The Lovers represents the first decision that the soul must make on its life path. The young individual must choose between staying young or maturing and developing his own individuality. This is the stage of separation and individuation. The Lovers symbolizes the choice between breaking away from one’s origins and moving in a direction for which he or she is solely responsible. It is the path to adulthood.
The Lovers’ correlation number is six. Sixes represent peace, partnership, cooperation, and self-acceptance. It is the calm after the storm. The Lovers tarot card meaning relates to finding peace through the recognition of the self as a whole and distinct person. This, of course, is a process and is often filled with periods of anxiety and sadness. Although there is great freedom to discover one’s own independence, there is also sadness at the loss of early attachments.
In a tarot reading, the Lovers also reflect the concept of duality. There is the feminine and the masculine. There is union and individuation. The goal of lovers is to strike a balance between the two. You must remain an individual in a society. The same can be said for the masculine and feminine aspects of oneself. For the Lovers, man represents the path of external activities. It is the path of self-sufficiency and purpose. The female represents one’s dedication to one’s inner world, a world of feeling and sensitivity.
One of the negative aspects of the Lovers Tarot card meanings is disunity and separation without individuation. It is the individual who has not fully individuated and therefore tends to lose their sense of self in a relationship. When Lovers reversed appear in your tarot reading, there is always the concern that one does not have the maturity to have a successful partnership. This often manifests through infidelity, lack of commitment, and internal conflict. Usually this reflects one’s reluctance to take responsibility. The reverse can also be true. One can be obsessive, hedonistic and jealous.
- A fork in the road
- The need to make an important choice or decision.
- a new relationship
- Commitment
- need for healing
Upright Lovers Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading
When the Lovers appear in a tarot reading, it usually suggests that an important life decision needs to be made. This choice will often yield two very different results, so you should carefully examine the repercussions of each choice. Lovers can also indicate a moment of revelation that will provide you with a solution to a problem that has been troubling you. You may find yourself being tested before making the transition to a new phase of life.
In terms of a relationship, Lovers can indicate that love and marriage may be occupying your thoughts. There may be a new relationship coming into your life, one that will have a significant impact. You may have to choose between two potential partners. If you have not yet found a significant partner, Lovers in an upright position indicate that you are emotionally and spiritually ready.
Tarot Card Meanings of Reversed Lovers in a Tarot Reading
In a tarot reading, Lovers reversed can indicate that you will have problems in your relationship. There may be harsh words and hurt feelings. This may be a good time to explore whether your relationships are healthy. You or your partner may be experiencing a fear of commitment. Reversed Lovers can also indicate infidelity. You or your partner may not have the maturity to endure a lasting relationship and temptation issues may arise. There is a need for accountability and responsibility. Perhaps, there is a reluctance to grow.
On another level, the Lovers in reverse reveals that one has not chosen the right path. Your moral integrity may be a concern. When Lovers reversed appear in your tarot spread, it’s important to examine where you are on your path to individuation. Are you giving too much power to the relationships in your life? Do you have a partner who serves as a mother or father figure? If so, this may not be in your best interest. Maybe you stay in a relationship out of fear of being alone. No matter what the case, ultimately you have to be willing to accept that you’re okay with or without a partner.
- making a bad decision
- fear of compromise
- Infidelity
- Conflict within self or relationship
- the end of a relationship