La Tempérance (14)

Temperance is the ability to control one’s temper or temperament. In Thailand there is a concept called “cool heart.” In this phrase, cool does not mean cruel and unemotional. Rather, to act with a “cool heart” means that one is not easily stirred or provoked to go off the handle; one does not quickly come to a raging boil but maintains a steady temperature despite shifting external circumstances. Similarly, Temperance stands with one foot in a cool stream and pours water from one cup into another. Temperance knows how to direct the water in a way that maintains homeostasis.

Other remarkable features of this card are Temperance’s large red wings; they are so big the ends of them extend off the face of the card. Temperance must be strong to fly steadily in the face of winds that might throw off the course. Two bright yellow flowers bloom in the swamp grass in the background signifying the sweet life that grows out of this cool, mediated stream. Temperance has both feminine and masculine traits; one can consider this another display of emotional and physical balance.

Temperance’s hair is bright and halo-like; it gleams into the air mimicking the sun in the background which floats just over the distant mountains. On the tunic, there is a golden triangle, representing the power of balanced forces within. The character on this card is not a space-cadet. They are not disconnected from the world or from others; however, they are focused on maintaining an internal sense of balance. At times this might come off as “cool” in the negative sense. However, sometimes it is important to first balance oneself before accommodating the needs of others.

Temperance is suspended between land and water, and this allows them to be adaptable. At the same time, Temperance has a strong sense of self and is not easily swayed or caught off guard.