Healing for me is the act of rebalancing. The Tarot card Temperance is the archetypical image of healing for me.
When I recently started reexamining what images represent healing for me, I realized the 14th card in Tarot deck – Temperance – is my quintessential image of healing. Pamela Coleman-Smith designed this card for the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909. When I look at this card I instantly feel a state where everything is in complete harmony.
Traditional meanings of Temperance includes moderation and self-control, yet I see this card as perfect flow, which means there is no need to control anything. No need to fast or binge, hold on or let go, speed up or slow down. Inner and outer worlds are in perfect balance. Instinct, emotions and physical needs are in sync. For me, Temperance is an image for transcending the extremes, imbalances, striving and crisis of daily life. It is an image of equilibrium that is attainable in our world, if only at first for a moment or so at a time.
Images can be very powerful allies when going through any kind of transformation – whether you are healing from an injury, building a business, going through a divorce or making positive lifestyle changes.
What images relax you? What pictures help you to feel strong? What symbols resonate with your most authentic self?
Temperance Card from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc. c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.
Hi Jeri,
I love this temperance image too.
One of the images I go to return to get in touch with calm and wellbeing is canoeing on the Russian River. The canoes are quite large and steady and the river tame. It takes only modest effort and attention to steer and propel the canoe. Enough effort to be engaging but not challenging.
So it’s an image of canoeing with others on a gentle river surrounded by trees and sky.
Best, Karen
Karen! I think your blog is healing! http://karennierlich.com/
There is nothing like beautiful pictures of moss to make life a little softer!
Great question, Jeri! For me, it’s the Redwoods. Seeing Redwoods reminds me of the nurturing, healing feeling I have when I am there. My whole being feels nourished, happy, and rebalanced.