queer + trans tarot π the transgender narrative in XI Justice - XIV Temperance
one of my favorite accidentally queer stretches of the tarot is this sequence in the major arcana. π itβs a beautifully resonant depiction of the gender transition journey, although it folds a lot of big moments and intense processes into just a few cards. π« each of these cards also work beautifully as a supportive card, but weβll talk more about supportive cards the week after next, so i wonβt dive too deep into that topic today! letβs look at each card individually, then the sequence as a whole:
π xi justice: justice, ruled by libra, is a card that speaks to balance, alignment, and authenticity. π« it asks us to show up to whatβs here, whatβs present, and speak honestly and truly about whatβs happening.
π xii the hanged man: the hanged man, ruled by neptune, is a major pause β it asks us to take a break, rest, and just be present with whatβs happening. weβre not being asked to do anything here but dream and imagine.
π xiii death: death, ruled by scorpio, is a great transformative energy, a purgative fire. it asks us to let go of what doesnβt work, embrace what belongs to us, and shed our skins like snakes.
π xiv temperance: temperance, ruled by sagittarius, is a joyful and active energy. the name often gets mistaken for moderation β this is temperance like tempered steel or tempered chocolate, not withholding. itβs an alchemical process where one material is changed into another form.
the description of xiv temperance might have clued you into whatβs going on here β this is a story about the transgender experience embedded within the heroβs journey that is 0 the fool to xxi the world. π
in justice, weβre asked to show up and name whatβs real and true. this is often a card of speaking truth to power, and thatβs exactly what happens when we acknowledge our transgender feelings. it takes a lot of strength and authenticity to speak it into being, and thatβs why this is where we start: it kicks off our journey. on its own, this card is wonderfully supportive when you need that kick in the pants to get real with yourself π
the hanged man is like a cocoon. π in the traditional imagery of this card, the figure is quite peaceful dangling there; when you slow down and acknowledge where you are in justice, you give yourself the room and space to grow. this is a card where it doesnβt look like much is happening because itβs all under the surface, but itβs a necessary step on the way. this card is so helpful when youβre straining and fighting against the time it takes to choose your next steps, and to help muster up the energy for what comes next π«
and thatβs really helpful, because next, we come into death, which is a total rebirth β itβs a perfect follow-up to the cocoon energy, but itβs not always pretty or easy. π« it may not feel great, but itβs the butterfly bursting from the cocoon; in a cocoon, a larvae is taken apart piece by piece so it can be rebuilt into something more true and real, and thatβs exactly what happens during the coming out and social transition process. this is a wonderful energy to draw on any time youβre frustrated at this process, need a reminder that youβll come out the other side intact but different, or just want some help remembering that death/rebirth or transformation is a process π
finally, we come to the temperance card. itβs the both/and of the tarot deck; when youβve shown up in justice, taken your pause in the hanged man, and then come into death, youβre setting everything aside that doesnβt matter, taking stock of where you are and where youβre going, and walked through the flames to emerge exactly who you always were all along. the important thing to remember here is that note about what temperance actually means: when certain metals are heat-treated, they become tougher and less brittle, and theyβre what they were before but also something entirely new. π as with any narrative, itβs a little bit of a lie that thereβs a finish line, a point at which you are transitioned, but this card helps celebrate even the littlest of wins. every time you come out, every time you start a new step on your transition, this card is showing up and cheering for you, and you can call on it any time you need that support π
i hope this is helpful! π this has been one of my favorite posts to write because it has been one of my favorite sequences to look at, share, and talk about for many years π weβre going to take a break to post our regularly scheduled cancer season content, and then weβll be back to look at specific cards that are helpful for the queer + trans experience π