Major Arcana #6
Astrology: Libra and Gemini
Planets: Mercury and Venus
Symbol: The 6 pointed star
Divinatory Message: The message of The Lovers card is about attraction, desire, magnetism, choice, beauty and relationship, trials and tribulations.
In essence, the trump card of The Lovers represents the first and most obvious pleasure of youth. Almost everyone remembers the first time they fell in love or their first kiss. And almost everyone remembers the first time they had their heart broken - no matter if you were the dumper or dumpee - rejection.
In classical mythology the power of love fell under the sway of two deities - a mother and son duo - namely Venus and Cupid. Stories that are generally accepted is that Cupid was fathered by Mars; others that his father was Vulcan or even Jupiter. Many tales have been told about the many loves of Venus yet the one thing we know for sure is that she inspired great passion. And had many choices (of lovers).
I mainly interpret the card as meaning choice because - we all have the power of choice and Free Will. I mean, how many of us have made a bone-head choice or decision that has come back to bite us in the butt with woeful regret?
In many of the older tarot decks Cupid is always with his arrows, floating just above the enamored couple. The Tarot de Marseille makes it rather clear that the choice is between two women:
Yet the Rider Waite-Smith deck has changed the image to reflect the “manisfestation and the point of human existence” where the ultimate form of creativity is love, by inserting an image of Archangel Raphael where Cupid once had the place of prominence (see first image). It also points to love as being between a man and a woman, only - (sort of).
However my trusty, tried and true La Vera Sibilla contains only an image of Cupido thereby implying that one can fall in love no matter if it’s two men/a man and a woman/two women or even a love of money and/or recognition. It’s meaning is quite clear - no ambiguity there. It is called quite simply, “Amore”. Cupid here is blindfolded which means he doesn’t have a clear shot. That kind of “accuracy” has the ability…"to make those who are ugly beautiful”. And I’m not just referring to physical beauty.
Upright keywords (U): Commitment, attraction, love, decisions, unification, balance, harmony, erotic experience(s), inspiratin (ideas from above).
Some upright meanings:
This card may often refer to the “soul mate” or romantic unions we encounter during our lives, but can refer to the same but mean a mis-match of energies. (This is why I will always give warning about this card).
It can indicate that a new relationship may take on a deeper significance that first thought or may indicate any old problems/issues will be overcome.
Appearing upright in a reading may be an indication that it is a most opportune time to alter areas or aspects of your life you may find are currently causing dissatisfaction.
Implies that choice/choices and or decisions will be very important. With careful consideration, make firm decisions, follow through on them. It should turn out positively.
Reversed Keywords (R): Discord, confusion, disagreements, arguments, bad decisions, pressure and procrastination.
Some reversed interpretations include:
Temptations loom large and can be very strong. This may seem extremely attractive at the moment but you are asked to stop and consider everything very, very carefully.
Reversed in a reading may be the possible indication of a love triangle, cheating, a too hasty marriage or disharmony within a relationship.
It may depict a situation where strong opposition is felt and this may cause great concern.
Appearing reversed in a reading may imply that the probability of making a wrong decision or choice. It warns against making hasty choices/decisions and even warns of not making a decision at all. Now may not be the time to make a move. Leave the important issues unresolved for the moment. Check in with your heart and emotions for the best time that suits you and the situation.
Whenever The Lovers makes an appearance in a spread you know that the light of Venus has fallen upon you or someone close to you. But it could just as easily be that you/him/her is confronted with an emotional choice of some kind - either your own or one which has to be decided upon by someone else involved.
Personal Note: I will be conducting an Open Reading tomorrow on my channel, but won’t be providing one again until 26 December. The next one will be 2 January 2024 - can you believe that we are already in 2024!?
Until then…be good to Yourselves.
Tara, xo