The Lovers Tarot Card Meaning
This sixth card of the Major Arcana offers a duality of meanings. The Lovers card is often understood as an indicator of a strong relationship, whether romantic or platonic. Similarly, The Lovers can represent an upcoming crossroads or major decision, one which should be considered carefully.
Illustration Credit: Violetta Astanina
- Element: Air
- Planet: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Gemini
- Key dates: May 21 to June 20
VISUAL ELEMENTS AND SYMBOLISM
This card displays two figures positioned on either side of a grassy plain: a man and a woman, both unclothed. Behind each figure is a tree. Behind the woman is a fruit-bearing tree that is being climbed by a serpent. This imagery references the biblical Garden of Eden. The man is positioned in front of a tree tipped with twelve pointed flames. These twelve flames represent the signs of the astrological zodiac, as well as the man’s own fierce passions.
In the center of the card is the angel Raphael, lording over his domain of the air. Raphael witnesses The Lovers and offers his blessings. Raphael’s domain, that of air, is similarly associated with communication and openness which he grants the pair. Between the two figures are symbols of sexuality, the domineering and masculine mountain, and the meandering, feminine river. These symbols represent our two lovers who are captured in a fleeting moment of love and joy.
THE LOVERS CARD AS A PERSON
Each zodiac sign is associated with a tarot card, with pairings determined by the numerical order of each. The Lovers card, therefore, represents the zodiac sign of Gemini and carries its associated meanings of love, choice, and relationships.
Those who select this card may feel as if they are at the crossroads of a major decision that should be considered with the utmost caution. These upcoming decisions may prove extremely influential in your daily life.
The Lovers also suggests heartfelt, emotional passion in your decision-making. This may demonstrate the potential to make passionate decisions or otherwise lose oneself to emotional and physical temptation.
THE LOVERS UPRIGHT
When drawn in the upright position, The Lovers represents a strong emotional connection filled with passion, communication, and understanding. Remain confident in your romantic endeavors, and in any upcoming decisions you may find yourself contemplating.
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
The sixth card symbolizes an ideal relationship based on mutual attraction and communication. When drawn in reference to a current relationship, feel empowered to know that your union is strong and healthy. Relationships associated with The Lovers are founded in a deep trust and understanding of each other and have the resilience to weather difficult decisions as well as any obstacles in your way.
This card may also suggest that a current surface-level relationship may blossom into something more when pursued with mutual attraction. Relationships built on The Lovers’ passion have the potential to realize a deep and true love with the proper devotion and loyalty.
CAREER
The Lovers card often foreshadows upcoming decisions whose effects will be far-reaching and influential. This card warns against hasty decision-making born from passion alone and offers the chance to fully consider each option. Once your decision is made, however, remain confident in what you have chosen. Hesitation in this way can impede your chances for success and satisfaction.
When entering into a business endeavor under the influence of The Lovers, know that your partnerships will be successful when supported with mutual respect and compromise. These business relationships will remain prosperous for as long as you maintain a commitment to your own success and happiness.
MONEY
The Lovers is a card of overall prosperity and success. This relationship extends into the financial realm as well. Once again, open communication is the key to successful endeavors and may allow you to receive the monetary assistance or success that you desire.
This card also rewards passion and instinct, offering the opportunity for financial gain when you are committed to following your heart. When under the influence of The Lovers, you may feel encouraged to take calculated risks in order to best pursue your own passions and ideas.
HEALTH
The Lovers represents strength, passion, and heart. Whether physical or emotional, remain steadfast in the knowledge that you will gain strength in your endeavors. This may also refer to a strengthening of emotional health, perhaps after a period of hardship.
THE LOVERS REVERSED
In contrast to The Lovers’ meaning when drawn upright, a reversed card may suggest incompatibility or a state of miscommunication in your relationships. Be cautious in evaluating the truths of your relationships and the trust that you hold.
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
While an upright card represents a balanced and stable relationship, the opposite is true for a reversed drawing of The Lovers. Consider this card a warning to reassess your romantic relationships for issues in communication and trust. When a lack of communication begins to affect a relationship, animosity, mistrust, and irritation can easily overwhelm you.
The balance of personal romantic relationships may feel unequal with the presence of a reversed Lovers card. One partner may feel as if they are devoting more time, money, or energy to the relationship which can easily lead to resentment. These issues are again born from a lack of communication and mutual respect, an integral aspect of The Lovers.
When in a position such as this, allow yourself the opportunity to assess your own emotional needs. With proper loyalty, trust, and active open communication, The Lovers can act as a necessary sign to evaluate your relationships before irreparable damage is done.
CAREER
Traditionally, this card warns of the importance of upcoming decisions. When it is drawn as a reversed card, remain cautious of temptation. Passion may overwhelm you, as can selfishness and mistrust in relationships.
While you may find yourself willing to take risks to further yourself in your career, make sure to consider each decision carefully and with a complete understanding of your own emotional needs.
MONEY
A reversed Lovers card may warn against an overabundance of passion when it comes to financial decisions. The whims of passion can easily blind you to monetary constraints and important crossroads which may affect your overall financial health. Take this opportunity to consider your current economic relationship and whether or not it serves your best interests.
HEALTH
You may find yourself faced with a difficult decision in healing from past trauma, whether physical or emotional. Remain dedicated to your own well-being and passions, and look towards fostering a relationship with yourself to prioritize healing.
YOUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Past, present, and future tarot spreads can allow you to gain insight into a specific situation in your life, or to track the progression of your sense of self.
Drawing The Lovers card in the past position indicates history and stability. For some, this may mean that romantic relationships have dictated a significant portion of your life. Perhaps you have been with one partner for a long period of time, or perhaps you are dwelling on past feelings that may or may not be returned. For long-term partners, this card represents stability and endurance. For newer relationships, The Lovers may suggest introspection into your past before committing wholly.
In the present position, The Lovers indicates current strength and growth in emotional aspects. Blossoming relationships are encouraged by its associations with happiness, open communication, and devotion. The card may also indicate that a new shift in your personal self is about to take place, whether that comes in the form of a new relationship, personal success and growth, or simply satisfaction in your life.
The future position of The Lovers is one of change and passion. If you desire a romantic relationship, now may be the time to push for a deeper connection with those around you and to step out of your comfort zone in ways you haven’t before. Those in a relationship should push for more communication and harmony with their current partners, and revel in the opportunity for growth that this card provides.
IMPORTANT CARD COMBINATIONS
The Lovers card shows unity, passion, and communication. When combined with the meanings of different cards, these ideals may be emphasized or challenged.
LOVERS AND TOWER
These cards share significant symbolic meaning, making their combination significant. Both cards feature two figures and repeat the numeric “6” in their positioning.
As opposed to the representation of communication, love, and unity that The Lovers card provides, The Tower shows its two figures being cast away and separated from each other. Together, these cards may warn against upcoming emotional turmoil and separation for any number of your personal relationships. It is best to tread lightly during this time.
LOVERS AND TEN OF CUPS
The Ten of Cups is a card of happiness, connection, and emotional fulfillment. Alongside the symbolism of The Lovers, these cards can often mean that wholehearted devotion is soon to be in your future. Relationships fostered from the combination of these two cards will combine the communication and emotional passion represented in The Lovers card, as well as the devotion and familial commitment that The Ten of Cups demonstrates.
LOVERS AND DEVIL
The symbolic duality of The Lovers and The Devil cards can be seen in their similar representations of unclothed figures. Instead of the angel Raphael, a devil is shown to be witnessing the two figures. These cards act as mirrors of each other and often usher in dramatic change or transformation.
These cards together may also act as a warning to evaluate your current relationship. Passion can often be overwhelmed with toxicity, destruction, and anger if not properly maintained.
LOVERS AND SUN
The Sun card is an overwhelmingly positive symbol. It acts as an indication that you are in control of your fate, and that your plans will easily come to fruition. When combined with The Lovers, feel encouraged by the fact that your relationships will enter into an especially passionate and joyful period when both partners are in balance.
THE LOVERS: YES OR NO?
At its core, The Lovers represents progress and passion. This card is a “yes” in moving towards decisions of growth and success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES THE LOVERS CARD MEAN IN A LOVE READING?
This card demonstrates true, passionate love. When drawn in a love reading, know that there is the potential for a near-perfect match when communication and trust are properly fostered.
WHAT DOES THE REVERSED LOVERS CARD MEAN?
A reversed card warns of miscommunication and instability within a current relationship. Be wary of dishonesty or inequality in your personal life, and address potential problems with vigor.
WHAT IS THE LOVERS CARD’S MEANING IN A FUTURE READING?
In regards to the future, The Lovers encourages exploration and openness to love, success, and personal growth. Still, remain vigilant of your own needs and expectations.
IS THE LOVERS A YES OR NO CARD?
The Lovers encourages decisions of passion and happiness, representing a resounding “yes” in matters of choice.