I am fascinated by the temperance card . When I looked up the word temperance in the dictionary it said; moderation, self restraint in speech, conduct, eating and drinking. In tarot temperance conveys more meaning than simply thoughts of self control and moderation. Some ideas associated with this card are mixing , combining and transformation. In the image the angel pours the essence of life from cup to cup. For me this card signifies healing. The angel is mixing up some medicine. The book I chose to illustrate my card is ‘An angel at my table’ by Janet Frame.
It is part of her autobiography which covers the lengthy period of time she spent incarcerated in mental hospitals. When a book she had written won a prize she was given the proper care she needed and she was eventually released .It is a very moving and inspiring story. Janet Frame went on to become one of New Zealand’s most respected authors.
An Angel at my table was also made into a film by Jane Campion.