Equilibrium / Temperance
The Music Tarot
Temperance represents adjustment and balance, moderation and middle ground. Opposite polarities have come together to achieve something new.
Temperance represents adjustment and balance, moderation and middle ground. Opposite polarities have come together to achieve something new.
September 23, 2022
I rarely attempt writing a new song during the week. I prefer the flexibility of an entire weekend afternoon, sitting empty before me, waiting for me to clear my mind and pull through the lyrics and melodies. In the case of writing Equilibrium / Temperance, the day was Saturday, October 23, 2021. I knew my writing streak was still rolling, so I shuffled my deck in my usual ritual manner and drew the Temperance card.
Even when I’m feeling creative, I worry I won’t be able to “get it” this time. I anguish over my accomplishments, wondering if my previous efforts were just a fluke, fearing I won’t be able to materialize another song. After all these years of dry spells followed by watersheds, I’m still surprised when my insecurities turn out to be wrong, and the next one makes its appearance.
A bouncy, syncopated rhythm took over my hands. Lyrics flew out onto my writing journal, forming the verse and chorus. After a couple hours, when I was certain I had some viable ideas to work with, I took a break and went into the living room to tell my husband about my progress. I also decided to check the card of the day on my Galaxy Tarot phone app.
It was Temperance.
My stomach did a flip-flop. This had to mean something. Not only had I drawn the Temperance card from my physical tarot deck, but here was the same card, prominently displayed on my phone, selected by some algorithm. I was ecstatic. Without a doubt, I was meant to write for the Temperance card on this day.
I finessed the song over the next few weeks, settling on the title “Equilibrium.” The song speaks to the magic in moderation and shares a story of personal growth and balance. My producer later told me this was one of his most favorite productions of all time. When I think back over my life and the years it took to get to this point, I’m just grateful it came together at all. Where there once was struggle, there later was ease. And this song describes it, perfectly.