One of the issues with the Rider/Waite/Smith deck is that it is over one hundred years old. That does not diminish its beauty or effectiveness but a lot has happened in the last century that may change the way we view images and words. For example, the word temperance is often used to suggest a need for curbing a negative habit, like overindulgence. When I look at this beautiful card, that word is a distraction. We have the Archangel Michael glorious with outstretched wings pouring from one cup to another. There is something illuminated rising behind him – a light perhaps or a crown. He has one foot in the water and one on dry land. These symbols and the rest in the card suggest a need for balance and good judgment. Today’s Journey Tarot chose to symbolize this concept with a costumed acrobat walking a tightrope. We call the card Discernment. Walking a tightrope requires focus, balance of course, and very good judgment. She must put one foot in front of the other as we all do in life, but retain the qualities to maintain harmony. Her discernment keeps her balanced and safe. We indulged in a bit more symbolism in this card with the owl costume (wisdom) and the two toned balance bar (the esoteric and the mundane which she must also keep in balance).

Teresa Sue McAdams, co-creator of “Today’s Journey Tarot”, co-author of “Today’s Journey Tarot, A Traveler’s Guide”, co-author of “Tarot Meditations, A Journal for Self Discovery”, and author of “Lessons, The Wisdom Within Each Moment”

www.todaysjourneytarot.com