The Steampunk Temperance

Have you ever heard a tarot teacher suggest throwing away the book that came with a deck? While I can see the benefits to approaching the cards with fresh eyes, I’d encourage just setting the book aside rather than tossing it out. Most books that come with a deck not only provide interesting deck specific information but also present basic tarot information in new ways.

We rarely showcase tarot companion book text, and it is time we changed that.

The Steampunk Tarot remains one of my favorite decks. The images by Aly Fell are incredible. The kit also includes the book that brought me the most joy to write. I’m happy to say that my writing has improved over the past ten years, but even still, this book brings more smiles than cringes. I hope you enjoy this excerpt on Temperance, one of my favorite cards, regardless of the deck.

XIV, Temperance

“The difference between a professional and an amateur is that a professional makes it look easy.”

Core meaning: The right thing at the right time in the right place.

Most people look at her and see a rather plain woman, bland and, at first glance, unremarkable. A bit strange, what with the bare feet and bizarre water juggling. What they probably don’t see are the powerful red wings. People see what they want to see, after all. Surely this odd creature isn’t some spiritually evolved being. Yes, she has that esoteric symbol on her corset, but really, everyone is wearing those these days. It doesn’t mean anything…does it?

Most people would be mistaken. But you aren’t, are you? I didn’t think so.

Temperance is nothing more and nothing less than perfection. Perfection, like “truth,” is not an absolute. It varies according to the situation and the moment. People sometimes think that one “attains” perfection. The state of perfection is not static; one does not so much achieve it as maintain it. Being perfect is to be in constant motion, for you must adjust to the ever-changing currents of life in a perpetual balancing act. The key to this is being sensitive to the energy of the universe. The more aware you are of everything that is going on around you and the better you understand how energy flows and reacts, the easier it is to move through life with grace.

Look at our plain girl again. She is, first and foremost, fully herself, completely in her body, centered and calm. One foot is on the earth, and one is in the water. She levitates disks in the air. She wears the sign of fire. She is connected and in tune with the elements. She is winged, and her crown chakra is illuminated. Although grounded, she also maintains a clear connection with the Divine. Because of all of this, she is perfectly poised to be in the right place at the right time and is almost guaranteed to do the right thing.

When you get this card in a reading, what does all this mean for you? First of all, calm down. This is a card of peace and grace. Do not court chaos; do not invite confusion. Be quietly aware of everything around you. Everything you need to know is present. Feel it. React appropriately. Temperance is more complex than “moderation.” It is more like Buddhism’s Noble Eightfold Path and its emphasis on “right.” That version of “right” is not black and white. Some may think that makes it harder to grasp, but it doesn’t—not really. If you are aware and listen, you know what is right.

Life tip: Temperance is the center of the Wheel of Fortune. If you don’t want to be tossed about by the randomness of life, make Temperance your goal. Then, whatever happens, you are in perfect control of yourself rather than being controlled by events.