The Lovers VI

Keywords & phrases

• Relationship, passion, the need for connection
• Twin flames
• Choose love
• Balance, harmony and heart-centredness
• Blessings, divinity in sexual union
• Healthy choices, healthy boundaries
• Self-love, respect of self and others
• Commitment

First impressions

First impressions of this card tell us it relates to love, sex, relationship, marriage and commitment.

What is happening in the card?

In this traditional version of the Lovers, we see a couple in the Garden of Eden, receiving a blessing from a flame-haired Angel who fills the sky, in the full light and warmth of the sun. In the background is a volcano.

The card also depicts a burning bush and the Tree of Knowledge bearing the forbidden fruit and temptation in the form of the Serpent.

How can we relate to this card?

The Lovers card speaks to us of relationships and how we choose to show up in our lives and relationships with ourselves and with others.

The individuals in the card represent two beautiful twin flames (as depicted in other decks, such as The Spacious Tarot by Carrie Mallon and Annie Ruygt) entwined yet independent and autonomous in themselves within the relationship. They are bonded and aligned, neither a slave to the other or to love.

We can choose how we are in our lives, loves and relationships. Respecting healthy boundaries, treating ourselves with love and care as we would treat others in our lives and want to be treated ourselves.

Message & affirmations

I choose to show up in my relationships with love, respect and compassion for myself and others.

My personal experiences of this card

I see this card as a prompt to focus on my relationship with myself as well as with others.

We don’t have to be involved in a romantic relationship to understand or feel connected to the energy of this card. For me, the ideal this card promotes is to be connected one to another while still retaining your sovereignty within a relationship – and respecting the sovereignty of another. And this comes down to healthy, respectful boundaries and choices. And committing.

Here are my favourite Lovers cards. 

Events, situations & readings

In a career spread:
Making choices that are balanced and healthy in terms of my work/life balance. Choosing to do work and work in a way that respects others and their boundaries.

In a relationship spread:
Consider how we show up in all our relationships. The choices we make and how they affect others. Do we treat our loved ones with compassion and respect for their humanity and autonomy? Do we respect what they bring to the relationship? And do we respect ourselves within the relationship?

Taken a little more literally, The Lovers indicate love, sex and passion… 

Reversed:
In reversal, The Lovers may represent a lack of commitment or resistance to making a choice and sticking to it. This card could also indicate unhealthy choices.

People & interaction with other cards

The Devil can be seen as the Shadow side of the Lovers. Similar balance in the composition of the image in the RWS and other decks. The Devil with the Lovers might be a warning to examine our choices and behaviours in relationships… are we making healthy choices? Are we bonded or in bondage in our relationships?

With the 2 of Cups, the energy is one of mutual love and reciprocity in a relationship. Perhaps a reconciliation of some sort within a relationship.

When appearing with other 6s, the focus is on compassion, balance and harmony. And with the 6 of Cups, something relating to an old love or past relationship may be coming up that needs your attention or to be processed.

Questions, prompts & insights

How are you showing up in your relationships right now?

How can I create more love, harmony and balance in my life and relationships?

Am I objectifying/being objectified in relationship? Is there mutual respect and self-respect?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.  Also featured images from  The Spacious Tarot by Carrie Mallon and Annie Ruygt, The Field Tarot by Hanna Fofana and from The Fountain Tarot by Jonathan Saiz, Jason Gruhl and Andi Todaro