The Lovers

 The Lovers: cooperation, choice, sexual energy, bonding, union
Key Words: Sex, Love, Health, Union, Trust, Passion, Temptation, Vulnerability, Communication

This is the Tarot card of love and all it includes. The card represents the aspects of our lives that deal with passion, infatuation, sex, arousal, and all those things that heat us up  They are what attracts us. This card comes up when we are contemplating a new romance, when we’re obsessed with another person, or when we are in more than one amorous relationship. This card also represents the developing of a partnership in business, friendship and family.

When we talk about the subject of lovers, there are other factors that come into play. Such as issues relating to trust, respect, devotion, commitment, compatibility and compassion. In fact, any time we enter a new relationship, whether it be for love or friendship, we are in a give and take position. Relationships require an awareness of two and we most give as much as we take from the relationship. The Lovers card is a reminder that balance is essential. Although the heightened experience of whirlwind passion is incredibly delicious – deep inside we know that this experience alone doesn’t make a solid foundation.

This is the card that asks the question, “is your head and your heart united?” Decisions, when made out of love, are always the wisest choice. Your heart knows the truth. It is time you pay attention to it. Honor, respect and celebrate the love you have in all forms. Be it friendship, spirituality, caring, passion, or even self-love.

This is where temptation makes its appearance. We’re tempted by the trappings of certain things in a relationship (sex, money, prestige) but at its core, the Lovers card represents “the complete package,” and this card reminds us that we are all capable of having that whole package deal in a relationship. 

Key Symbols:

Angel: represents divine messages. Angelic messages may be received from another person or may come to us on a subconscious level in dreams or through meditation. Angels guide and care for us. The message received from them will be for our highest good. Some card sets depict the archangel Raphael behind the lovers with open arms – an expression of blessing and healing. Raphael is often associated with health and the healing arts, and this is where the card gains its healing attribute.

Clouds: usually representing thought, the color of the clouds can signify thought. When clouds are sparse or white, they mean, clear thought or sudden epiphany. It they are grey clouds, the represent confusion or that emotions are getting in the way.

Eye Contact: Their eyes locked and looking deeply indicates an unspoken form of communication. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and when we are in a relationship we open our souls to each other. Eye contact is all about subtle expression and communication. This version of the Lovers card clearly expresses the importance of communication on all levels of a loving relationship.

Lily: Identified as a symbol of purity, innocence and fertility. The lily also symbolizes vulnerability, and the freedom to be ourselves, as well as allowing our partner to be as he/she is too. With no restraints or expectations, relationships take on a more natural development. The lily is also a symbolic flower of health and provision.

Mountain: the mountain or hill represents challenges. This well lead to growth when overcome. The size or steepness of the hill or mountain usually represents the size of the problem or challenge that needs to be overcome. In the Lovers’ card, there is a large mountain between the couple, that must be overcome in order to achieve the connection. 

Naked or Nudity: is the ultimate form of expression and the ultimate letting off of our guard. After the clothes are off – there’s nothing more to hide. It is an external expression of complete trust and vulnerability. Nudity is a powerful expression – it gets the point across that something very profound (trust, love, self) is being shared here. The tenderness pictured in this card really gets its point across that love and being loved is a very sacred thing. It is being open and honest to except messages from the spirit world.

Snake: The creature that sheds it’s skin, has many layers. In the story of Adam and Eve, the snake represents evil. It has represents the “shedding” of old ideas, regeneration and healing. It is a phallic symbol and represents sexuality, masculinity but also, feminine power. It is they symbol of power in the Chinese horoscope, can be seen as cunning, cautious and associated with wisdom.

Sun: The symbol of life, growth, creativity, happiness, clarity and the masculine essence. The sun represents the self and the ego.

 

Key Questions:
When the Lovers card comes up:

How do I feel about trusting others?
How do I feel about my relationships?
Am I being honest about my relationships?
Do I need to pay closer attention to my health?
What relationships in my life do I need to re-examine?
Am I always on my guard or can I allow myself to be vulnerable?
What will it take for me to have a passionate, loving, trusting relationship?

The Lovers:
Major Arcana
Chakra: Heart Chakra
I Ching: Xian
Runes: Gebo, Ehwaz
Number 6
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Rules: Gemini
Colors: Yellow, Beige
Crystal: Agate, Ametrine, Rose Quartz

Characteristics: Changeable, witty, curious, spontaneous, talkative, social. Beginning of a new romance, happiness, harmony, trust, positive energy. The Lovers are actually one person having to make a choice between two others! It is also a symbol of the duality (Gemini) of our minds. Some deck see the angel as Cupid who already has his arrow aimed at a pre-destined choice. This shows us that sometimes, our choices are decided by external influences that are beyond our human control. The power of destiny at work. The lover are flanked by two opposing energies vying for his attention… the dignified, spiritual choice or the tempting, material desires, the power of reason or the power of passion, the noble intellect or the yearning for passion. His head is turned to the right, while his body is turned to the left. In order to become a fully rounded individual, he will have to reconcile with both aspects of his nature.