Every day, I get my daughter to pick a Card from the Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. Disregarding traditional interpretations and sceptical of ‘professional’ Tarot readers, I draw instead from my Hermetic background and psychological focus on Mythos and Archetypes. I'm exploring an experiment to deeply understand each card's archetypal meanings, delving into both its overt and covert symbolism while remaining open to the conversational nature of signs. This process embodies the concept of "Signal" as "Emergence," where being in tune allows for the unfolding and proper demodulation of universal, multifaceted messages, highlighting the pervasive relevance and context available to all.
The Invitation is to consider all the implications and let them form a constellation of context, from which you might derive some Meaning.
XIV. TEMPERANCE
This card represents The Harmony in Duality: Form & Flow, Giving & Receiving
The number is XIV (14), and is the 15th Card in the Major Arcana.
HOW TO CONSIDER THE TAROT
To appreciate Tarot, you don’t need to subscribe to anything mystical or arcane, and you most certainly do not need to consult the booklets and the types of interpretations we encounter on the internet, which is no deeper than a typical lifestyle magazine for young women. You just need to appreciate how symbols and archetypes are windows into expansive maps of meaning.
Each card is a window into a holographic map of meaning.
Each card is a window into a holographic map of meaning, holding a trove of symbols, archetypes and other even less visible aspects such as numbers and geometry. When seen as a whole, considering all the subtle aspects, including the body language, the colours and the arrangement and the constellation of connection and meaning they imply, we begin to understand the true power of Tarot.
We begin each time with the abstract so that our subconscious minds can be primed with that which is most essential about the card, which would be overlooked by our human nature to scan for visual cues, recognise forms, faces and objects at a more literal level.
In this respect, Tarot becomes less of a tool for the kind of divination we associate with ‘pop astrology’, and instead a far more mature and meditative guide for connecting with the invisible aspects of ourselves, the world we belong to and the manner of that belonging.
The further invitation is to consider how the convergence of seemingly disparate elements which appear initially obscure and random, unfolds to reveal not only an emergent essence of each card but also an undeniable, deliberate web of meaning. This intricate orchestration underscores a genius in design and composition, hinting at a profound interconnectedness and the thoughtful intent behind each card's creation and the wisdom human beings have access to.
Each post, and the series as an emergent ‘Whole’, challenges the reader to view the Tarot through the lens of personal exploration and intuitive understanding. The synthesis of diverse disciplines provides a scaffold for interpreting each card's symbolism, inviting a deep, personal dialogue with the archetypes it embodies.
NUMEROLOGY
Numerology is the study of numbers. If mathematics is the language and the grammar, geometry is the syntax and poetry, and numbers are the base letters.
14 is the sum of the first 4 odd numbers(all Primes): 1+3+5+7 = 14.
If 1 is the Unity, 3 is the Trinity, 5 is the Quintessence, and 7 is the totality of the refracted Emanation, then 14 is the sum of these primes. The 4 elements are represented also as each of the 4 integers.
14 is arrived at by 2 x 7. 2 and 7 are both Primes. 2 is the number of Duality, denoting, opposites, reflections, and replications of scales via the Hermetic Law of Correspondence “As Above, So Below”.
There are 7 colours, 7 days of the week, 7 Chakras, 7 Hermetic laws (Logos) and 7 musical notes, and therefore 14 is a representation of 2 ‘octaves’, in this sense the material and the divine, or the gross and the subtle. The 7 colours and 7 notes are the harmonious natural divisions of light and sound being the two forms of vibration associated with the Emanation.
GEOMETRY
The most interesting consideration of the number 14, is as 2x7, which in terms of geometry can be presented in several ways: a 7-pointed star, a 7-sided polygon.
The 7-pointed star, similar to the pentagram can be created with a single continuous line and is symmetrical along only 1 axis when considered vertically, but from the North node of each point, an axis of symmetry can be drawn. This implies a higher order of balance and order that transcends the linear or the obvious.
There is an inherent duality in the 7-pointed star, given that it can be described in two separate but related ways, lines following two different paths, which nevertheless touch each point and arrive back at the beginning, which is how 7 implies 14 via inherent duality. The two different paths have an emergent heptagram, with inverted orientations to each other, implying the innate Law of Correspondence “As Above, So Below".
This can be more easily understood by inspecting the diagram above, and observing that the quickest path between g and b is via a on the outer star, but to determine the quickest path between g and c would be via e on the inner star. This implies inherent harmonies that are not mutually exclusive.
ETYMOLOGY
Vertical shallow Etymology finds the nearest root words and leaves it at that. Deep and Wide Etymology reaches down and laterally, to explore the full essence of meaning that is related to the word.
Temperance comes from the Latin temperate meaning “to restrain” or “to temper”, which has the same root as tempus relating to Time, the same root we find in the word Temperature.
Blacksmithing is an analogy for Alchemy, and shares many similar or related concepts. In the forging process, the creation of the alchemical sword, part of the process requires the tempering of the blade, which is always made of an alloy. An alloy is more than one metal merged whereby the two elements create a third emergent element which in turn has emergent properties.
Tempering is a heat treatment applied to the blade to achieve greater strength by decreasing the hardness of the alloy, to make it ductile and less brittle.
Temperance is taken to mean a virtue of self-applied restraint out of a sense of devotion towards a noble pursuit, rather than a sense of self-denial. Temperance is not denial, it is a regulation of timing, or allowing of all things in moderation, according to a sense of amplitude and frequency in harmony with life and the world.
APPEARANCE & ARRANGEMENT
The card has a light grey background. An angelic being is depicted pouring a flow of water between two golden cups, one foot partially submerged in a pool of clear water, and the other on the firm earth, between a bed of reeds and irises on the right, and a winding path on the left, that leads towards a radiant sunrise that traces the outlines of a golden crown.
EGREGORE
Egregore is an esoteric concept representing an emergent archetypal thought-form that arises from collective thoughts.
The TEMPERANCE card represents the inherent and self-contained duality in all aspects of being and existence, namely the yin and yang, Form & Flow, in the symbiosis of Giving & Receiving—the harmony of Duality.
We cannot command Nature except by obeying Her.
Francis Bacon
The purpose of the cup is to hold water and to pour water, to be emptied and to be filled, to be held and to be set down.
THE UNFOLDING
A closer look at the unfolding symbolism of the card reveals An angelic being in a white robe, wings unfurled, standing with one foot in a pool of water, and another foot on the bank, holding a golden cup or chalice in each hand and pouring a stream of water between the two.
This is the first and only time an angelic being is depicted with both wings and legs, fully embodied, standing both in the water and also on the solid earth.
The Angelic being has a radiant halo, and a sun symbol or golden eye opened wide on their forehead. At the breast of the robe, is a white square with an orange triangle—essential spirit clothed in matter.
The shadows and folds of the angel’s white robes above the design on the breast form the letters YOD-HEI-VAV-HEH (יהוה), the tetragrammaton—the four-letter name of God.
The two chalices are the wellspring of Flow generated between all Dualities: Masculine & Feminine, Yin & Yang, the eternal gradient, as per the Law of Polarity, and is a depiction of the Two Pillars, denoting the active principle emergent between them—the electromagnetic fluid of Life.
Collectively the angelic being depicts all four elements. The wings represent the element of Air, standing with one foot in the water, also pouring water, obviously alluding to the element of Water. The triangle on the breast is the element of Fire, and the presence of legs, standing, intimates the element of Earth.
SYMMETRY WITHIN THE DECK
Within the deck, there are symmetries and connections between the cards, defined by the relationship of the numbers, others thematically by the relationship of their symbols, archetypes and other essentialities.
There are three cards that depict angels/angelic beings in the Major Arcana. Each of the cards THE LOVER, TEMPERANCE and JUDGEMENT share a relationship via this unique motif, and each of the cards represents one of the named Archangels: Raphael, Gabriel and Michael.
This demonstrates the notion of Temperance, which is the Harmony of Duality between Form & Flow, between Giving & Receiving, as the moderating principle between the path of Desire represented by THE LOVERS and the implications of Cause and Effect, represented by the JUDGEMENT card.
Additionally, there are three cards that have a pool of water as a prominent central feature on the card, but only two that intimate the act of outpouring, namely TEMPERANCE and THE STAR—similarly THE STAR depicts a figure with two vessels, pouring water into the pool from one vessel, and onto the earth from the other, mirroring the stance of the Angel in the TEMPERANCE card, with one foot in the water and on on the earth.
The numbers 7 and 8 are embedded in each of these two cards respectively. Card VII(7) is THE CHARIOT and card VIII(8) is STRENGTH, inferring the gestalt of those two cards into this pairing, and thereby also gains some context from the Numerological relationships between 7 and 8 whereby 7 is the number of colours, notes, days of the week, and 8 is the repeated octave and also the inherent duality of the four elements.
KABBALAH
In Kabbalah, the Sephirotic Tree of Life has 10 stations, which are connected with 22 branches, each branch corresponding to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alef-bet. The 14th branch is Nun, meaning Faith, and is what connects the stations of Gevurah (Judgement) and Chesed (Mercy).
The Tempering force between Judgement (Severity) and Mercy (Grace) is Temperance. Faith in the Kabbalistic context is not the same as in the Christian context. It relates instead to a reasoned Faith borne out of an appreciation of how the laws of Cause and Effect preside over everything, including Judgement and Desire, meaning that which we long for in our hearts and the consequences we face in their pursuit are not the superstitious domains of Fate or Morality.
One of the most fundamental concepts in Kabbalah is the notion of Giving & Receiving which is powerfully central to the entire project of Kabbalah and the purpose and function of creation. Kabbalah describes the ascent of the soul through four stages of integrated relationship with Giving & Receiving.
The word Kabbalah literally means Receipt.
Very specifically, the notion of Giving is not singularly virtuous. There is a profound virtue in Receiving in Kabbalah referred to as Receiving with Grace which is captured in the Kabbalistic parable of The Guest and the Host, whereby a wealthy powerful host attempts to fulfil the needs of a guest of modest means, but fails to do so. The failure is not one of generosity but occurs instead because the guest becomes self-conscious of the fact that they cannot share in the ‘Gift of the Giver’, not realising their own unequalled power to give something rare and otherwise unobtainable in return. The guest possesses one power that the host with all their wealth and power cannot provide for themself—the ‘Gift of the Receiver’—the ability to receive with grace and appreciation, thereby granting both parties deep fulfilment in their roles.
This parable teaches that the act of receiving is not passive but an active and crucial counterpart to giving. It's an acknowledgment that the giver is granted fulfilment and completion of their act through the receiver's acceptance.
In the context of the Temperance card, the parable reinforces the card's essence of harmony in duality, form and flow, giving and receiving. It underscores the necessity of balance not only in the material exchange but also in the emotional and energetic exchange between ourselves and the universe suggesting true harmony occurs when both giving and receiving are embraced with equal honor and value, allowing for a reciprocal flow of energy that nourishes all involved.
HERMETIC LAWS & CONCEPTS
Duality, in the context of the emanation of what we recognise as existence, is a factor of the Hermetic law of Correspondence. The Law of Correspondence states: Everything that is, is dual. Everything that is, exists in correspondence, relative and in relation to everything else—As Above, So Below.
The emergent context revealed through all the sections exploring the multifaceted elements of the TEMPERANCE card is one of dynamic equilibrium and profound balance. It articulates a universe where everything is interconnected, and harmony is achieved not through static uniformity but through the continuous and conscious integration of dualities.
This continuous integration and interaction or Flow, between the two Dualities, occur by way of the Law of Polarity.
The Law of Polarity states: Everything that is, has degrees according to polarity. Everything is dual in nature, everything has poles of paired opposites—Existence Persists, Persistence Resists.
Dualities exist as polarities and gradients relative to each other.
Temperance in this context is a mastery of Time through the regulation of Flow, through a mastery of Form. Form and Flow are expressions of the Masculine and Feminine principles inherent in all. Temperance in a Hermetic context is the harmony of Giving and Receiving according to Logos and the Will of the divine.
The consideration is not only how our human experience with its base needs, unmoderated, leads to intemperance, and a denial of our higher nature but equally how a religious puritanical pursuit of dogmatic virtue denies our lower nature. The project of Hermetic wisdom is to guide the individual soul to true self-mastery, not self-control. The implication of true self-mastery is an integration also of the manifold self: The Animal, The Child and The Dual Mind, which implies the inner Masculine and Feminine, whereby everything that lies in shadow must be brought into the Light, not through discipline, but rather through Love and Understanding. This project requires, by definition, a conscious regulation of urges and needs in harmony with nature which is best described as Giving & Receiving. Giving & Receiving extend far beyond the trivial notion of transaction exchange of favour, pointing instead to the fundamental flow of Giving and Receiving according to limit and need, pervasive to everything that exists. Need in this case is not limited to our narrow understanding of human need, it is the conditions and energy which is required by any ‘thing’ that exists, to exist, and to fulfil its Telos—its purpose and form.
ASTROLOGY
The Temperance card is associated with Aquarius, the water bearer.
MYTHOS & LOGOS
HINDUISM
In Hinduism, Puranas are a vast genre of literature and sacred texts, a name translated from Sanskrit literally meaning “ancient”, containing knowledge, myths and genealogical histories.
In the Brahmanda Puranas, there are 14 worlds. Seven are upper worlds, and seven are lower worlds.
GNOSTICISM
Gnosticism is essentially an allegorical effort to describe Hermetics in a mythological context. According to Gnosticism, the Demiurge created seven heavens, each having a worldly counterpart, which could either be considered worldly realms or dimensions of embodied consciousness of the human psyche.
INNER REFLECTION
Here we are invited to consider how the unified emergent whole transcends its individual components, symbolising a state of existence where seemingly contradictory elements or forces are reconciled and brought into equilibrium. We are introduced to a living archetype that encapsulates the essence of harmony within duality, suggesting that true balance is a process rather than a static endpoint—a journey of continuous adaptation and integration, aligning oneself with the rhythms of the universe and the flow of life's perpetual transformations.
The Flow between the Form of each cup is the process of harmonisation of Giving and Receiving, not as a transaction but as a cosmic principle that underpins the nature of existence and the evolution of the soul.
The imagery of the cups and the water flow captures the essence of temperance as an active process, a continuous exchange that is necessary for maintaining equilibrium. It’s a reminder that all things must move and change, and that stasis is an illusion; even in stillness, there is a balance of energies at play. The water's journey from one vessel to another mirrors our own experiences of learning and growth, where knowledge and love, just like water, are meant to be shared, not hoarded. This symbolism speaks to the heart of existence itself, pointing towards the perpetual motion within the cycles of nature and the human spirit.
Here is revealed the truth that true harmony occurs when both giving and receiving are embraced with equal honour and value, allowing for a reciprocal flow of energy that nourishes all involved, inviting us to abandon our projects of virtuousness and ask rather where are we both giving and receiving with grace and love, seeking appreciation of reciprocal ‘need’. The invitation is to learn appreciation, and discernment to better practice temperance, to better belong to the duality which powers all of Life and existence.
Need, in this context, is all the love, space, energy, connection and opportunity that everything in creation needs to fulfil its actualisation of purpose and form in harmony with Life.
The title image includes a symbol of two cups between which water is poured. The function, the purpose—or Telos—of the cup, is to hold water and to pour water, to be emptied and to be filled, to be held and to be set down. The inherent purpose of everything is to participate in the grand project of Giving & Receiving, to the measure of its own form and flow, along its own path of actualisation. Temperance then, is how we become most True to ourselves, by being most true to our inner nature, our higher nature and the nature of Life itself.
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