Sage Leaves, Card XIV: Temperance, November 5, 2024

Welcome to Sage Leaves, a compendium of wisdom for those seeking to heal ancestral wounds using Tarot as an assistant. In this issue, we will explore the archetype of Temperance and relate it to the Heroine’s Journey, as well as explore how it is read when it appears in a reading conducted for transgenerational healing. Temperance marks a turning point in the Heroine’s Journey as we begin the process of individuation and serves as a bridge between the opposite experiences of the human journey. This week we beging offering the newsletter in audio form. Thank you to our reader, Terri, for her suggestion! Please enjoy this week’s offering.

Table of Contents

• Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: Temperance

• Temperance & The Heroine’s Journey

• Temperance in a Reading for Transgenerational Heal …

• The Autumn Oracle Deck, now available

• Energetic Influences This Week 11/05-11/11

Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: Temperance

In Jungian psychology, the archetype of Temperance represents the quest for balance, integration, and harmony within the self. This card embodies the alchemical process of transforming opposing forces—both within and without—into a unified, balanced whole, often referred to as individuation in Jungian terms. Temperance stands as a bridge between extremes, symbolizing the integration of conscious and unconscious elements, emotion and reason, and material and spiritual pursuits. This process invites a harmonizing of energies rather than the denial or suppression of one aspect for the sake of the other.

Temperance also connects to the archetype of the alchemist, one who has the patience, insight, and discipline to create lasting change through gradual, steady work. Like the archetypal figure of the healer, Temperance seeks to unite and reconcile, holding the “third position” that transcends binary oppositions. In Jungian terms, this card’s energy aligns with the self archetype, the central organizing principle that integrates all parts of the psyche, guiding the individual toward wholeness.

On a practical level, Temperance encourages moderation, patience, and the mindful blending of experiences. It reminds us that genuine growth requires time and reflection. Jung saw this process as essential to psychological health, as it creates a foundation for self-awareness and resilience. In readings, Temperance may call for balance and healing, signaling that the querent’s path involves finding harmony amid opposing forces. By practicing conscious, gentle integration, Temperance helps guide individuals toward a richer, more unified sense of self and purpose, embodying the heart of Jungian individuation.

Temperance & The Heroine’s Journey

In the Heroine’s Journey, the Tarot card Temperance symbolizes the phase of integration and balance, a crucial part of the heroine’s development after overcoming various trials and embracing her authentic self. Unlike the Hero’s Journey, which often centers around external battles and triumphs, the Heroine’s Journey is deeply introspective, focusing on the synthesis of fragmented parts of the self. Temperance represents this integrative process, where the heroine begins to reconcile the various aspects of her being—personal, emotional, spiritual, and relational—into a harmonious whole. This card becomes a guidepost for her to blend the lessons she has learned, moving toward inner equilibrium.

In her journey, the heroine often encounters conflict between her inner and outer worlds, learning to navigate societal expectations and her own inner truth. Temperance encourages her to practice patience and self-compassion as she brings together opposing parts of herself. This card represents alchemical balance, symbolizing a space where contrasts can coexist and complement one another. In this way, Temperance is not about denying certain aspects or forcing conformity but allowing the heroine to accept the duality within herself—whether it’s reconciling independence with connection, strength with vulnerability, or intellect with intuition. By learning to hold these opposites, she moves closer to the Jungian concept of individuation, developing a holistic sense of self.

Temperance also serves as a reminder of the heroine’s power to create and transform herself. The card’s imagery often depicts the mixing of two elements, usually water and fire, symbolizing her ability to blend her rational mind with her emotional depth. This blending leads to the discovery of her unique essence, one that is resilient, adaptive, and ready to face the world with a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a process that requires patience, echoing the qualities of Temperance itself, and it suggests that true change is gradual and thoughtful rather than rushed.

As she engages with the energy of Temperance, the heroine also learns to nurture relationships with others, embodying the qualities of cooperation and empathy. The Heroine’s Journey often involves healing intergenerational wounds or reconciling conflicts within her family or community. Temperance guides her to approach these relationships with compassion, inviting her to bridge gaps and build connections that honor both her needs and those of others. She understands that true power lies not in domination but in balance, creating a harmonious environment where her individuality can thrive without overpowering others.

The culmination of the Heroine’s Journey is not a single moment of victory but a continuous process of adaptation and integration, aligning with Temperance’s qualities of fluidity and dynamic balance. In this stage, the heroine emerges with a newfound wisdom and sense of peace, having harmonized the inner conflicts that once defined her journey. She realizes that her power and purpose are rooted in her ability to maintain balance amid life’s changes and complexities. Temperance, therefore, becomes a lasting reminder of the heroine’s inner strength and her capacity for healing, both within herself and in her relationships. It’s a card that celebrates the triumph of wholeness, guiding the heroine toward a life of meaningful, balanced engagement with the world around her.

Temperance in a Reading for Transgenerational Healing

When the Temperance card appears in a Tarot reading focused on transgenerational healing, it brings powerful and nuanced messages about balance, integration, and healing across ancestral lines. Transgenerational healing involves addressing patterns, beliefs, and traumas passed down from previous generations, and Temperance speaks directly to the heart of this process by highlighting the need for blending, patience, and conscious transformation.

Temperance, as a card of moderation and synthesis, suggests that healing generational wounds involves the careful merging of old wisdom with new awareness, creating harmony between the past and present. The card emphasizes that the querent does not need to reject or erase ancestral influences to find healing. Instead, Temperance points toward accepting and balancing these influences, discerning which beliefs and patterns serve their well-being and which they might gently transform. This approach helps avoid the extreme of cutting ties with the past or overly romanticizing it, leading instead to a more grounded and compassionate reconciliation with one’s heritage.

In a transgenerational healing context, Temperance also highlights the importance of pacing and patience. Family and ancestral wounds are often deeply ingrained, spanning many years and influencing multiple generations. The card’s guidance is to approach these wounds carefully, allowing space and time for each layer of healing to unfold. This slow, measured approach honors the complexity of the task and prevents overwhelm, as rushing through the process may overlook essential insights or disrupt the gradual integration of new healing pathways.

Temperance’s traditional imagery, often featuring a figure pouring liquid between two vessels, suggests the act of transmutation—transforming pain, fear, or limitations inherited from ancestors into understanding, resilience, and compassion. In this way, the querent may find themselves not only healing for their own sake but also liberating these patterns across their family line, positively affecting both future and past generations. Temperance indicates that by honoring the ancestors’ struggles and incorporating their strengths, the querent can release emotional and energetic blockages, creating a flow of healing that resonates beyond their own lifetime. This act can be profoundly impactful, not only in the querent’s life but in the lives of their relatives, especially children or younger family members who will be freed from carrying forward unhealed pain.

The card also brings a message of internal harmony—Temperance calls the querent to integrate parts of themselves that may have been affected by ancestral traumas, like limiting beliefs around safety, worthiness, or expression. By achieving inner harmony, the querent can break cycles of inherited pain, choosing new ways to respond to life’s challenges that reflect healing rather than trauma. Temperance invites them to reframe past wounds, creating a balanced and self-empowered perspective that will ripple through family dynamics and personal relationships.

In essence, Temperance’s presence in a transgenerational healing reading acts as a beacon of transformative, steady, and harmonious energy. It emphasizes that while the process may be long and require patience, the outcome is worth the journey, as each step taken toward healing contributes to a legacy of peace, resilience, and balanced empowerment for future generations. Temperance calls the querent to be the alchemist in their lineage, converting the lead of past traumas into the gold of understanding and compassion, ultimately transforming not just their own path but the legacy they leave behind.

The Autumn Oracle Deck, now available

Energetic Influences This Week 11/05-11/11

This is a reading for the energetic influences at play for the week of November 5-11, 2024. For our reading this week, I drew the 4 of Cups, the Queen of Cups, The High Priestess, the 9 of Cups, Death, Queen of Wands, and the Wheel of Fortune. Now we will explore each of the cards laid for each day of the week for a guide to energetic influences for the week of November 4-11, 2024.

Our journey this week unfolds with deep emotional insight, culminating in powerful transformation and new possibilities. As we step into each day, the cards guide us from introspection to decisive action, carrying us through transformative energies and the promise of fresh beginnings.

On Tuesday, we begin with the 4 of Cups, as the Scorpio Sun trines Pisces Saturn and Leo Mars opposes Capricorn Pluto. This card invites us to pause and reflect on our current emotional landscape. We may feel a bit withdrawn or uncertain, perhaps sensing the need for something more fulfilling but unsure where to look. Saturn’s influence reminds us to reassess our commitments thoughtfully, while Mars and Pluto’s opposition intensifies any inner restlessness. Today is a day to get curious about our desires and allow deeper truths to surface.

Wednesday sees the Queen of Cups appear as Mars continues its opposition with Pluto, leading us into a space of emotional openness and compassion. This Queen’s presence encourages us to trust our intuition and to approach any conflicts with sensitivity. This is a day for nurturing both ourselves and those around us, as well as for leaning into our inner wisdom. Through the Queen’s gentle guidance, we find clarity, especially if we embrace our empathic side and listen to what our heart is telling us.

On Thursday, The High Priestess’s energy invites us to explore the mysteries of our subconscious. With Neptune and Saturn retrograde, we’re called to trust our inner guidance and embrace the unknown. It’s a time to listen closely to dreams, signs, and gut feelings, as they hold valuable insights. The High Priestess asks us to honor our intuitive side and to find strength in our connection to the unseen. By staying receptive and open, we uncover hidden truths that may shape our journey forward.

The 9 of Cups brings a lighthearted shift on Friday, inviting us to enjoy a day of emotional satisfaction and gratitude. After several introspective days, we’re given a chance to savor life’s blessings. This card is a reminder to celebrate our progress and to take pleasure in the simple joys around us. By acknowledging and appreciating what we already have, we attract more of what makes us truly happy, creating an energy of abundance that ripples into our relationships and goals.

On Saturday, as Venus in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Capricorn, the Death card signals profound transformation. This isn’t about literal endings but rather the release of what no longer serves us. Venus and Neptune’s influence may make it tempting to cling to old comforts or illusions, but the Death card encourages us to let go and trust that new beginnings are on the horizon. Today, we’re asked to shed outdated patterns, paving the way for something richer and more aligned with our true selves.

The Queen of Wands steps in on Sunday with to bring us renewed energy, passion, and confidence. After the deep release of the Death card, we’re ready to embrace our power and pursue our goals with enthusiasm. She encourages us to step boldly into our authentic selves and to lead with creativity and courage. Today’s energy is about self-assurance and dynamic action, propelling us forward with renewed focus and vision.

We close the week on Monday with the Wheel of Fortune as Sagittarius Mercury squares Pisces Saturn. This card reminds us that life is cyclical, ever-evolving, and often surprising. As Mercury and Saturn’s energies push us to rethink our plans, we’re encouraged to stay adaptable and open to new opportunities. The Wheel signifies that the changes we’ve experienced this week are part of a larger pattern, one that brings growth and renewal if we stay resilient and open to possibility.

Together, these cards guide us through a journey of emotional depth, transformation, and empowered action. From introspection and self-discovery to letting go and embracing new paths, we emerge from this week with a deeper understanding of our purpose and a readiness to move forward with courage and grace.