Copyright: All artwork/content protected under ©2007-2011 Lynne Ciacco

All content herein copyright © Lynne Ciacco


Thursday, October 6, 2011

XIV The Healer (Temperance)

After doing some research on the meaning of the Temperance card in the Tarot, I have decided to rename  it "The Healer"  in my deck.

©2011 L.Ciacco, XIV The Healer, Tarot Series, acrylic on watercolour paper, 7 x 5 in.

Generally if I think of "temperance" I associate it with not overdoing anything (especially drinking alcohol).  But the Tarot card's meaning has more to do with the ability to remix the ways in which one lives one's life into a more harmonious combination.  New solutions to old challenges can be found through careful analysis and patience while maintaining a well-balanced outlook on life.  No going off the deep end here; no gnashing of teeth or rending of garments.  We have the knowledge and ability within ourselves to heal those aspects of our lives that are out of balance.  "Balance" is the key:  bringing body, mind, heart, soul into a harmonious flow of energy and thereby being well in the world, no matter what the circumstances.  The Healer gives us the opportunity to  blend opposing elements that we have been struggling with in a seemingly leaden present into a  new and harmonious combination, in order to produce a golden future. 

In other words, "Physician, heal thyself!"


14 comments:

  1. Such a lovely, wise description of "the inner healer" or "inner physician". When we are burdened by old, shadowed, heavy defences we inhibit the flow of energy and the ability of the inner healer to do its work.

    I hope you are considering making your set of Tarot Cards available to the world. I would be especially inclined to purchase them if they came with a book or booklet with your understanding and interpretations. That would meaningful and helpful as your evocative images...to me.

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  2. i love the image of this card and the thoughts behind it. i too would love a deck of your tarot.

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  3. Bonnie,
    Your own wise words, in turn, have deepened my understanding of the meaning of this card. Being "burdened by old, shadowed heavy defenses" that inhibit our inherent healing energies. Yes, an excellent way of putting it.

    I am honoured that you would consider my interpretations of the cards beneficient to you in some way. And yes, I do intend to make them available "to the world"...in a limited way at any rate. You are watching the set as it develops: each time I make a new one, I post it on my blog. I will have to go back and write interpretations for all the cards that came before I started posting them. So, it will be awhile yet, but the deck with a booklet is definitely in the works.

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  4. sukipoet,
    I'm happy if it speaks to you on a personal level. It may even encourage an energy shift.

    As I commented to Bonnie, I do intend to make the deck available once I've got all the major arcana painted with a write-up for each card. I'd like to supply a suggestion or two, as well, with the deck, on a couple of different ways to use them. Still lots of work to be done, but I'm so happy to have the encouragement to continue on with this project. I had put it aside for several years. (I'm sure you know how that is!)

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  5. Brilliant! I have nothing wise to add but am leaving here a better and smarter person than when I arrived...

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  6. Yes, find balance and a balanced act. It is difficult, but also one of the keys to life, a delightful composition, really lovely and fully conveying his message. You enjoy the weekend.

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  7. Stickup,
    Maybe I should issue virtual diplomas? But really, I'm happy if my little offerings have a positive effect on you.

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  8. Leovi,
    Life is one big balancing act, isn't it? Going to extremes in anything brings on all sorts of woes and illnesses.
    I hope your weekend is bright and colourful, and very well balanced.

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  9. Well done. When I read temperance I think "équilibre", but i like the "harmonious combination" as well.

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  10. I like that you have converted Carrie Nation into a happy medium. Much wisdom in this post.

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  11. DCW,
    Pardon me, but your erudition is showing...or perhaps my lack of same. I must confess, I had to Google Carrie Nation. For anyone who may come by here and read these comments,

    "Carrie Amelia Moore Nation (November 25, 1846 – June 9, 1911) was a member of the temperance movement, which opposed alcohol in pre-Prohibition America."

    A well-tempered mind, much like a clavier, is a beautiful thing, DCW.

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  12. Ötli,
    "Balance"--exactly! That is the very essence of this card, and that which is good to seek in all aspects of one's life.

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  13. I love the colours and your interpretation of the message.

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  14. The card is fabulous! I like your explanation of it, and the fact that you made it into a maxim makes me chuckle a bit!

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