Too Temperate?

Golden Dawn Magical Tarot

The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot has two Temperance cards, and not because the artist couldn't make up his mind, nor so that readers could take their pick. It's because of the Portal Ritual of the Golden Dawn. The companion book instructs to take one out for divination, and doesn't explain why two are needed for the ritual, nor does it give any detail about the ritual itself.



The card on the left, with the cauldron, is referred to as the 'more ancient' one. 'This earlier figure was considered not so much a representation of this Path alone, as the synthesis of that and others conjoined. The later figure, therefore is better adapted to the more restricted meaning.' ~ from The Portal Ritual, quoted in 'The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot' by Chic and Sandra Cicero

The first version shows that the combining of forces requires a stout hearted fearlessness. The Ciceros call it 'Temperance in its raw state.' The second version is the more familiar giant angel standing with one foot on the land and one foot on the water. She is called the 'Vision of Beauty' and represents the spiritual union which awaits those who travel this path. So in essence, the first version shows the bravery it takes to start on and journey along this path, and the second shows the result of the path. I suppose this is a very strong hint as to how the two cards might be used in the Portal Ritual. I found this article, but it made no sense to me.

Both cards are lovely, if you ask me.