Symbolic Representation

In this card, a winged Angel can be seen standing by the river side, carrying two chalices, one in each hand. A fluid is flowing to and fro between them. The background contains greenery, flowers and a rising sun.

Tarot Story

Continuing his journey, the Fool is now in a dilemma. How to reunite the opposites inside him, his material and spiritual self, and then, the opposites of death and birth he will have to deal with. And then, while wandering with his thoughts, he comes across a winged angelic figure, standing on the side of a brook. The Fool then saw the figure holding two cups, one in each hand, and pouring something from one into the other. Inquisitive by what he sees, the Fool approaches further, just to see what is being poured. He is amazed and stunned too, on seeing that one flask is holding fire, while the other is holding fire in it. And the angel is doing nothing else, but blending the together.

Surprised by what he just saw, the Fool can't help but ask, "How can you mix fire and water together?" And the Angel, continuing the pouring from one cup to another, answers, "You must have the exact vessels and the exact proportions." The Fool is again surprised and further asks the Angel, "Can this be done with all opposites?" "Certainly," replies the Angel, "Any contrast, fire and water, man and woman or any other opposition can be synchronized, with just a little determination, strong will and belief in the opportunity of unity."

This is when the Fool realizes, that it is no one else but he himself, who is keeping his universe in brace, keeping his material and spiritual world apart. It is he who is the vessel and in him, the two could merge. It is then that he realizes the true meaning of the right proportions and the right vessel.

Tarot Connotation

Sagittarius is the ruling sign of this card, although with the contrast between this liberal sign and the Temperance, all about surface level and "tempering", is little contrasting. It can also be said that this is a card concerning restraint and self control.

Another perspective from which this card can be interpreted is the merging of apparently irreconcilable opposites. The pictorial representation for the Sagittarius sun sign amalgamates a beast and a man together into a unique living thing. This is exactly what the card is all about too. While Temperance gives a warning to the Seeker to assuage their conduct, it may also be a reminder to the Seeker that seemingly impossible opposites may actually be reconcilable. All it needs to be compatible is the belief, and a strong determination to do it.

This card signifies that there is a way of unifying opposites and attaining synthesis. An important side to this card is the fact that, a bow and an arrow are incompetent when apart, but a frightening weapon as one.