The figure of an angel with red wings is often described as the hermaphrodite child of Hermes and Aphrodites. Others interpret the figure as the archangel Michael, Raphael or even Tipareth. In the traditional Rider Waite deck we see this angel pouring water from a gold chalice to a silver chalice representing the continuing renewing process. These golden chalices represent the conscious and subconscious mind. It also represents the blending of contrary components. This process often takes time to realize the solution, as one must weigh all aspects and use fair judgement or temperance.

The Temperance figure can signify divine guidance that supports the combination of patience, compassion and balance.
The angel has one foot in the water and the other on land symbolizing the worlds of the spiritual and material as well as the I AM or higher aspect of the entire human race. In this stance she represents the need to "test the waters" before jumping headlong into unknown circumstances.
The astrological sign assigned to this figure is Sagittarius, the teacher of truth, enthusiasm, tolerance and beauty.

UPRIGHT MEANING: Moderation, adjustment, frugality, compatibility, appeasement, serenity and discretion.

REVERSAL: Your querent may not realize a situation that requires the above. Some readers warn that conflict and excess should be tempered. Since many meanings are used to describe reversals, I like to soften the meaning to a lessor one or that moderation will occur without the direct knowledge of the querent.

SYMBOLGY: What symbol or symbols do you notice first? Often those are the ones that emphasize the meaning. Take a look at the universal meanings:

Breast plate of a triangle inside a square – Septenary, the solar emblem of protection.

Irises – sacred flower of the rainbow goddess.

Path leading to a crown – The undulating path that leads to a crown represents the way nature presents itself as a mystical journey that ultimately leads to perfection and achievement.

Rising sun with crown – This symbol appears between two mountain peaks. The sun creates and sustains life with its rays and warmth. The crown symbolizes the highest expression of personal achievement.

Water – The mystery of life that nourishes life.

Radient gold sphere between two mountain peaks – The color gold/yellow is the metal of the sun or illumination, reason and the intellect.

Mountain peaks – represent the height of awareness, wisdom and the intellect.

IHVH letters below the collar – The letters represent the fiery power of vibration. These letters are not clearly shown in the Rider Waite deck but other decks have Hebrew letters that are clearly visible.

KEY 14 – Numerology combines single numbers up to 9. Key 14 is the sum of 1 and 4 which makes 5 which symbolizes a progressive, compassionate motivator.

The Robin Wood deck shows an angel with gold wings holding two spheres of gold and silver. Gold – the alchemy symbol of the sun and the end of the quest for perfection. Silver - is associated with the moon, which represents the female essence of life, serenity, purity and joy. Silver is usually worn by women and used in spiritual purification, marriage ceremonies and other community celebrations.

Astrological symbols of a lion and eagle, found in the esoteric deck of Paul Foster Case. The lion seeks to devour and the eagle, king of birds, symbolizes the higher mental faculties.

Examine the Temperance card in your deck(s) to see if some of the same symbols appear. Are there other symbols that you may be attracted to? When I read a card my subconscious usually focuses in on one particular image that may produce the answer. I also examine the other surrounding cards in the spread for clues. Pictures of the Heart by Sandra Thomson is a great reference encyclopedia for symbols of the tarot.

DIGNITIES or HOW DO THE CARDS RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER?

Dignities is the word used to describe how the tarot cards relate and influence the overall picture of a spread. You may have been reading each card individually as you turn it over. However, if you examine a spread you will see that various patterns emerge that may reflect a stronger meaning. Some patterns are quite obvious and others very subtle. Also, what is missing? If no cups appear in the spread it may be sending a message that a relationship may require some attention, or that your querent has intimacy issues. If no pentacles appear you may see lack or limitation. A lack of swords may indicate that rational thinking is necessary to solve a problem.

Other decks, based on the Rider-Waite, have similar imagery. New decks are on the market every month and some depart from the traditional imagery. You will have to form your own opinions of their imagery based on what you have experienced and learned from the study of the Tarot.

Below are some of the elements to watch for. The advantage of this system is that it does not require detailed knowledge of divinatory meanings.

Suit. If one suit is dominant, such as Cups, your reading will point towards relationships and the emotions.

Color. Does the color feel happy, sad or neutral? What colors signify certain feelings to you? (read Colors of the Tarot)

Water. Water signifies mystery and the feminine. Depending on the body of water, a pond, droplets of water, a waterfall, an ocean, lake or cup of water, you have to decide its personal significance.

Weather. Do the skies look threatening, full of light or just neutral?

Flora. Is there an abundance of flowers, trees and grassy land or are the cards devoid of nature?

The landscape. Desert, mountains, hills and buildings. Look for multiples that enlarge upon the overall meaning.

People. How people in the cards relate to each other. Look at the way they are facing towards or away from each other in a spread. Is there a lot of fighting, celebrating, ruling, discontent, etc.

Major Arcana. If you have more Major Arcana cards than you would ordinarily expect, the reading will take on more importance. The ‘pip’ cards or Minor Arcana are often called the mundane cards.

Minor Arcana. If most or all of the cards in a spread are Minor Arcana you may be able to read the cards like a comic book, using the above imagery to form your reading.

Numbers. Numerology is often used when reading the tarot. Each number from one to ten represents a certain value. Numerology has changed over the decades and other cultures place different meanings on the numbers. Higher numbers, including the Page, Knight, Queen and King represent a more mature nature.

The Four Elements. The four elements of FIRE, WATER, AIR and EARTH impact with one another and are used by some readers.
Symbols. Some of the cards, such as the Chariot, are full of symbols. Your spread may contain an abundance of stars or other meaningful symbols that take on more significance if they appear next to each other.

Positive, negative or neutral cards. How do the images make you feel and how do they act next to each other? You may have dealt a spread full of scary images such as the Devil, ten of Swords, the Tower, the Emperor, Three of Swords, and other cards that affect you adversely. Remember, an abundance of similar images accentuates the overall meaning.

Royalty. Middle-age costumes are prevalent in the Rider-Waite deck. Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings were considered above the average person. Today we might regard them as abstract symbols of maturity, power, strength, messengers and winners.

Position of figures. Are the figures represented facing each other or in the opposite direction?

As you read all of the ways that relationships between the cards affect a reading you might feel overwhelmed at first. However, those relationships are valuable and even helpful in determining your feelings about a spread. Whatever immediately strikes you is your subconscious or higher mind revealing the answer. You should trust your first response.