Temperance
Major Arcana · Card 14
Upright
Balance, moderation, patience, harmony, purpose.
Reversed
Imbalance, excess, lack of patience, discord.
Temperance belongs to the Major Arcana, which speaks to life's great turning points and soul lessons. As a major arcana card it marks a genuine turning point rather than a passing mood — when it appears, the theme it carries is the headline of the reading. What it means for you depends on the question asked, the position it lands in, and the cards either side of it.
Pull Your Own Cards
See which cards come up for your question — with a personalised reading across 9 ancient systems.
Read Your Cards →Frequently Asked Questions
What does Temperance mean in a tarot reading?
Upright, Temperance points to balance, moderation, patience, harmony, purpose. It belongs to the Major Arcana, which deals with life's great turning points and soul lessons. The surrounding cards shade the exact meaning — a card is read in context, not alone.
What does Temperance reversed mean?
Reversed, Temperance shifts toward imbalance, excess, lack of patience, discord. A reversal isn't simply 'bad' — it usually means the card's energy is blocked, internalised, or asking for attention rather than absent.
Is Temperance a yes or no card?
Broadly yes — it leans toward forward movement. Yes/no readings are a blunt instrument though; the fuller answer is in Temperance's upright and reversed meanings above.