Sagittarius: The Temperance card

Let’s look at the signs with a fresh perspective–through the lens of the Tarot. The Temperance card is connected to the archetype of Sagittarius.

Sagittarius is connected to the energy of ISO--in search of. What do you seek that brings you a sense of hope, faith, and expansiveness? If you aren't finding it in some significant way around you, where do you need to go looking. Consider it like a scavenger hunt. What you are searching for is not nearby, it requires going outside of your local "neighborhood". Can you gather all the clues? Ask yourself, "What do the words faith, hope, and expansiveness mean to me? Consider that some of these definitions may have come from other people, like your parents, family, teachers, etc. Perhaps you need to wrestle with what you took as "law" as a youngster and redefine those terms for yourself now.

Sagittarius is represented by the centaur that carries a bow and arrow. Sag is part horse and part human. Exploring our animal nature and delving into the areas of our primal instincts, drives, and behaviors can help us understand ourselves more intimately. Collectively, we tend to not want to look at what we could consider our base nature--the impulses we have that we shy away from or find embarrasing or wrong. How can we roam amongst these places and find the meaning behind the ways we act, react, and behave?

Have you ever done archery? If you haven't, it's interesting to consider when we look at the archetype of Sag. You have a bow, and an arrow--but do you have a target? Do you know what you're aiming for? So, in some way, you have the "means", but do you have the "end"? I think of the tension needed, which is provided by the bow, so the arrow can go where you are aiming, but you also need the vision to see where to send the arrow. There's also a need to control your breathing, stance, and body, so it doesn't interfere with your attaining your goal.

And all of this, brings me to the Temperance card in the Tarot deck. Temperance signals a time for patience, purpose, and restraint. It's an alchemical process. There is a balance required between internal opposing forces--perhaps between our animal and human nature. Can you feel the tension like there would be in the bow? Can you give yourself permission to feel the uncomfortable feelings within? You may be ambivalent about something you used to be very clear on, but now something has changed. (Sag is a mutable fire sign, so adaptation and change is a part of its archetype). Can two things be true at the same time? How do you integrate that? What has come into your awareness that requires you to sit with something that has expanded your worldview? Don't rush to negate it, but focus on it, just like an archer would on a target. Zero in on what's at odds internally. Then consider how a fresh persepective or going in search of new insight could help you integrate these opposing forces. Where have you been focusing your energy? Notice places of extremes. Are you leaking energy by holding onto an old belief? Seek out the resources that help you delve into the internal conflict and then use that to bring balance.