THE LOVERS

RELATIONSHIP
SEXUALITY
PERSONAL BELIEFS
VALUES

[ Actions ] [ Opposing Cards ] [ Reinforcing Cards ] [ Description ] [ Reversed? ]

ACTIONS

relating to others: establishing bonds
feeling love
forming a union or marriage
acknowledging kinship
sympathizing with another
getting closer
making a connection
being intimate
being sexual: seeking union
experiencing desire
making love
opening to another
responding with passion
feeling a physical attraction
tapping inner energy
establishing personal beliefs: questioning received opinions
figuring out where you stand
staying true to yourself
setting your own philosophy
going by your own standards
making up your own mind
determining values: struggling with temptation
choosing between right and wrong
facing an ethical or moral choice
refusing to let ends justify means
finding out what you care about

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Hierophant - established beliefs
Hermit - being alone, not relating, less sexuality
Five of Cups - loss in relationships
Three of Swords - rejection, separation

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Empress - sexual fulfillment, pleasure
Two of Cups - union, marriage, connection
Nine of Cups - sexual pleasure
Ten of Cups - family relationships, bonding
Ten of Pentacles - permanent unions, family ties

DESCRIPTION

The Lovers is one card that is easy to remember. Love and sex are riveting subjects, and, as you'd expect, this card represents both. The urge for union is powerful, and, in its highest form, takes us beyond ourselves. That is why an angel is blessing the bond between the man and woman on this card.

In readings, Card 6 often refers to a relationship that is based on deep love - the strongest force of all. The relationship may not be sexual, although it often is or could be. More generally, the Lovers can represent the attractive force that draws any two entities together in a relationship - whether people, ideas, events, movements or groups.

Card 6 can also stand for tough value choices and the questioning that goes with them. In some decks, the Lovers shows a man torn between two women - a virgin and a temptress. This rather old-fashioned triangle symbolizes the larger dilemmas we face when we are tempted between right and wrong.

The Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical crossroads - a decision point where you must choose between the high road or the low road. This card can also represent your personal beliefs because to make such a decision you must know where you stand. Following your own path can mean going against those who are urging you in a direction that is wrong for you.