In the beginning, there was the Fool; and the Major Arcana plays out the rest of his tale. “The Fool’s Journey” is a fascinating and important concept for both beginners and tarot pros alike. Come along with me as I revisit this journey through 22 cards from 22 different decks.
Temperance: Meden Agan — Nothing in Excess
Having gone through so many experiences and extremes (including Death), the Fool now needs the balance and stability signified by Temperance. By integrating the many lessons he learned through experiencing various emotional extremes, he starts to appreciate the benefits of self-restraint and moderation. Through taking a patient, even-minded approach, the Fool finds ways to bring all things together in harmony.
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In the Linestrider Tarot by Siolo Thompson, the Temperance card echoes a lot of the symbols found in the original Rider Waite Smith tarot. Here, a hermaphrodite angel (signifying a balance between genders) has foot in water representing the subconscious, and one foot on dry land representing the material world. An interesting change is that instead of having cups in its hands, the angel has open and empty palms “signifying rising from a lower plane to a higher one”, as Siolo explains in the Linestrider’s Journey guidebook.
The first line of this post is one of the 3 main Delphic Maxims — a set of 147 moral principles inscribed at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Meden Agan (μηδὲν ἄγαν) literally translates to “nothing too much”. Taking things to extremes can be a liberating and exhilarating feeling, and is sometimes necessary. Even that Delphic Maxim I cited says “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” But pushing things to the extreme TOO OFTEN often takes a toll, and will have repercussions. In most circumstances, taking the middle path and being open to all perspectives brings new learnings that enable you to lift yourself (and others) up to a better, more harmonious level of existence.
What do you think of when you see Temperance in a reading? Feel free to share your thoughts in a comment below!