![Image](https://i.ibb.co/d0RV2dW/14-temperance.jpg)
I often associate Temperance & The Star together. The symbolism used for both of them is so similar. One of the best blog posts comparing/contrasting them that I ever read is here on Works of Literata. I agree with Temperance showing up more often when the topic is personal and more worldly than spiritual. It often comes up for me in readings about changing behavior, attitudes, or core beliefs about topics like racism, social justice, and politics. In my personal work, I lean heavily on Temperance as an ideal where I am drawing too opposing forces or desires into harmony or stability. That Delphic maxim of "Nothing To Excess" I take to heart and Temperance as a tarot card helps me visualize tempering myself into moderation.
The archangel, representing our own Best Selves, is grounded by keeping one foot on land, one in water. The alchemy of its work is all about making oneself into that Best Self. The white of the robe symbolizes purity of intent while the red wings are the passion and power of this actions. The orange triangle within a square had special symbolic significance for Waite & the Golden Dawn but I don't remember what exactly. Hopefully someone else does.
The cups being one of silver (moon, feminine, Yin) and one of gold (sun, masculine, Yang) is just another layer to this card being about bringing two opposing energies into synergy. The alchemical sun symbol on its forehead (where the third eye or ajna chakra is) represented to Waite both life and eternity (I think). The gravity-defying way the water flows is intentional and meant to express how magickal and mystical this act presented in Temperance is.
The path leading between mountains to a rising dawn always makes me imagine that is where the archangel is headed next once this alchemical ritual is done.