In Temperance, the Chalice pack reverts to the alchemical symbolism, first made explicit in the design for the Magician. In this card, however, the process by which that which is marred is being constantly refined, is beginning to bear fruit; the final synthesis is well on the way to being in sight. After the dissolution and sacrifice depicted in the Hanged Man, the dark phase where everything is broken down in the Death card, comes burgeoning evidence that the process of transformation was worth the wait after all.

To begin with, the card depicts a virtual factory of alchemical activity: the test tubes containing mercury and copper as they weld their essences through the medium of heat (mercury, corresponding to the astrological Mercurial intellect, is shown to be forming a synthesis with its opposite, Venus-ruled copper, which has a connection with the reflective component in the human psyche). It has to be remembered again that the substance being manipulated in nature, however, corresponds to facets within the quester's own soul: somehow the individual's quest becomes that of a redemption of matter and the world too, as was originally hinted at within the commentary of the Fool.

In this card, the spirit within the dross of inert matter, has been released. Something new has been borne out of this process of refinement and synthesis: like a genie, a homonculus or an angelic figure, has emerged, its spirituality revealed by the presence of a third eye and the rainbow-like wings. This, perhaps, is suggestive of the fact that any truly creative work has a component which is greater than the sum of its parts - the mathematical symbols on a musical score, for example, when played, become a symphony which touches the feelings and soul of its listeners as much as the intellect. Visual art may be alchemy too, in which basic materials are reshaped and transformed in order to produce a philosopher's stone of excellence. Temperance as a card also seems to favour study - perhaps of the kind which opens the student to inspiration and insight on a higher level than before.

All this, especially the last observations on study, may well confirm this card's Waitean connection with the sign Sagittarius, a sign where synthesis and vision go hand in hand. Certainly, Temperance is normally a very positive, optimistic card to get in a reading.