My Favourite Temperance

The Angel of Temperance encourages balance and moderation. They blend the elements of fire and water to achieve a settled state following the upheaval of change from the Death card that goes before. Our Fool will be comforted by this angel but also perhaps challenged to compromise and even things up. 

US Games Systems

5. The Textured Tarot

The blending of fire with water and a backdrop of colourful clouds really helps this angel stand out. The magical gravity-defying flow between the two cups is present and this manages not to look too like a 2 of cups minor, which can be a challenge for the Temperance card. She has such a compassionate expression, perhaps she understands that the middle ground can be difficult for some to walk. 

4. Monstarot

This little monster angel shows us that balance can be achieved by juggling and having fun. Again there's the beautiful blend of pink with the most vibrant blue skies giving us the intellectual and emotional elements. It's amazing how Joanna Nelson has managed to get such a serene expression on the face of a little monster. 

3. Deviant Moon 

This whole deck is weird and wonderful but I think of the Temperance card as ugly beautiful. There's less contrast between the fire and water elements, the complementary tones and the earth element is very present in this deck. However, the flow of water from jug to cup manages to feel dynamic even in this 2D world. A calm colour scheme. 

2. True Black

Striking red against ivory white highlighting passion within peace. The contrasting colours show a more dynamic Angel of Temperance with the most beautifully soft feathered wings of any angel in tarot. The spot gloss above her head shows an imprint of the ying yang symbol, perfect for the message of this card.  

1. The Urban Tarot

This is a deck in the Thoth system and as such, this card is renamed, Art. The theme is itself blends very nicely with its title showing an artist at work and has placed the traditional RWS Angel of Temperance within the modern day urban setting. There's the blend of fire and water with a grounding of earth as this setting feels enclosed, as expected within the urban landscape. Stunningly beautiful and clever. 

Decks

• Universal Waite by US Games Systems 
• Smith-Waite Borderless edition by US Games Systems 
• Radiant Rider Waite by US Games Systems 

​5. The Textured Tarot by Lisa McLoughlin Art
4. Monstarot by Joanna Nelson
3. Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Valenza, US Games Systems
2. True Black Tarot by Arthur Wang 
1. The Urban Tarot by Robin Scott, US Games Systems