The Lovers
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:Gemini
- Arcana:Major Arcana
- Suit:Trump
- Archetype:The Lover/Sexual Awakening
- Numerology:6 (cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
- Hebrew Alphabet:Zain/Sword/7
Keywords
Description
The sun shines in the zenith, and beneath is a great winged figure with arms extended, pouring down influences. In the foreground are two human figures, male and female, unveiled before each other, as if Adam and Eve when they first occupied the paradise of the earthly body. Behind the man is the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is behind the woman; the serpent is twining round it. The figures suggest youth, virginity, innocence and love before it is contaminated by gross material desire. This is in all simplicity the card of human love, here exhibited as part of the way, the truth and the life. It replaces, by recourse to first principles, the old card of marriage, which I have described previously, and the later follies which depicted man between vice and virtue. In a very high sense, the card is a mystery of the Covenant and Sabbath. The suggestion in respect of the woman is that she signifies that attraction towards the sensitive life which carries within it the idea of the Fall of Man, but she is rather the working of a Secret Law of Providence than a willing and conscious temptress. It is through her imputed lapse that man shall arise ultimately, and only by her can he complete himself. The card is therefore in its way another intimation concerning the great mystery of womanhood. The old meanings fall to pieces of necessity with the old pictures, but even as interpretations of the latter, some of them were of the order of commonplace and others were false in symbolism.
Light Meaning
- Being in love
- Showing your love to others
- Expressing passion or romantic feelings
- Aligning yourself with groups or like-minded others
- Bringing people together
- Making well-informed decisions
Shadow Meaning
- Debilitating passion
- Allowing an unhealthy desire for love to motivate destructive behavior
- Disrupting unity
- Working against the best interests of those who care about you
- Ill-informed decisions
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •What guides my choices?
- •What is my heart leading me to do?
- •How might this decision transform me as a person?
Personal Meaning
Recognize your connection to the people and animals in your life, and celebrate these relationships. This card can also signify the entrance of a soul mate into your life. Be careful, however, in waiting for that special someone, that you do not forget that everyone you have chosen to share your life with is a special gift and should be celebrated. Do not take anyone for granted.
You felt the need to establish a strong connection with the people and animals in your life. A special friend or soulmate may have come into your life.
Recognize your connection to the people and animals in your life, and celebrate these relationships. You have chosen your relationships to learn great lessons, to provide you with love and support through your difficult times, and to give you great joy. Take the time to look around you and recognize the divine in your partners in life. Let yourself remember the love the led you to these beings in the first place.This card can also signify the entrance of a soul mate into your life. Be careful, however, in waiting for that special someone, that you do not forget that everyone you have chosen to share your life with is a special gift and should be celebrated. Do not take anyone for granted.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Trouble finding and keeping meaningful relationships. Love is more than a feeling; love is a decision made with understanding and commitment. You cannot fill the empty void with any external source of love. You must first find it within yourself.
You felt alone and disconnected. What you were searching for was already yours; you just didn't recognize it, or forgot that it was there.
You may be having trouble finding what you want in your relationships. What you are searching for is already yours; you just don't recognize it, or have forgotten that it's there. Love is more than a feeling; love is a decision made with understanding and commitment. You cannot fill the empty void with any external source of love. You must first find it within yourself.
Fortune Telling
- •A new personal or professional relationship blossoms
- •Sexual opportunities abound
- •Unexpectedly, a friend becomes a lover
Mythical / Spiritual Context
Obviously, Adam and Eve, who are depicted in RWS-influenced decks. Also Venus and Cupid, Aphrodite and Eros.