Temperance

✦ Balance; Consideration; Acceptance; Compromise

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Temperance is a force of balance, a unifying factor in a world full of extremes and blacks-and-whites. One of few angelic beings in the deck, Temperance stands opposite the Devil, a being of excessive indulgence, pride, and greed.

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For Temperance, moderation is key. Money is not evil; forsaking all other cares in its pursuit is. Sex is not evil; the callous mistreatment of partners to satisfy cravings is. Power is not evil; reigning over the weak is.

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Temperance understands the needs and wants of humankind, and indeed that these desires are part of what gives humans their intrinsic qualities. She asks only for moderation and control of these desires, taking care that their pursuit does not grow to harm others or oneself.

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She stands between a field of swords and a field of flowers, a balance between growth and death. There, she presents to us a pure white orb held in a blood-red hand, while another red orb is held in a white hand.

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Red within a white, blood within milk, the passion within peace.

✦ Additional Artwork

Behind her head is taijutsu, more commonly known as the “yin-yang” symbol of Taoism.

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Taoist duality embodies a nuanced interpretation of “good” and “evil”. They are not inherently opposed to each other, and like two sides of the same coin, evil can only exist when contrasted with good. One cannot know the darkness until they have seen the light, and even so, no natural thing is intrinsically good or evil until given an intent.

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Violence can be used to create harmony. Kindness can be used to manipulate. Darkness can be used to calm.