When others would laugh and sconder at the turtle; he always wins over a long enough time frame.
Patience and flow
In the world today, everyone wants results fast. We live in a world of instant gratification where, especially the younger generation, simply wants to reach the promised land as quickly as possible. When it isn’t achieved in 3 minutes, they unfortunately knock themselves.
“Why is this so hard and stressful?” among other questions are asked. The Upright Temperance reminds us of the need to be relaxed in pursuits – whether that’s love, relationships, career, business, health or otherwise. We can continue moving forward but only when it feels good.
It’s time to start working together with yourself while leveraging the harmonious relationships with those around you. It’s likely you have many talents already yet drawing upon others skills and experience can be helpful. This can reduce your overwhelm knowing they have walked similar paths before and can help you side by side.
Now harmony is best built with a long term vision. Consider your journey as one over 3, 5 or even 10 years! Avoid the feeling of rushing your way to success as that’s a common stumbling block.
You may need to acquire skills in this process, but again – in moderation. It’s all too easy to become overloaded with information and bogged down in the how-to, rather than the actual taking-action on the quest.
Going forward
Today your inner voice is calling you to slow down. There is no need to keep pounding forward when you will eventually get to your destination, only with more vitality and happiness than others.
Forcing yourself isn’t a strategy; pacing yourself is. When you consider marathon runners, they always pace themselves instead of sprinting early on in the race. That has to be you right now.
Take it easy and enjoy the ride! Patience is certainly a virtue.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck® is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
