You might be surprised to learn that the traditionally designated Tarot card for Sagittarius is Temperance. Temperance seems somewhat incongruous with the stereotypical perception of Sagittarius – free-spirited, adventurous, sometimes seemingly flighty, or even flakey. Unlike the angel depicted on the Tarot card, Sagittarius does not seem interested in watering down their proverbial wine. Sagittarius seems more synonymous with debauchery than temperance. But there is more to the story than this, of course.
The Temperance card signifies balance, harmony, good behavior, and spiritual enlightenment. Temperance can indicate the need to consider other perspectives, to be patient in trying circumstances, and a reminder to live higher virtues (such as strength, justice, and wisdom) in our everyday behavior. “Temperance” was a buzzword of ancient Greek philosophers, too. Classical philosophers essentially explained the philosophical virtue of “temperance” as the expression of wisdom, courage, and justice through everyday behavior and choices.
In the imagery, a tranquil-looking angel pours liquid from one vessel to another, with one foot in water and the other on land. The angel itself represents divine energy and harmony, and the angel’s stance represents balance. Besides the holding of a beverage, this image does not align with life-of-the-party, never-a-dull-moment Sagittarius, does it?
Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the great benefic planet of philosophy, wisdom, and expansion. Does Sagittarius test the limits of life simply for the experience? Or is it to obtain a more expanded understanding of life? If you know a Sagittarius, you probably know that they cannot simply be “told” anything about life. A Sagittarius needs their own internal motivation for any goal, cause, or guiding philosophy. Could the exuberance and “intemperance” of Sagittarius truly be for educational purposes? As Sagittarius rules the 9th House, the House of higher learning, philosophy, and religion – that seems plausible, albeit through some surprising methodology.
Sagittarius wanders and adventures, but there is a method to the madness. Sagittarius always asks “why, though?” The ultimate goal is to reconcile the human experience – all the wonder, the mystery, the passion, and the pain – with a grander purpose than simple existence and chance. The wanderlust and wildness of Sagittarius is the timeless quest to find “the meaning of life” on their own terms, in a way they can fully and comprehensively understand and embrace.
While preparing this blog, I found myself drawn to the yellow iris flowers in the imagery of the Temperance Tarot card. Iris was the Roman goddess of rainbows (the link between heaven and earth), and messenger of the gods (messages from gods – “divine wisdom”). Traditionally, irises have long held a connection with the divine, and often symbolize hope and courage. To the Victorians in their “flower language”, yellow irises conveyed passionate feelings. I think these fit rather well with Sagittarius – passion associated with their element of Fire, and the optimism and divinity of Jupiter. Just as the iris symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth, Sagittarius is just out there trying to connect this earthly experience with a higher, more expansive philosophy.
It may seem frantic and erratic at times, but Sagittarius’ antics may be in the spirit of finding the “happy life…the golden mean.” So the next time your beloved Sagittarius keeps you up all night to discuss angels on pinheads, or somehow enlists you for a beer run that becomes a 3-day road trip, just remember – you have been invited on a quest for spiritual enlightenment and the meaning of life. Enjoy the adventure!
Arcane Oracle Psychic Readings 