Temperance as Who Am I?

LeFou said:

Temperance is usually depicting alchemy, so in your deck, she's "combining opposites" like fire and water to create the magical quintessence, the hidden and mysterious element which is so rare and powerful that it likewise transforms whatever it touches into its highest potential.

As for "who am I," in some traditions, the primary illusion that we need to overcome is the idea of a self. Just like there's not really any discrete boundary between the (let's say) what lives in the soil, the roots, the trunk, the branches, the leaves and the birds who live in the tree. It's all one "super-organism" interconnected.

Similarly, in alchemy, the idea that everything is "disconnected" is overcome by the mysterious experience that everything is one, both we and everything in the world are participating in a sort of experiment where the Universe becomes aware of itself, through us.

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LeFou said:

Temperance is usually depicting alchemy, so in your deck, she's "combining opposites" like fire and water to create the magical quintessence, the hidden and mysterious element which is so rare and powerful that it likewise transforms whatever it touches into its highest potential.

As for "who am I," in some traditions, the primary illusion that we need to overcome is the idea of a self. Just like there's not really any discrete boundary between the (let's say) what lives in the soil, the roots, the trunk, the branches, the leaves and the birds who live in the tree. It's all one "super-organism" interconnected.

Similarly, in alchemy, the idea that everything is "disconnected" is overcome by the mysterious experience that everything is one, both we and everything in the world are participating in a sort of experiment where the Universe becomes aware of itself, through us.

Click to expand...

Zephyros said:

Excellent interpretation, and I wholly agree. I would say the card means that you see into the inner workings of things deeply, it affects you internally. You can blend in with any society, not just the outward semblance but you actually become whatever it is you need to, completely. This would suggest a certain affable quality, and you are probably well liked and respected. You may not always be on center stage, but might fulfill supportive roles that carry a lot of responsibility behind the scenes.

It also has its downsides, these chameleon-like qualities. You may choose partners out of narcissism, preferring qualities which you yourself possess already. This can lead to friction, especially since there is an implication of strong will.

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AllMadHere said:

I used the Reed & Cannon Witches Tarot for a spread the other day. For the question of "Who am I?" I drew Temperance. When I asked this, I meant "Who am I as my higher self?" The big who-am-I.

The book interpretation says "Emotion and energy added to logic and mind. A hunch can be an answer. Querent will receive energy and inspiration. Creativity added to reason. The numbers eighty and eight hundred." The card shows a woman standing over a cauldron, holding a torch (Fire) and a blue carafe (Water?). A lion for Earth, an eagle for Air, and a shining star on the woman's forehead for Spirit? The sun and moon are on the left and right, behind her.

My first impression says she's harnessing all 5 elements. She looks calm and confident, like she's been doing this for a long time. I'm thinking she's a witch, but having difficulty applying to who I am as a soul. The soul of a witch? Perhaps. Is anyone getting anything different or in addition to this?

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Laurelle said:

I think Temperance as a soul card indicates that your soul has fought through many incarnations for religious freedom. You have incarnated here on Earth again to be a funnel for higher frequencies. You are probably very interested in your own spiritual development.

You are probably interested in higher education and learning in general especially esoteric information. You probably love asking questions. You may also be very scientifically inclined.

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