The Lovers - VI
Keywords for The Lovers
Love, Friendship, Duality, Balance, Choice, Commitment, Relationship, Attraction, love, beauty, trials overcome. Love and relationship situations. The Seeker feels whole and complete, and most importantly loved.
The Lovers in a sentence
Balanced duality, harmony, understanding and love all come from this positive card.
Other associations of The Lovers
Element: Air. Astrology: Mercury
As a Yes or No question: Definite Yes.
Timing: ~ May 21 – June 21
The Tarot Lovers card meaning in a nutshell:
Deeply felt mutual attraction- for as long as it lasts.
Archetype: Love - intense affection.
Inner Symbolism of the Tarot Lovers Card
The sun shines in the zenith, and beneath is a great winged figure with arms extended, pouring down influences. In the foreground are two human figures, male and female, unveiled before each other, as if Adam and Eve when they first occupied the paradise of the earthly body.
Behind the man is the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is behind the woman; the serpent is twining round it.
The figures suggest youth, virginity, innocence and love before it is contaminated by gross material desire. This is in all simplicity the card of human love, here exhibited as part of the way, the truth and the life. It replaces, by recourse to first principles, the old card of marriage, which I have described previously, and the later follies which depicted man between vice and virtue.
In a very high sense, the card is a mystery of the Covenant and Sabbath. The suggestion in respect of the woman is that she signifies that attraction towards the sensitive life which carries within it the idea of the Fall of Man, but she is rather the working of a Secret Law of Providence than a willing and conscious temptress. It is through her imputed lapse that man shall arise ultimately, and only by her can he complete himself.
The card is therefore in its way another intimation concerning the great mystery of womanhood. The old meanings fall to pieces of necessity with the old pictures, but even as interpretations of the latter, some of them were of the order of commonplace and others were false in symbolism.
The Lovers is the sixth card of the Major Arcana set. The first card that is not centred around a central figure, but two instead. As such, there are a whole host of meanings to consider as well as the relationship and love aspect. A great card to draw if you’re looking for love, deep emotional bonds, or understanding and completeness with another being. The Lovers is a good card to draw!
Except for the nudity, the picture of the Lovers Major Arcana Tarot card is quite innocent, maybe even virginal. That's because of the time and culture in which the Tarot deck of cards was created.
Still, the Lovers card is definitely about sex, too. The complete love between two people. Attraction, lust, passion - all the emotions making two persons longing to connect, and then the devotion keeping them together for as long as it lasts.
The Lovers Tarot card is almost parodical in its emphasized innocence. The two lovers are not even holding hands, but remaining apart, forcefully separated by an angelic figure - albeit with red instead of white wings, as a discreet indicator of passion. The Lovers card speaks more of Agape than of Eros, the non-carnal love instead of the lustful one. No sin committed - yet.
Talking about sin, another one than that of the flesh is implied by the apple tree and the serpent on the left side of the Lovers card image. This refers, of course, to Adam and Eve, and the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. We know how that ended. Here is a painting by Masolino in 1425 of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the Fall, showing some similarity to the Tarot Lovers card above:
The innocence doesn't last for long, when love is involved. And in a reading, the Lovers Tarot card is definitely about what its title says, and all the aspects thereof. Also, it's about the ability to love - more so, it indicates a character in which love overshadows everything else. It's the Tarot card of the lover, whether it's a Casanova, a Cleopatra, or Tristan and Isolde. Those who live to love and love to live.
Falling in love depends on the ability to do so. The true lover is always in love, although the object may vary - still with complete fidelity to the love of the moment, as if suddenly nobody else exists in the whole world, and nothing else matters.
These lovers on the Tarot card seem innocent. Actually, they look like they are not in love at all. But that's just because their eyes haven't even met yet. The man has spotted the woman and as soon as her eyes leave the angelic figure towering over their heads, she will see him and their nature will do the rest. They have it in them, so they're destined to fall in love if they just meet.
Therefore, the angel seemingly keeping the Lovers apart is one of opportunity, arranging fate so that it makes them meet. Not a difficult task with two lovers at heart. It can happen with just about anyone they meet, and certainly when both are of the same nature, like the ones on this Tarot card. Whether it was the angel's doing or not that they met, once it happened the heavenly creature would not be able to tear them apart.
The Lovers are illustrated as Adam and Eve, the snake and apple tree are also present. The concept of duality, balance, an ‘two sides of the same coin’ are common concepts in many veins of mysticism. The way the figures are looking, Adam to Eve, Eve to the Angel, the Angel to Adam, suggests the Supernal triangle, Kether, Chokmah and Binah from Qaballic practice. Above the Angel is the sun disc, Ain Soph in Qaballah. The fusion here of these two mythologies further solidifies the Egyptian / Qaballic link.
Many people believe that the lover card is only based on sexual connection, but it is so much more. You will find that the lover card also means partnership. The strength and harmony of a great partnership can overcome many things. This could be a friendship, but more often than not it refers to a partnership in love. This card is also known for reaffirming your own personal beliefs.
You will want to make sure that you no matter what you have going on in your life, you are taking time out to really pay attention to your finances. While many people seem to lose interest in everything else around them when a new love starts, you will want to make sure that you separate your focus every now and then.
The lover is all about partnerships, and this is no different when it comes to your health. You will want to make sure that you take the time to create a great partnership with your health care providers. If you feel that you do not trust your current health care provider, you will want to look for one that you do trust.
This symbol has undergone many variations, as might be expected from its subject. In the eighteenth century form, by which it first became known to the world of archaeological research, it is really a card of married life, shewing father and mother, with their child placed between them; and the pagan Cupid above, in the act of flying his shaft, is, of course, a misapplied emblem.
The Cupid is of love beginning rather than of love in its fulness, guarding the fruit thereof. The card is said to have been entitled Simulacyum fidei, the symbol of conjugal faith, for which the rainbow as a sign of the covenant would have been a more appropriate concomitant.
The figures are also held to have signified Truth, Honour and Love, but I suspect that this was, so to speak, the gloss of a commentator moralizing. It has these, but it has other and higher aspects.
General Meaning Upright
The Lovers signifies perfect union, harmony, love and attraction. The Lovers can represent finding the balance within oneself. You are learning to understand yourself, your own personal moral code and what you value in life. This will bring harmony and balance to your life. In general when The Lovers Tarot card appears it is an indication that you have major choices to make or are faced with a dilemma. You may be feeling uncertain about situations, people in your life or what direction you should take. These are important decisions you are faced with. Don’t automatically go for the easy road, make sure you have all the information and make the right decision. Even if it seems like a difficult path, it will lead you on to greater things.
The Lovers Card as a Person
If the Tarot Lovers card refers to a person, and it often does, that is someone who is on the verge of falling in love with you - if you just accept it. Well, it can happen whether you accept it or not. The person indicated is a lover, as described above. If you succeed to escape it, another will be the object of that love. The card may also point to a couple, who are in love or about to be - none of them with you. Still, it is likely to have an effect on your life, good or bad, making you need to relate to it.
The Lovers Card as an Event
If the Tarot Lovers card in your divination spread refers to an event, which is not uncommon, then it is an opportunity for you to fall in love with someone who is just as likely to fall in love with you. A chance to love, simply. More than a chance, really. The card is most likely to indicate that it will happen, whether it's in your plans for the future or not.
The Lovers Card as You
If the Tarot Lovers card has a position in the divination spread indicating you, it simply means that you are the lover - for the moment or always. You search for someone to love, or you have just found that special someone. It is not at all sure that this someone will feel the same for you, but the odds are on your side. Love is, as explained above, contagious. In any case, you will find yourself acting on that emotion, wherever it leads you.
The Lovers in a time-based position
Past
The Lovers in the Past position means that a previous relationship has grounded you in good stead for the present and future. Not wholly meaning a relationship with a member of the opposite sex, but it should be an aspect that you shouldn’t consider changing for a while. It’s doing good, whether you are single or in a relationship. If you are single, it could represent a strong parental bond or a single close friendship. Perhaps you were raised in a non-traditional family, also.
Present
The Lovers in the present position represents a good relationship. You understand each other and are growing together. Both of you are offering two sides of the same coin, a good balance. Think of the Taijitu, you are both separate but retain the other within. Are you arguing with your spouse right now? If it’s about something trivial, just think about it and put it in perspective. If it’s more serious, again, think about it. It’s common when something bad happens to just try not to think about things, to ignore them. Go somewhere alone and do your best to think about every aspect of what happened.
Future
The Lovers in the future position is great if you are single right now. It’s the sort of meaning that anyone can see. Love in the future. The standard tarot response. ‘Things will get better’. Remember in the Bible story; that Adam and Eve were in paradise and were kicked out. Don’t get disheartened.
The Lovers in regards to life issues
Work / Education
The Lovers in regards to work and education can represent a choice. Your heart or your head, usually. Are you choosing a university course? Do you want something with good job prospects or something that you enjoy deeply? In work, it could mean one of two choices is going to affect your work greatly. Love and work don’t mix well, so if you’re thinking of going with your heart, think about it just to be sure. It may be the right decision.
Money
The Lovers is not great when it comes to money. Things may be going well, but double check receipts and don’t make any silly purchases. Now isn’t the time to get distracted. Don’t take risks with your money. The power of money is in its potentiality, not on a frivolous impulse buy.
Money & Career
When The Lovers card appears in a career context, it can represent a business partnership between two people. If this card is representing a partnership, it will be a great partnership and mutually beneficial. You and your business partner are on the same wavelength, will work well together and be mutually supportive of each other. The Lovers in a career Tarot reading can also indicate the possibility of getting romantically involved with a work colleague. Be cautious about mixing business with pleasure, make sure you know the risks involved and are prepared for the consequences. The Lover can also signify that you have a decision to make in relation to your career path. Again it may seem like you are only faced with undesirable choices but that’s not actually the case. Gather all your facts together to make the right decision. It may indicate a big change coming or a change of job, it may seem like something you don’t want at the time but it will be good for you. Financially, now is a good time to seek financial opportunities as you will be attracting good fortune.
Romance
The Lovers and romance go hand in hand. You might get swept off your feet (or do the sweeping yourself). This is the best position for The Lovers to come up in. If this has happened, you’d better brace yourself!
Love & Relationships
In a love or relationship Tarot reading The Lovers is one of the best cards you can get! It is a soulmate card and signifies kindred spirits and an intense bond between two people. If you are single, love is coming your way! This will be more than mere infatuation. There will be an intense attraction and sexual passion as well as romance and a deep connection and mutual understanding. If you are in a relationship, this Major Arcana card tells you to expect a rekindling of the romance in your relationship. The bond between you and your partner will increase and deepen more than you can imagine. The Lovers represent you and your partner having a spiritual, emotional, mental and physical connection that most couples can only dream about. Lucky you!
Friends
The Lovers in regards to friendship has a similar meaning to romance. You might go on a trip with your best friend, for instance. Depending on how long you’ve known this person, things may also get a bit rocky, especially if it’s been a long time.
Health
The Lovers might indicate the cure for you, especially if you’re feeling lonely. Sometimes you can get so caught up in things that you don’t consider everyday problems. Just be sure to keep track of your health. Record things, keep to your caloric intake, exercise. Don’t let one aspect of your life overshadow the others. The concept of Eden is also strong here; a house or home, somewhere you feel safe and where all your needs are seen to. Don’t push yourself if you’re ill.
Health issues of the skin, eyesight and hearing. Issues with any part of the body that comes in pair, such as eyes, ears, arms, legs, lungs, kidneys. Lovers connects things and speaks of the connective systems like veins, arteries, and nerves. There might also be communication problems. Take time out to rest and recuperate. Illnesses that last only a short time. Diseases due to too much emphasis on body image, such as eating disorders, obsessions, and plastic surgery disasters.
The Lovers in a health reading is a signifier that having the right support will help you to get through any health issues. This may be a partner or friend who is offering moral support or a doctor or healthcare provider. The Lovers in a health context can simply be an indication that you have decisions to make regarding a course of treatment. The Lovers can also be related to heart health so make sure you are taking good care of your heart when this card appears.
Spirituality and Mentality
The Lovers could represent a duality here when talking about mentality. You could be in two minds about something, or constantly second-guessing. Take some time to calm down. Nothing is as important as you think it is. That isn’t to put down your troubles and belittle them. Consider how you’ll feel about these worries in a year, two years time.
When The Lovers Tarot card in a spiritual context, you will be beginning to find harmony within yourself. As with the general meaning, this comes from gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, who you are and your personal morale code. This understanding leads to a deeper connection to your spiritual self. The Lovers in spiritual context can indicate that you may find it beneficial to pair up with a partner on your spiritual journey. Something simple such as taking a meditation class with a like-minded friend could be very beneficial.
In the Advice Positon
The Lovers card advises that you study your options and make the wisest choice. Carefully consider your long-term interests. There is no judgment on what you choose to keep from the array of possibilities before you. Just watch out for choices that will produce dissatisfaction and discontent.
Be willing to make some compromises, then stick with the commitments you finally make. Trust your intuition along with your rational intellect, and once you make your choice, carry it out with conviction.
Lovers Card Combos
Lovers next to Fool can mean falling in love too easily. This card combination often shows up when the Seeker meets the person they will be with before they meet the One. The Fool is there to teach them something before they meet the one they are meant to be with. The Seeker might believe they have met the One but are unable to form a solid relationship.
The Lovers and the Magician together indicate true love, being with your Highest and Best soulmate in this lifetime.
Lovers next to Hierophant often mean getting married.
Lovers next to Hermit can mean a long distance relationship, and being friends before becoming romantically involved. It can also mean finding love later in life. Lovers next to Wheel of fortune mean a Destiny meeting bringing you love. Divine timing is at play.
Lovers next to Justice can mean the legal aspects of a relationship, and sometimes it can mean setting up prenups.
Lovers next to the Moon means romance and romantic surprises. Lovers next to Sun mean falling in love at first sight.
Lovers next to the World tarot card often means a romance across continents.
The Lovers Reversed Tarot Card
Key Meanings:
Disharmony, trust issues, imbalance, conflict, disconnection, lack of accountability, disunion, detachment, Failure, foolish designs. Another account speaks of marriage frustrated and contrarieties of all kinds.
General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)
The Lovers Tarot reversed indicates that you may be struggling to take ownership of the decisions you’ve made. This is causing conflict within you. You may be feeling uncertain of the direction your life is going in. You need to remember that you are the master of your own destiny. Don’t try to blame the universe if your situation is a result of choices that you’ve made. Instead be accountable, learn from past mistakes and let them go. If you do that you will be able to move forward in a position direction. You will develop a deeper understanding of your true self, your values and your beliefs and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.
The Lovers card reversed may indicate that you are going along with a divided situation because you have a vested interest in opposition. You can't resolve this situation until you own up to your own double standard.
Admit the resistance you feel, instead of proceeding halfheartedly or with unspoken resentments. In such an important area of your life, you should not just go along to get along.
Relating to the harmony of The Lovers, in reverse, The Lovers represents a lack of balance within a relationship. Everything is related to everything else. Relativity is not just a scientific principle, but an emotional and spiritual one too. Look out for a sudden lack of connection, and think about what is causing this. Look for imbalance in your life. Are you giving or taking too much? The Lovers implies balance; they love each other. We cannot survive with imbalance.
Lack of unity and finding a common ground. The Seeker might feel disconnected and numb.
The Lovers reversed can point to both inner and outer conflicts that you are dealing with. The disharmony can make daily life difficult and could be putting pressure on your relationships. You should take time to think about what you are punishing yourself for, so you can fix them or let them go. At this time, you should also think about your personal values and belief system to make sure that they are aligned with what you want from your life.
A break in communication could be another possible interpretation. The foundation for your relationships may be cut off, creating an imbalance between you and your partner or loved ones. The unity normally present within the card has become lopsided.
The Lovers reversed can also indicate that you have been avoiding responsibility for your actions. You could have made a decision that was based on your desire for immediate gratification but are now blaming others for the consequences that are catching up to you. So, you need to make amends or let go of the past and make better decisions in the future.
Love & Relationships (Reversed)
If you are in a relationship, The Lovers reversed can indicate that while the sexual aspect of things is still great, you and your partner may not be on the same page in other important areas. It can also be a signifier that one partner is more emotionally invested in the relationship. Fear or trust issues could be stopping you from jumping in fully, which is necessary for the relationship to flourish. You may have different goals, values or hopes for the future. The relationship may have started off with you both feelings connected on many levels but you don’t feel as close as you used to. Look to the supporting cards for confirmation of the root cause. Whatever the reason, these differences need to be resolved if the relationship is to survive. If you are single The Lovers does indicate a relationship is coming your way but it may not happen as soon as you hoped. Alternatively, it can represent picking partners for the wrong reasons. If you are going to get involved with someone, this Major Arcana card tells you to make sure you connect with them in more than one way. A sexual connection, even an intense one, is not enough in itself to make a relationship work.
Money & Career (Reversed)
The Lovers Tarot reversed in a career context can indicate disharmony in a business partnership. If you have a business partner you need to communicate with them and ensure that you are both in agreement about the direction the business is taking and your goals for the future. Like the upright meaning, The Lovers reversed can indicate the possibility of a romance at work but it comes with a stark warning. This romance could bring you trouble in your career. Be careful, make sure you understand and are prepared to accept the consequences of mixing business with pleasure if this gets messy. Financially, The Lovers reversed can represent being financially irresponsible and making impulsive decisions in relation to money. It can indicate being materialistic and seeking instant gratification by material means. Again, be accountable for your choices and learn from your mistakes.
Health (Reversed)
In a health context The Lovers Tarot card in a reversed position indicates that you need to reconnect with how your body is feeling to bring harmony and health. At the moment, you may feel like your body is working against you but you need to learn to be kind to it and work within your energy levels. Your body is capable of amazing things but sometimes is needs rest and recuperation to restore itself. Don’t get frustrated at your body just give it the time it needs to heal.
Spirituality (Reversed)
In a spiritual context, The Lovers reversed can be an indicator that you have been focusing on materialistic pursuits to try and bring fulfilment in your life. Why this may temporarily make you feel good, it will not bring you the harmony you need. Focus on your spiritual side and discovering the true you. It will be far more rewarding for you. The Lovers reversed can also indicate a sexual attraction between you and a spiritual adviser. If they are seeking an intimate relationship with you this card indicates that it may be for all the wrong reasons! Embarking on a romance with you suggests they are abusing their power. This person is meant to be guiding you to your spiritual path not dating you. Be very cautious.
Lovers Reversed Card Combos
Lovers reversed next to Magician can mean being afraid of falling in love.
Lovers reversed next to Emperor can indicate seeking love to have security rather than being in love.
Lovers reversed next to Chariot can mean running from love, and breaking up with someone.
Lovers reversed next to Justice can mean divorce.
Lovers reversed next to Moon can mean seeking Love in all the wrong places.
Lovers reversed next to Judgement can mean a karmic relationship where the Seeker is getting back what they used to dish out, and must learn to raise their vibration to experience love in a more harmonic way.