Life-fluid emblems - temperance (Tarot)

One of the archetypal emblems projected by the psyche is the water of life, the vital force depicted as a stream, or as a vessel containing liquid, or as a flowing sap or shining essence. In the Tarot the water of life is depicted in relationship to two pitchers. In this emblem ([Temperance]

, number 14) the water or liquid is poured from the sun pitcher to the moon pitcher by a winged angel - a tempering or uniting of the male and female energies. In another emblem ([Star]

, number 17), a terrestrial spirit or nymph pours the two pitchers into a pool. Both emblems represent awareness of the ebb and flow of life. In this case there is a mystical ascent from the limited personality of ordinary man to the illumination of the spiritual, where all the elements are synchronized; man the animal aspires to man the god.

In the Kabbalah, Temperance is placed in the 25th path between foundation (Yesod) and beauty (Tiphareth), while the Star is place on the 15th path between foundation and victory or force.