Tarot Card The Lovers: Meaning and Interpretation

The tarot card "The Lovers" is a major arcana in the tarot deck, numbered 6. The card's motto is: "Make love the compass of your life, and your heart will make the choices for you."

The Lovers Archetype

The Lovers card reflects not only romantic relationships, referring to perhaps the most famous archetype of two loving hearts whose love can overcome any obstacles (Orpheus and Eurydice, Odysseus and Penelope, Romeo and Juliet). It embodies harmony and unity as an integral part of life's journey.

At the same time, the Lovers card can speak of a choice between two paths, two ideas, two worlds. The man and woman symbolize duality and opposites that can experience unity. The card can also symbolize unattainable ideals, doubts, hesitation, and contradictions.

Symbolism of the Lovers Card

The tarot card "The Lovers" in the classic Waite deck contains many symbolic elements that reveal hidden meanings.

The card depicts a young man and woman standing next to each other in front of an archangel. The woman stands between the man and the archangel, and the man faces the woman. Green mountains, a golden sky, and an apple tree surround the scene.

The young man and woman on the card symbolize Adam and Eve, the union of opposites: both masculine and feminine principles and different aspects of personality. The man may symbolize the material world, while the woman represents the spiritual. They stand together but face different directions, indicating the need to choose between two distinct paths.

The archangel, representing divine power, stands behind the woman. His presence on the card suggests that the right choice is based on spiritual wisdom and principles.

The apple tree with the forbidden fruit and the Serpent directly refers to the myth of Adam and Eve. The apple on the tree symbolizes knowledge, foreshadowing upcoming trials or the agony of choice.

The mountains and golden sky create an impression of joy and harmony, symbolizing life itself. The warm tones used in the card's design speak to the triumph of love.

The Key Meaning of the Lovers Card

The Lovers card symbolizes the merging of two entities into unity. This can relate to romantic relationships but also signifies harmony between different aspects of life, such as the material and spiritual or logic and intuition. Overall, the Lovers card symbolizes choice and harmony, as well as the need to make decisions based on spiritual principles.

Another key meaning of the Lovers card is choice. This card indicates the necessity to make decisions that align with our spiritual principles and values. Additionally, the Lovers card may suggest the need to find a balance between opposites.

In general, the Lovers card reminds us to seek harmony and balance between different aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of choices and decisions that can shape our destiny.

General Meaning of the Lovers Card in the Upright Position

When the Lovers tarot card appears in the upright position, its general meaning can be interpreted as follows:

Love, attraction, or romantic relationships in general.
Non-romantic partnerships: friendships, business relationships, family bonds.
The need to choose between two paths or decisions. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, guided by both logic and intuition. The card reminds us that the choice should be deliberate and conscious, based on spiritual principles and values.
Harmony and balance in life. The card emphasizes the need to achieve harmony and balance in all aspects of life.
The importance of intuition: The Lovers card may also indicate the importance of intuition and feelings in the decision-making process.

Overall, the Lovers card in the upright position indicates romantic experiences, the importance of social interactions, high compatibility with another person, and favorable prospects for the future. It also highlights the significance of choices that can shape our destiny.

The Lovers talk about a high percentage of compatibility between two people

General Meaning of the Lovers Card in Reverse

The Lovers card in reverse can indicate the following aspects:

Disagreement and Conflict: The Lovers card in reverse may point to disagreements and conflicts between people. You might struggle to find common ground with your partner, or your opinions might clash with others.
Breakup: If the Lovers card appears in reverse, it could signal an upcoming breakup. The relationship may have peaked and could be nearing its end.
Unrequited Love: The reversed card can speak of unreciprocated feelings that cause significant emotional suffering. There might be an overflow of emotions and a lack of clear thinking.
Insecurity: The Lovers card in reverse can indicate insecurity or a lack of self-discipline. You might feel uncertain in the relationship or struggle to control your emotions.
Sexual Problems: Inability to fully enjoy sexual relationships or difficulties in intimate relationships.
Disappointment: The Lovers card in reverse can point to disappointment or grief, sadness due to unmet expectations or failures in relationships.

Overall, the Lovers card in reverse signifies an excess of feelings and emotions: jealousy, sadness, longing; as well as a lack of self-confidence or decision-making problems. However, the specific meaning of the card always depends on the context of the reading and other cards drawn.

The reversed arcana hints at a large number of emotional contradictions

The Meaning of the Lovers Card in Love, Upright Position

The Lovers card in tarot is one of the most powerful cards, often appearing in spreads related to love and relationships, notes tarot reader zoomboola.com. When the Lovers card appears upright in a love reading, it can have the following meanings:

Harmony and closeness: The Lovers card in an upright position usually indicates harmonious and successful relationships. It may be a sign that you and your partner are on the same wavelength and your love is becoming deeper and stronger.
Mutual attachment: The card can also signify deep mutual attachment and strong feelings. If you are already in a relationship, this card may indicate that you and your partner are spiritually and emotionally connected.
Romance, passion, sexual attraction: If you are seeking new relationships, this card may suggest that you will soon meet someone special.
Decision-making in relationships: If you are at the dawn of a new relationship, this card may indicate the need to make decisions and choose the right path.
Union, bringing two people closer: If you are in a relationship, this card may suggest that you and your partner will act together to achieve a common goal.
New opportunities in relationships: If you are looking for love, someone who meets your desires and needs will likely appear in your life soon.

Overall, the Lovers card in an upright position indicates harmonious relationships, attachment, romance, passion, and important decision-making.

Meaning of the Lovers Card in Love in Reversed Position

When the Lovers card appears reversed in a love reading, it can signify the following:

Breakup: The reversed Lovers card may indicate a breakup. You might be in unstable and unhappy relationships that are about to end.
Disagreements and conflicts between partners. You may struggle to find common ground or your opinions might clash with your partner's.
Relationship failures: The reversed Lovers card can warn that the current relationship won't bring you happiness. You might have invested a lot of energy and time, but the relationship hasn't met your expectations.
Insecurity or lack of self-discipline. You might feel uncertain in the relationship or unable to control your emotions.
Poor decision-making: The card suggests you're making wrong choices in your personal life. You might not see the right path due to overwhelming emotions.
Need for change. The reversed Lovers card could indicate the necessity for changes in the relationship.

Overall, the reversed Lovers card points to breakups, failures, conflicts, and insecurity. However, the specific meaning depends on the context of the reading and other cards drawn.

Inverted Lovers often talk about discord in the relationship

The Lovers as the Card of the Day

If The Lovers card appears as the Card of the Day, its meaning might be as follows:

Upright position: The Lovers card in an upright position may indicate the arrival of romantic opportunities or harmonious relationships. You might spend time with your partner or meet someone new who interests you emotionally.
Reversed position: The card draws attention to issues in relationships or suggests that you are experiencing doubts about your feelings. You may feel dissatisfied or uncertain in your relationships.

What the Lovers Card Warns About

The Lovers card closely relates to relationships in all their aspects. Its meaning depends on the context of the reading, but generally, it can warn about the following:

Need to make decisions: The Lovers card can warn about the need to make decisions in relationships. You may have to choose between two people or decide what exactly you are looking for in a relationship.
End of a relationship: You might be in an unstable relationship that will soon end.
Incompatibility in relationships: You and your partner might have different views on life or different interests.
Need to balance emotions: The card can warn that you are too emotional in the relationship, affecting your life overall.
Need to open up: The Lovers card can indicate the need to open up in a relationship. You might not fully trust your partner or are hiding your true feelings.

Advice the Lovers card might give:

Listen to your emotions and trust your feelings.
Be open and honest in relationships. Embrace new opportunities and don't be afraid to take risks.
Make your own decisions and trust your intuition.
Be ready for changes. Remember that relationships continually change and evolve.

Anita Martin astrologer