Temperance traditionally symbolizes balance, moderation, discipline, self-control, harmony between the spiritual and material aspects, taking the middle path, spiritual healing, strengthening the spirit through moderate behavior, calm and serenity.  Temperance represents a balance of mind and body, integration of energies; synthesizing opposite forces in your life; balancing alternatives to reach an equitable compromise; tempering one's appetites, moderation.

Ironically this is one of my birth cards and it is something I've always had a challenge manifesting in my own life.  I do not tend to take a temperate approach to things.  If I did, my path would probably be much smoother but sometimes I wonder if it would still be interesting.  Of course from a health perspective (both mental and physical), Temperance would be a useful trait to develop.  

So how could I be more balance and temperate in my life?  The first step I could take would be in eating a more balanced diet.  I have a tendency to overdo all the "bad" things - white bread, white rice, cakes, candy.  That is my addiction.  I suppose I could be cliched and say I'm a "carb addict" but it's not that simple.  I crave sweets, mostly chocolate and dark chocolate at that.  I don't get the urge to gorge on pretzels or potato chips (not that I turn them away but I don't crave them).  But I do find it very difficult to keep my hands off of chocolate whenever it's in the house.  And if I don't have it in the house (which is usually what is suggested), I just find myself craving it even more.  It becomes all I can think about.  When I look at the patterns to my cravings I realize that I craze chocolate more when I'm stressed or bored.  

I also have a tendency to overdo anything in which I become interested - books, Tarot cards, Barbie dolls.  I end up owning so many that I almost can't enjoy the ones I have.  It's overkill.  I do the same thing when it comes to the computer or being online.  I spend so much time focusing on that and I end up ignoring more important things (like hubby).

So I need to be more moderate in my habits.  Maybe I should adopt Ben Franklin's approach to moderation in all things.  I would certainly help me to make healthier choices and that would have a positive impact on my health, my weight and life in general.