“People are going to quit getting Tarot readings from me,” I tell my husband with a sigh.  “I keep telling them things they don’t want to hear.”

“That’s not a very good business model,” he says matter-of-factly. I’m married to Captain Virgo. He’s very helpful that way.

Today’s Tarot is Temperance, from the Zodiac Tarot. Temperance is XIV, major arcana. As you may recall, the Zodiac Tarot focuses exclusively on the card’s astrological associations; majors are assigned either a sign or a planet. On those with signs like this one, a place is pictured. As Sagittarius is a mutable sign, the scene is sunset. And of course, what Sagittarius wouldn’t be happy with this illustration of a trip underway?

In traditional decks, we’re accustomed to seeing an angel for Temperance, standing with one foot on land and one in the water (grounded in physical reality, but also attuned to the intuitive/emotional world); in some decks, the angel is depicted as mixing water and fire in the cups. Typically, this card indicates both the idea of restraint and of synthesis of disparate energies. These aspects of this card’s message aren’t prominent in this version, although they are attached to Sagittarius itself to some degree. The Centaur is a half-man and half-human, after all, caught between two natures. And Jupiter’s expansive influence does marry diverse horizons.

The act of reading Tarot is an alchemy much like the angel’s, with one foot on the ground and one foot in the spirit world. You’re connecting to energy you can’t necessarily see or hear or touch, but every bit as real as that which you do. And sometimes what you get in the reading process isn’t sunshine and flowers, much to my dismay. This can be hard. I have a strict rule for any reading I do—whatever I get, I give. I trust the process enough to believe that I don’t get it unless I’m supposed to pass it on. So pass it on I do.

Thing is, sometimes what comes can be harsh. People don’t usually seek out a Tarot reading if the trip is smooth and easy. The call you when they’re in the soup and want a way out. There’s a good chance what they’ve tried thus far is failing, perhaps spectacularly so. Sometimes, it’s just a nudge in the right direction that comes through, which I’m happy to pass one. Sometimes, it’s more of a kick in pants. I certainly don’t take responsibility for the choices someone makes after a reading, but I am going to do my best to send exactly the messages I get. Otherwise, I couldn’t live with myself, wondering if I let them down when I could have helped by sugar-coating the punch right out of their message. If what I get feels like a kick, that’s what I’m going to convey, every bit as solid as I get it.

I’ve got Mars/Mercury. I am very direct. Like my Sag friends, I value the truth tremendously. Because of this, I’ve given folks readings that I know were not easy to get. I deliver without judgment and with as much kindness as I know how, but it doesn’t mean I somehow think it doesn’t sting. For that, I’m very sorry. But I’m also grateful I can manage this, because I think it can be incredibly valuable to get a slap at the right time, and know not everybody can serve this way. I’m willing to be the messenger of an unpopular message, so long as it can ultimately lead to freedom. My desire to make somebody feel good is much less important than being in a position to deliver help.

Temperance would not ask me to abandon honesty or bluntness entirely. That wouldn’t be very Sagittarius, after all! The truth does have the power to set us free. However, I can certainly work on expanding my perspective to further take into account the recipient’s reaction when I’m communicating whatever truth I have on offer. That could make it a little easier. And whatever the message is, of course, always deliver it with love. That’s the only reason to be doing it, far as I see.

Would you rather get harsh advice directly, or with sweetener on top?

Zodiac Tarot (English and Spanish Edition) by Lo Scarabeo

Dig the Daily Tarot? Get a Tarot Reading with Dixie via Email or Phone.