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Category: Major Arcana
The Lovers tarot card, situated within the Major Arcana, emerges as a potent symbol of love, choice, and divine union. It embodies the essence of profound connections, echoing themes of harmony, attraction, and the consequences of our choices.
The Lovers: Description
In the Rider-Waite depiction of the Lovers card, a captivating tableau unfolds before our eyes. 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.
If you don’t have the Rider-Waite Tarot deck yet, you can get it here.
The Lovers in The Marseille tarot deck: the interesting point of view of Jodorowsky
To explore the Marseille version of the Lovers card, consider delving into “The Way of Tarot,” a highly regarded book authored by Alejandro Jodorowsky. While the Marseille version of the Lovers card shares the core meaning of union with the Rider-Waite Tarot card, it boasts unique intricacies and symbols that are unique and truly captivating.
Jodorowsky emphasizes that this card should be called “the lover,” singular, and not “the lovers,” plural. He also states that this card is one of the most ambiguous and intricate in the Marseille tarot deck, and he suggests observing every single detail. For example, consider the position of the hands: there are five hands in different positions, symbolizing the complexity of the relationships of the people involved. One particular detail worth noting is whose hand is touching the belly of the young woman on the right – Is the hand of the man in the center or of the young woman herself? Both of them are wearing dresses with blue sleeves, adding to the enigmatic nature of the card.
Here we had just a glimpse, to access the full description and corresponding meanings of the Lovers card (as well as all other Tarot cards) in the Marseille tarot deck, get and browse the bestseller “The Way of Tarot”. The exquisite imagery within will also captivate your senses.
The Lovers: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Love – Eros – Unions – Harmony – Balance – Relationships – Partnerships – Values alignment – Choices
REVERSED: Self-love – disharmony – Ambiguity – Detachment – Imbalance – Insecurity – Different values – Incomprehension – Bad choices – Conflict
The Lovers: Meaning
What does The Lovers tarot card represent? The Lovers tarot card beckons us to delve into the intricate interplay of love, choices, and spiritual connections. It represents the profound trust, unity, and choices that shape our relationships and guide us toward self-discovery and personal growth. This card heralds soulful connections, passionate romance, and the beauty of profound, harmonious unions.
Here, we will unravel its meanings in both the upright and reversed positions.
Upright Meaning
When The Lovers card graces a tarot reading, it unveils a tapestry of profound harmony and compelling attractions. This 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.
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.
Furthermore, 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.
The Lovers 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.
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.
The Lovers: Love meaning
The Lovers card embodies the essence of love, unity, and profound connections. In matters of love and relationships, it signifies the presence of a soulful and deeply harmonious connection with a partner. This card suggests an intense bond, where physical attraction, emotional understanding, and spiritual resonance intertwine. The love shared becomes a fusion of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical aspects, akin to a rare and cherished soulmate connection.
However, when The Lovers card appears in reverse, it can signify challenges on the horizon. Disagreements on critical matters may arise, leaving a sense of discord in the air. This may manifest as emotional distance, a feeling of growing apart, or a perceived loss of the closeness you once shared.
For singles, the Lovers card heralds the arrival of a significant relationship. It goes beyond mere infatuation, promising a powerful connection with a potential life partner. The presence of this card suggests romance, passion, and a genuine understanding that transcends the ordinary.
The Lovers: Key symbols
The Lovers card in the Rider-Waite Tarot is a symbol of profound significance. Let’s explore its main symbols, as through their vivid representation, it reminds us of the delicate balance between physical desire and divine aspirations.
The apple tree and 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.
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 tree of flames
On the other side, a tree ablaze with flames represents the man’s passion and desire. The twelve flames correspond to the twelve zodiac signs, embodying the concept of time and eternity.
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.
The Lovers: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
While certain interpretations might lead one to believe that The Lovers card holds a definitive “Yes” in yes or no tarot readings, the truth is far more intricate. Tarot doesn’t deal in absolutes. The future is uncertain and unpredictable, but our feelings and actions hold the power to shape it. Tarot’s profound essence lies in its capacity to awaken us to the awareness of our ability to make choices and actively influence the course of our lives.
For deeper insights into yes or no tarot readings, delve into our article about how to navigate the complexity of yes and no Tarot readings.
