4 of pentacles and Temperance

The art of moderation: protecting without possessing

I was leafing through 36 Secrets, to see what T. Susan Chang had to say about the 4 of pentacles.

At the end of the chapter she brings up the story of King Midas and his golden touch.

I think this story beautifully illustrates the combination of the 4 of pentacles and Temperance. The 4 of pentacles is King Midas, trying to accumulate earthly gain and stability. Temperance gives the warning of walking the middle way and to be led by a higher purpose. If not, you may become a prisoner of the earthly realm.

Breaking down this spiritual and material combination

4 of Pentacles (Stability, Control, Possessiveness)

• Represents holding tightly to resources, security, or control.
• Can indicate a fear of loss, stubbornness, or an unwillingness to change.
• Positive aspects include financial stability and self-protection, but it can also suggest being overly rigid.

Temperance (Balance, Moderation, Harmony)

• Symbolizes patience, blending opposites, and finding the middle path.
• Encourages adaptability, emotional equilibrium, and long-term perspective.
• Suggests healing through moderation and avoiding extremes.

The 4 of Pentacles and Temperance Tarot Card Combination possible meanings

1. Balancing Control & Letting Go – The 4 of Pentacles warns against excessive attachment, while Temperance advises finding a harmonious middle ground. This could mean learning to release control in a measured way rather than clinging out of fear.
2. Financial or Emotional Moderation – If the reading is about money, it suggests balancing saving (4 of Pentacles) with wise spending or sharing (Temperance). Emotionally, it may indicate releasing tight control over feelings while staying grounded.
3. Healing Through Stability – Temperance’s calming influence softens the 4 of Pentacles’ rigidity, suggesting that true security comes from flexibility and trust, not just hoarding.
4. Slow, Intentional Change – Temperance’s patient energy encourages gradual shifts rather than sudden upheavals, making it safer to loosen the grip symbolized by the 4 of Pentacles.

Is the Combination More Positive or Negative?

This combination ultimately calls for a wise, tempered approach to resources, emotions, or situations where you might be holding on too tightly. It’s about blending caution with openness to create sustainable harmony.

Temperance is a card that leans to the positive side. It depicts an alchemical angel mixing an elixir. Who wouldn’t want some of that???

The Golden Dawn association for Temperance is the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is noted for it’s optimistic outlook.

The 4 of pentacles is neutral. Many see this card as the symbol of a miser, clutching on to his pentacle. The 4 symbolizes stability, and in the stable element of earth (pentacles), that’s a lot of stability.

Too much stability could be stagnation or stuckness, but stability is usually welcome.

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