The Lovers Tarot Card
Symbols
Angel, Adam and Eve, Apple tree with a serpent, Tree of flames, Sun, Volcanic mountain
Qualities
Love, Harmony, Union, Choice, Balance, Relationships, Commitment, Alignment of values.
Symbology
A potent symbol of love, choice, and divine union. The Lovers tarot card embodies the essence of profound connections, echoing themes of harmony, attraction, and the consequences of our choices.
In the Rider-Waite depiction of the Lovers card, a captivating tableau unfolds. At its center stands a man and a woman, bared and vulnerable, casting their gaze towards an angelic presence above. This celestial being is Raphael, the angel of air, who serves as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. Raphael’s name, “God heals”, alludes to both physical and emotional healing.
The couple finds themselves enveloped in a lush, fertile landscape reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. This idyllic setting symbolizes the innocence and purity of their connection, as well as the choices they are about to make. Behind the woman, an apple tree stands tall, with a serpent winding its way up the trunk. This serpent, a nod to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, represents the temptation of sensual pleasures that may divert one’s focus from the divine.
On the other side of the couple, a tree of flames blazes, signifying the fervor and passion that reside within the man. The twelve flames adorning the tree correspond to the twelve zodiac signs, emblematic of time and eternity. This juxtaposition between the lush tree and the fiery tree represents the interplay between physical desire, emotional needs, and spiritual aspirations.
In the background of the Rider-Waite Lovers card, there rises a towering volcanic mountain. It alludes to the explosive eruption of passion when two individuals come together in a state of profound vulnerability.
Meanings & Keywords
The Lovers card signifies more than just the union of two individuals. It resonates as a symphony of the heart, weaving together the threads of love, choice, and spiritual connection. Let’s explore its meanings in both upright and reversed positions.
Upright Meaning
In its upright position, The Lovers embodies a unique bond, one that radiates trust and unity, imparting strength and confidence to those it touches. This card often heralds the deepening of relationships, transcending mere infatuation and leading to a union that goes beyond the ordinary.
The Lovers card serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of choice. It presents a juncture where decisions must be made, paths chosen with care. These choices are symbolic crossroads, where individuals are encouraged to align their actions with their true selves and core values.
On a personal level, The Lovers beckon us to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It invites us to forge our belief systems, unshackled by societal norms, and to stand firm in our convictions. This card embodies the spirit of authenticity and personal growth, encouraging us to embrace our uniqueness and nurture our inner harmony.
This card represents a natural progression from The Hierophant. The Lovers promotes individual choices and belief systems, while The Hierophant symbolizes a stage of learning from established principles, traditions and societal norms.
Upright Keywords
Love – Eros – Unions – Harmony – Balance – Relationships – Partnerships – Values alignment – Choices
Reversed Meaning
When the Lovers card appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signals a period of disharmony and detachment in relationships. Communication may falter, and conflicts may arise, leading to feelings of imbalance and indecision. This card implores us to reevaluate the reasons behind our connections and consider whether they align with our values and aspirations.
Reversed, the Lovers may indicate that emotions within a relationship are not reciprocated equally. One partner might be more emotionally invested, potentially leading to disappointment and insecurity. It serves as a reminder to honor oneself and recognize personal value.
Additionally, the Lovers reversed confronts us with moral dilemmas and challenges us to make decisions aligned with our highest good, even if they are difficult. It suggests inner conflicts and the need to reconcile our dualities to regain harmony within.
Reversed Keywords
Self-love – disharmony – Ambiguity – Detachment – Imbalance – Insecurity – Different values – Incomprehension – Bad choices – Conflict
Key Symbols
Apple tree with a serpent
Behind the woman, an apple tree with a winding serpent represents temptation and the allure of sensual pleasures. This symbolic tableau draws a compelling parallel with the timeless biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, prompting profound contemplation of the intricate tapestry woven by human choices and their enduring consequences.
The presence of the apple tree caressed by the sinuous serpent, serves as a poignant invitation to reflect upon the enduring themes of desire, knowledge, and the inexorable repercussions that unfailingly trail our decisions.
Note: the apples are four, like the elements – air, water, fire, earth – and the human senses – sight, smell, touch and taste.
Moreover, the poses of the figures in this card are similar to those in The Devil card. While in The Lovers card, the woman stands in front of the apple tree, in The Devil card, her tail ends with grapes—fruits in both cards. In contrast, the man in this card stands in front of the fiery tree, while in The Devil card, his tail ends with fire. It’s as if these cards are counterparts to one another.
The angel
Above the figures, there is an angel representing divine guidance and higher spiritual realms. The angel serves as a symbol of purity, spiritual connection, and the guidance available when making important choices in matters of the heart.
This angel – described by Waite as a “great winged figure with arms extended” – is recognized as Archangel Raphael. This celestial being extends its arms, suggesting unity or divine blessings.
The volcanic mountain
In the background, a tall volcano-shaped mountain suggests intense passion when a man and woman come together in their most vulnerable moments. This mountain takes on the shape of a phallic symbol, emphasizing heightened sexual tension.
Additionally, there might be a rocky landscape, symbolizing the challenges that can arise in relationships. This reminds us that love requires hard work, commitment, and a willingness to overcome difficulties. The rugged mountainous terrain in the scene also represents the inevitable challenges that relationships can face, serving as a reminder that love demands dedication, perseverance, and readiness to tackle obstacles.
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