The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Temperance (card)

A tarot card symbolizing distribution of life-currents, correspondence, and the mind as an active force in physical and spiritual realms The 14th card in the Tarot, often associated with balance and harmony, involves a ritual of pouring liquid from one pitcher to another

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Mercury→Substance

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

Both cards deal with transitions, distributions, and the struggles of existence, albeit from different perspectives in the tarot symbolism

Mem (hebrew Letter)Lineage

Temperance as a card deals with the distributions and transformations, akin to the principles of Mem

Dzyan StanzasConcept

The Dzyan teachings provide a cosmological framework for the concept of Temperance, as a symbol of rebirth and cosmic transformation

Farr describes the concept of Temperance as a card dealing with transformation and distribution

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesSun →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Sun

THE SUN's rays are received differently by each planet, affecting the entities on Mercury The alchemist often uses the sun to symbolize mercury in the process

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Paracelsus

Paracelsus's concept of Mercury (Spiritus) is key to understanding the Tria Prima.

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Philosopher's Stone

The Philosopher's Stone and Mercury are fundamentally interconnected in the alchemical and philosophical traditions. Mercury is both symbolically and practically associated with the Philosopher's Stone, playing a essential part in its preparation and transformation process. Descriptions indicate that Mercury is one of the key ingredients alongside sulfur and salt, emphasized as integral to achieving the Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone is depicted as an object of wisdom and alchemical power, and Mercury serves as a critical component in this transformative process, symbolizing the essence of the alchemical work. These dual roles—Mercury as an ingredient and symbol—highlight its significance in the creation and understanding of the Philosopher's Stone, marking it as a vital element in the quest for this mythical substance. Mercury, as a key element, is essential in the creation of the Philosopher's Stone

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesAstrology →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Astrology

ASTROLOGY, as a celestial influence, encompasses the position of planets, including Mercury, in a person's birth chart, which impacts the development of various tendencies throughout their life, especially those related to communication and thinking. Mercury, the planet associated with intellectual processes, mental agility, and communication, plays a significant role in shaping these tendencies during the formative years of an individual, both in childhood and across the lifespan. The astrological position of Mercury is crucial in understanding how an individual might approach learning, expression, and interaction, making it a key factor in astrological interpretations. Thus, the astrological influence of Mercury is integral to comprehending how communication and cognitive processes are influenced, contributing to the unique characteristics and abilities of an individual.

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesDuad →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Duad

Mercury is the son of the Duad, specifically Maia

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesMagic →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Magic

Magic is one of the attributes associated with the heaven of mercury

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesAir →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Air

Mercury symbolizes the air element in alchemy and is essential to the Great Work as it allows for the transformation of base metals. Air, via Mercury, supports the transformation process in the Great Work,

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesGreat Work →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Great Work

Mercury is a key component of The Great Work in alchemy.

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesSulphur →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Sulphur

SULPHUR and MERCURY, two integral components within the domain of alchemy and Hermetic rituals, are characterized as distinct yet intimately related aspects that form a significant part of the spirit of light and the fire of the soul. In the context of the three principles of alchemy, sulfur and mercury stand out as essential qualities, each representing a unique yet complementary facet. Sulfur embodies one of the three primary substances used in Hermetic rituals, symbolically corresponding to Ether, while mercury is equally important, aligning with the concept of Philosophical Water. Both sulfur and mercury contribute to the transformation and elevation of the soul, reflecting their roles in the alchemical process as well as their spiritual and symbolic significance in Hermetic practices.

Temperance (card)throughMercuryilluminatesSaturn →
I. Temperance (card) & Mercury

Mercury as a principle of distribution and transformation is paralleled by the concept of Temperance in the ritual card representation

II. Mercury & Saturn

Both Saturn and Mercury, in different ways, relate to the concept of generation, formation, and the struggle of existence