Image © Patti Wigington
The Lovers stand together in harmony, honest and open with one another.
A heavenly being hovers in the sky, beneath the Sun, and he is the angel Raphael. He is looking down upon two nude figures, a man and a woman. She symbolizes the subconscious mind, the High Priestess and the Empress, while the man by her side is the Magician and the Emperor. Behind the woman is the tree of knowledge, and a serpent twines through its branches and offers the tempting fruit. These two lovers stand here in harmony, hiding nothing from one another, and they know that to have a successful life together they must find balance between the conscious mind and their subconscious desires.
In some decks, this card is portrayed as one man standing between two women, and clearly being forced to make a choice between them. When the Lovers appear, it traditionally indicates someone who must make a decision and overcome temptation. The Lovers show us that we have choices, and that we are beings who struggle between sacred and profane love. This card represents the balance between the inner and outer aspects of our lives.
When reversed, the Lovers show us the possibility of poor choices, quarrels, and infidelity spawned by temptation. This card indicates a need to stabilize the emotions and get in check with our rational selves, and to put aside our carnal desires.
In some decks, this card is portrayed as one man standing between two women, and clearly being forced to make a choice between them. When the Lovers appear, it traditionally indicates someone who must make a decision and overcome temptation. The Lovers show us that we have choices, and that we are beings who struggle between sacred and profane love. This card represents the balance between the inner and outer aspects of our lives.
When reversed, the Lovers show us the possibility of poor choices, quarrels, and infidelity spawned by temptation. This card indicates a need to stabilize the emotions and get in check with our rational selves, and to put aside our carnal desires.