Temperance, 14/XIV
The Lesson - Moderation
Rider-Waite Deck 'Temperance'
The Lesson is Moderation: After learning about Death, the Fool comes through with a new sense of perspective and respect for temperance.
Temperance coincides with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, which governs the hips, thighs, sciatic nerve (especially of the left leg), bones and liver.
Number Associations: 14, 5 (14 = 1 + 4 = 5)
Physical Body Assiciations: Hips, thighs, sciatic nerve (especially left leg), bones and liver.
Upright Temperance’s Energy Wellness Advice
Temperance represents self-control, positive use of energy, moderation and compromise. It is about trusting your inner self for guidance through hard times.
Temperance suggests a willingness to learn understanding and an effort to bridge the spiritual and the material worlds.
It may be time you use some self-restraint and compromise, to meet others half way, seek harmony or find creative solutions that satisfy the parties involved.
This card calls for high morals and self-composure. If there were ever a card about patience, this is it!
You may want to feed your ego, but think before speaking, as it may not be the right time to be so open about what is on your mind. You may regret it later.
Issues of prudence verses excess may be on your mind. Be cautious with your health and issues concerning money.
Interracial harmony is implied here. Some say that you may find yourself in a relationship, or marriage, with a person of a different race, religion or economic class. Perhaps you have adopted a child from a culture other than your own.
Reversed Temperance’s Energy Wellness Advice
It appears there is something lacking in your life causing an imbalance. What basic needs might you be denying yourself or in what areas have you perhaps gone over board in or found yourself undisciplined in?
Your situation may call for direct attention to balance your body’s needs in accordance to your lifestyle. For example, if you are a writer, it is necessary to take the time to exercise to better balance your mental and physical aspects.
In financial situations, make sure that your checkbook is balanced and your funds are dispersed evenly.
You may be at a point in your life where you are trying to combine your psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects into a new, more balanced and energetic you. Keep going. It takes time, but you will get there!
If, in some area of your life, you were, or are, lacking in moderation or self-restraint, you may now be suffering the consequences.
You may be experiencing all manner of frustrations or lack of harmony in your life.
Are you in an environment where there are irreconcilable differences? Is someone playing to win?
Is sexual fidelity an issue in your relationship? Perhaps your relationship is based on sex more than friendship or love. Incompatibility may be part of the problem.
You may be using poor judgment and wasting your energy over your situation.
What is your indulgence? Do you have an “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!” kind of attitude?
If you feel that you are stalled, or that you have no control over an issue, and are waiting for things to change, you may be doing the only right thing you can do at this time. Be constructive while you wait though.
The Captains Lady's Energy Wellness Recommendations
If you have been procrastinating about starting a new exercise program or a better food plan, now is the time for action! This would be a good time to begin that walking program to build your bones and trim those inches. Having a motto of "I'll start tomorrow." won't work for you much longer.
Temperance often appears when one is trying to kick addictions. Do some thinking about the toxins wading through your liver. Do you smoke, drink alcohol or sip unhealthy amounts of caffeinated coffee or tea? What about OTC (over-the-counter) or prescription drugs? Are you ingesting unhealthy fats, sugars or fast foods? Your liver and kidneys work together to naturally detoxify your body. Problems arise when you continue to dump in more than they can handle. For great ideas on how to eliminate toxins from your diet, see "Eating, Naturally!".
For those possibly unbalanced hormones due to PMS, menopause or andropause, visit "Is It Hot In Here?".
Try to balance your temperament a little. Use 'understanding'. If you can't, anger management classes may be in store. Perhaps you are dealing with a fool. In which case, reading the definition of a 'Fool' may enlighten you!
Stress can definitely throw us physically off balance. If you need some ideas on how to handle a particular symptom, you might want to check out 'Stress Syndrome Management'.
Use water and earth therapies such as mineral or mud baths or flower essences. 'Energy Wellness Recipes!' and "Tea, Anyone?". 'Claiming Radiance!' offers tips on hydrotherapy!
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