Meaning and interpretation Temperance

Jean Dodal, active in Lyon between 1701 and 1715, introduced two distinctive elements in his representation of the Temperance card. The first, and perhaps the most controversial, is the bare or visible chest of the allegorical figure. This subversive representation could be related to the goddess Diana, symbol of chastity and purity, but also of femininity and seduction. Indeed, Dodal seems to have wanted to make his female figures more seductive, as evidenced by the beauty mark added to the face of the High Priestess in his tarot deck.

The bare chest

The bare chest of Temperance is a particularly notable addition because it breaks with the previous iconographic tradition where allegorical figures were more modestly dressed. This partial nudity could be interpreted as a way to emphasize vulnerability and authenticity, qualities often associated with the virtue of temperance. However, this representation was not retained in later versions of the Tarot of Marseille, perhaps due to its subversive nature and its potential to shock the sensibilities of the time.

The artworks and iconographic representations of this period often show particular attention to the details and sensuality of female figures. Furthermore, Dodal's choice to make the female figures more seductive could be interpreted as a response to the tastes and expectations of his audience. Tarot cards, beyond their divinatory function, were also artistic objects appreciated for their beauty and symbolism. The presence of the beauty mark on the face of the High Priestess, for example, can be seen as a touch of realism and charm that humanizes the allegorical figure.

The foot

The second addition by Dodal, which will be retained in later versions of the Tarot of Marseille, is the depiction of a visible foot of Temperance. In historical Italian tarots and earlier representations, the visibility of the foot was not a distinctive element. For example, in the Jean Noblet tarot (see above), the foot of Temperance is not visible.

In historical Italian tarots, or even in earlier representations of Temperance, the fact that the foot of Temperance is visible was not a distinctive marker, or it was not a discriminating characteristic of the allegorical figure of Temperance. Here, with Jean Dodal, it is difficult to consider whether the fact that he made a foot of Temperance visible was simply an artistic choice by the master craftsman, or whether it was a symbolic intention by Jean Dodal.

The presence of the visible foot in Dodal's card has sparked many symbolic interpretations. Some tarot readers see it as a symbol of pragmatism and stability, suggesting that Temperance has "her feet on the ground". This interpretation is consistent with the allegorical meaning of Temperance, which represents moderation, balance, and self-control. Indeed, the presence of this foot may indicate that Temperance shows a lot of pragmatism, that she has her head on her shoulders and her feet on the ground.

It is, however, difficult to determine whether Dodal had a precise symbolic intention in adding this visible foot, or whether it was simply an artistic decision to balance the composition of the card. Whatever the case, this graphic element was retained by subsequent engravers, thus becoming a canonical feature of the Temperance card in the Tarot of Marseille.

In the Besançon tarot, a regional version of the Tarot of Marseille, the Temperance card has distinct characteristics. A type of card where a woman pours water into a bowl on the ground was popular in northern France and Belgium for about a hundred years. This image first appears in the Jacques Viéville tarot, produced in Paris around 1650. The Vandenborre tarot, a typical example of the 18th-century Besançon model, follows this tradition.

In these variants, the woman on the Temperance card wears a crown and holds a scepter, symbolizing a high status and sovereignty. These graphic additions emphasize the importance of the figure and her central role in balance and moderation. The scepter and crown could also evoke notions of power and control, reinforcing the idea of self-mastery.

The ribbon and the scepter

A notable feature in the Jacques Viéville tarot and the Vandenborre tarot is the presence of a floating ribbon near the young woman's head, on which one can read "SOL FAMA", which means "glory alone". This inscription refers to a poem by Matteo Boiardo, which begins with "Dopo la morte sol fama n'avanza", which translates to "After death, only glory remains".

The ribbon bearing the inscription "FAMASOL" adds a layer of symbolic complexity, linking the card to literary and philosophical themes. This inscription, taken from a poem by Boiardo, and the reference to Petrarch, show how tarot creators integrated elements of Renaissance humanist culture into their works, thus enriching the symbolism of the cards.

This quote could be associated with the triumph of fame described by Petrarch in his "Triumphs". Petrarch evokes the victory of fame over death, an idea that could be linked to the Temperance card by its message of balance and persistence beyond mortality. This association enriches the card with a philosophical and literary dimension, anchoring its symbolism in the humanist traditions of the time.

The graphic modifications made to the Temperance card in the Besançon tarot and its variants are significant. The crown and scepter added to the image of the woman reinforce her authority and divine status. These elements are not present in the early Italian versions of the tarot, where Temperance is often simply depicted pouring water from one jug to another, symbolizing balance and moderation in a more direct manner.

The card shows a young woman sitting cross-legged, her eyes closed, suggesting a state of deep meditation. She holds in each of her hands a flame, similar to that of a candle, symbolizing an inner fire. Around her belly, two winged serpents coil, also evoking an inner fire of desire. These elements suggest mastery of impulses and desires.

The young woman is sitting on a stone throne, a symbol of mastery and sovereignty, particularly of oneself. At her feet, blue roses, symbols of purity and purification, add a spiritual dimension to the card. A butterfly with white wings and three doves flying above her head reinforce this notion of purity and peace.

In the background, two trees stand, symbols of wisdom, longevity, and durability. These combined elements create an image of inner balance and mastery of impulses through calm and serenity.

The young woman in a cross-legged position represents meditation and inner calm, a state of mental and emotional balance. The flames in her hands symbolize the control and management of vital energy or inner passions. The winged serpents around her belly add a dimension of transformation and mastered desire, recalling the symbolism of the caduceus, often associated with healing and the balance of energies.

The stone throne on which she sits symbolizes stability and self-mastery, while the blue roses at her feet represent purity and spiritual purification. The butterfly with white wings is a symbol of transformation and purity, and the three doves flying above her head represent peace and serenity. Finally, the two trees in the background symbolize wisdom, longevity, and durability.

The creators of the "Dreams of Gaia" tarot seem to have wanted to modernize and personalize the traditional symbolism of Temperance. By highlighting a human figure in meditation, they emphasize the importance of personal mastery and inner balance. The flames, winged serpents, and other symbols add layers of meaning, evoking transformation, purity, and peace.

• The figure in a black cloak: The black cloak symbolizes mystery, hidden wisdom, and perhaps old age, in keeping with the theme of the Tarot of the Crone. The fact that the character is seen from behind could indicate introspection or an inner journey.
• The green path: The green path represents growth, life, and nature. It suggests a journey of personal development and balance.
• The fire and ice: The fire on the left and the ice on the right symbolize the opposing forces of passion and coldness, emotion and rationality. The presence of these raw elements indicates the need to master and balance these forces within oneself.
• The starry sky: The black sky dotted with stars represents the universe, infinity, and spiritual guidance. It adds a dimension of mystery and cosmic connection to the card.
• The hands touching the elements: The figure has one hand caressing the fire and the other caressing the ice crystals, symbolizing the control and balance of opposing forces.

This character seems to embody mastery, control of inner impulses and desires. Unlike other cards where energy is unbridled or where elements overwhelm the individual, here, there is a notion of balance and equilibrium between opposing feelings and emotions. The individual depicted does not need external energy, is neither overwhelmed nor unbalanced by the power of the elements. On the contrary, they use this power consciously and in the right measure to create their own destiny. This mastery is symbolized by their hands caressing both the fire and the ice crystals, as if they were controlling the two elements in a balanced way.

The creators of the Tarot of the Crone seem to have wanted to emphasize a more personal and introspective aspect of Temperance. The figure in a black cloak, walking alone between fire and ice, suggests an inner journey towards balance and self-mastery. Unlike the angels of traditional tarots, who symbolize divine help, the figure of the old woman embodies wisdom acquired through experience and autonomy in managing opposing forces. This card emphasizes inner power and the individual's ability to find their own balance without external intervention.

The "14 TEMPERANCE" card of the Cat Tarot shows a red cat, potentially a symbol of strong desire and vitality. This cat is licking and drinking the water from an aquarium in which a goldfish swims. Unlike what one might expect from a cat, who might instinctively try to fish the goldfish with its clawed paw, this cat chooses to quench its thirst with the aquarium water.

The Red Cat: The red color of the cat can be interpreted as a metaphor for passion and raw energy. This color choice can also evoke the strength of will and self-control.

The Aquarium: The aquarium is a symbol of containment and moderation. It represents a space where resources (water) are available but must be used wisely and cautiously.

The Goldfish: The goldfish, often associated with prosperity and luck, remains out of the cat's reach, thus emphasizing the theme of moderation and control of immediate desires for the sake of longer-term well-being.

The creators of the Cat Tarot seem to have wanted to illustrate the concept of temperance not by simple moderation, but by conscious mastery of instincts and desires. The red cat, despite its energy and destructive potential, chooses not to give in to the impulse to capture the fish, preferring to be content with the water. This scene evokes inner harmony and wisdom that transcend primary instincts.

The Temperance card of the Fountain Tarot is characterized by a very abstract balance. This balance is represented by a board placed on a ball, creating a central point of equilibrium. On one side of the board, on the left, there is a large ball, while on the right, there are four small balls.

This choice of representation highlights several symbolic elements:

• The Board and the Central Ball: The board placed on a central ball symbolizes precarious balance and the need to find a stable point in life's situations. The central ball could represent the pivot or the point of convergence of opposing forces.
• The Large Ball on the Left: This ball can symbolize the unique and significant weight of one aspect of life. It could represent a major element or a dominant influence.
• The Four Small Balls on the Right: The four small balls symbolize the multiplicity and diversity of smaller but numerous factors that can balance or counterbalance a major force. They suggest that several small elements can have a cumulative effect equal to a single large force.

This graphic representation also raises the question of perspective and the real balance of the board. The perspective effect may give the impression that the board tilts slightly towards the side of the four small balls, suggesting a dynamic of unstable balance and the need for constant vigilance to maintain harmony.

The Fountain Tarot, on the other hand, focuses on a more concrete representation of balance through physical objects. The absence of spiritual or angelic elements and the focus on geometric shapes and concepts of weight and counterweight offer a more down-to-earth and pragmatic interpretation of balance, while retaining symbolic depth.

The creators of the Fountain Tarot seem to have wanted to modernize and abstract the traditional concepts of the Temperance card. By using geometric shapes and a minimalist design, they have created a card that speaks as much to our modern sense of aesthetics as to our traditional understanding of balance and harmony.

The card features an attractive young woman, dressed only in a white suit and white panties. She has white wings, a detail that recalls the angelic figure of Temperance in the Tarot of Marseille. These wings symbolize purity, protection, and an angelic nature.

The woman pours water from a bottle labeled "Men's Tears" into a champagne flute. The flute, often associated with celebrations, gives the scene a festive connotation. The water in the glass appears sparkling, reinforcing the idea of celebration and transforming negative emotions into something positive.

The bottle labeled "Men's Tears" is a powerful symbol. It suggests that tears, often seen as manifestations of pain and sadness, can be transformed and celebrated. This could reflect a philosophy of resilience and transcendence of life's trials.

The champagne flute, associated with parties and celebrations, reinforces this idea of transformation. It symbolizes the ability to turn suffering into joy, to see the positive side of difficult experiences. This modern interpretation of Temperance invites reflection on how we manage our emotions and trials.

The Exotic Cancer Tarot offers a modern and festive interpretation of Temperance. The transformation of "Men's Tears" into a sparkling and festive drink invites reflection on resilience and the ability to find joy even in difficult moments. This approach contrasts with the traditional focus on balance and moderation, offering a new and inspiring perspective.

Although the Exotic Cancer Tarot presents a modern interpretation, it retains key elements of classical traditions. The woman's white wings recall the angelic nature of Temperance in the Tarot of Marseille and the Rider-Waite-Smith. The act of pouring a liquid from one container to another is also a recurring motif, symbolizing the transformation and balance of emotions.

It is also interesting to note the festive element introduced by the champagne flute. In traditional tarots, Temperance is often associated with sobriety and moderation, while in the Exotic Cancer Tarot, it invites a celebration of life and its challenges. This perspective encourages seeing trials not as ends in themselves, but as opportunities for growth and positive transformation.

The "14 TEMPERANCE" card of the Exotic Cancer Tarot is thus an intriguing fusion of traditional and modern symbols, offering a new dimension to the classic interpretation of this card. It reminds us that even in moments of sadness and pain, it is possible to find reasons to celebrate and transform these experiences into something beautiful and joyful.

The "14 TEMPERANCE" card in the Housewives Tarot is represented by an electric mixer, a typical household appliance from the 1950s. This mixer is in action, blending cream in a mixing bowl. Around this appliance, there are four ingredient boxes, each bearing a symbolic name: joy, sorrow, anger, and justice.

• The Mixer: A symbol of the ability to mix and harmonize different elements to create a homogeneous substance, the mixer here represents temperance, the art of finding balance between opposing forces.
• The Ingredient Boxes: Each box represents an emotion or value essential to human balance:
  • Joy: A positive emotion essential to well-being.
  • Sorrow: A negative emotion, representing pain and sadness.
  • Anger: An intense and often destructive emotion, requiring control to maintain balance.
  • Justice: A cardinal value that, as a seasoning, adds a dimension of righteousness and fairness to the whole.

The creators of this card seem to want to emphasize that temperance, or inner balance, is the result of a harmonious blend of various emotions and values. The addition of justice as a "seasoning" suggests that balance is not limited to the simple management of emotions but also includes an ethical and moral dimension.

The "14 TEMPERANCE" card of the Housewives Tarot stands out for its modern and domestic approach. By using everyday symbols like the mixer and ingredient boxes, it makes the concept of temperance more accessible and concrete. Unlike the angelic and spiritual representations of traditional tarots, this card emphasizes the practical application of balance in daily life.

The presence of ingredient boxes bearing the names "joy", "sorrow", "anger", and "justice" adds a psychological dimension to the card, emphasizing that temperance involves the management and integration of various emotions. The fact that justice is described as a "seasoning" adds an extra layer of meaning, suggesting that balance cannot be achieved without a certain amount of righteousness and fairness.

While we can understand the presence of joy, sorrow, and anger as antagonistic emotions that need to be balanced to find calm and serenity within oneself, we can indeed question the presence of the ingredient of justice. Knowing that justice is one of the cardinal virtues, and that on the ingredient box where it says justice, we can read "seasoning" as a subtitle, this indicates that justice is a seasoning of the recipe. It helps to create, to conceive, and is an ingredient in the recipe for temperance.

I am not sure that building temperance at home requires doing justice or rendering justice, but perhaps it has to do with the fact that the allegory of justice or the representation of justice figures includes a balance. This balance, seen in the depiction of justice, can refer to the notion of balance and balance in temperance. Perhaps this is where the link between temperance and justice, which are perhaps two virtues speaking of balance, lies.

The card shows a young man sitting at a table in an interior, probably at home. He is pouring himself an herbal infusion, a gesture that evokes preparation and patience. Next to the cup, there is a pencil and sheets of paper, symbols of reflection and creativity. Behind him, the wall is decorated with several elements: green plants, a poster depicting a man meditating in a cross-legged position with the seven chakras illustrated, another poster showing angel wings, and a window through which one can see a horizon with a sun, difficult to say whether it is a sunrise or a sunset.

The Wake Me Up Tarot takes a more grounded approach to daily reality. The young man pouring an herbal infusion can represent a form of modern temperance, where simplicity and routine become means of maintaining balance.

Each element of the Wake Me Up Tarot card carries symbolic meaning:

• The young man and the infusion: The gesture of pouring an infusion suggests patience and preparation, essential qualities of temperance.
• The pencil and the sheets of paper: They symbolize reflection and creativity, necessary to maintain balance and mental clarity.
• The green plants: They represent growth and vitality, reminding us that temperance nourishes our well-being.
• The meditation poster: The man meditating with aligned chakras evokes the quest for inner harmony and energy balance.
• The angel wings: They remind us of the connection with the divine and spiritual protection.
• The window and the sun: The sun on the horizon can symbolize a new beginning or the end of a cycle, highlighting the importance of temperance in transition and continuity.

The creators seem to want to show that temperance is not only a spiritual or esoteric virtue but also a daily practice that can lead to a balanced and harmonious life. The presence of meditation and chakras suggests an invitation to stay centered and aware, even in routine moments.

This approach allows us to see temperance not only as a spiritual concept but also as a life practice accessible to everyone. While some may find that this card of the Wake Me Up Tarot strays too far from classical representations, it offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how temperance can manifest in our daily lives. The image of the young man at home, engaging in simple and thoughtful activities, can remind us that temperance is also about finding balance in our daily routine. The card suggests that temperance is not only a virtue to be achieved in extraordinary moments but can also be cultivated in the small actions and habits of our everyday lives.

Ultimately, the Wake Me Up Tarot invites us to consider temperance as a living and dynamic practice, integrated into our daily lives, rather than an abstract or distant quality. This modern interpretation encourages us to see temperance in simple gestures, personal reflection, and the balance between our different activities and responsibilities, reminding us that every moment of our lives is an opportunity to practice this essential virtue.

It is also relevant to mention that this card may evoke a certain critique of modern life. Indeed, the representation of temperance in a domestic and everyday context can be seen as a warning against the dangers of routine and mediocrity. The card may suggest that, by wanting to moderate everything, temperance can turn into a monotonous and passionless life. This reminds us of the importance of staying vigilant and aware of our choices, to avoid falling into a routine and boring existence.

Philosophers teach us that staying centered and aware while walking the middle path, symbolized here by the poster with the man in deep meditation, allows us to choose our reactions to events. Virtuous reactions can be symbolized by a calm and meditative nature, represented by the pencil and the pages of the notebook. With a dose of temperance, we can evaluate reality with clarity and make choices that support our long-term goals rather than sabotaging them with impulsive actions.