The Lovers Tarot Card
Today we are doing a deep dive into one very specific tarot card that can have a very big impact on a lot of people… The Lovers the major arcana card number 6. We will explore the meaning of this card, how it impacts a reading, how you can incorporate the message of the Lovers in your daily life, crystal associations, and even affirmations you can use with this powerful card.
The Lovers Tarot Card Meaning
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Talk to any tarot reader and they will tell you, the most common questions they get are around love and relationships. So it is no wonder the Lovers tarot card is such a popular card. For many, when they see the Lovers turn up during a reading, especially one framed around love, their eyes light up. But should they be thrilled to see this card? Or is the message in the Lovers something else entirely?
The Lovers Card Imagery and Artwork
You can watch a video of the Lovers Tarot Cards on the Forging Magic YouTube Channel.
Rider Waite-Smith
First, let’s take a look at the imagery on the Lovers card in the traditional Rider Waite-Smith Tarot Deck.
The traditional Rider Waite-Smith deck features a man and a woman on either side, completely naked. The man is looking at the woman, while the woman is looking up at a glorious angel filling the sky. Their arms and wings outstretched, dressed in a heavy robe. Above the angel the sky is filled with a blazing sun. Below the angel is fluffy clouds.
The two humans are standing on barren ground, their heads in the clouds. Behind each is a tree. The tree behind the woman is filled with ripe, red fruit, but among the branches is a yellow snake or serpent. Behind the man is another tree, but this one has all of its branches in flames.
In the distance, we see a single mountain, or perhaps a volcano waiting to erupt (sometimes tarot is very on the nose!).
Other Imagery
Across different Tarot decks we see a wide range of imagery, but it always comes back to connection and love. Check out the art on these Lovers cards from various Tarot decks.
Tarot de Marseille – Johann Hess 1750
True Black Tarot
Oak, Ash and Thorn
Smoke, Ash and Embers
Witches Tarot
Nameless One
Children of Litha
Celtic Dragon Tarot
The Lovers Card Meaning
In the Major Arcana, the Lovers is card number 6, right between the Hierophant and the Chariot. Six is the symbol of balance and harmony. In Numerology, the number 6 represents the energies of love, nurturing, and family.
Themes and Keywords
The themes and keywords of the Lovers card are:
- Love
- Relationships
- Romance
- Passion
- Attraction
- Decisions and choices
- The choice between two paths
- Commitment
- Unity
- Duality
Astrological Correspondence
The Lovers Card corresponds with Gemini, symbolizing twins, duality, choices and air. Air is associated with communication, which is key for healthy, loving relationships.
Lovers Tarot Card Crystal Associations
When working with the Lovers card or building a love altar, you can use crystals to enhance your tarot work. Here are some crystal associations you can use in your practice.
- Rose Quartz – the crystal of love
- Blue Agate – to enhance communication in relationships
- Amethyst – a healer of the heart
- Emerald – the stone of successful love and domestic bliss (this is what I have in my engagement ring)
- Carnelian – for fiery, passionate love (get that volcano erupting!)
The Lovers Card Angel
The angel is Raphael, the angel of air, who is of the same element of the zodiac sign that governs this card: Gemini. Raphael appears to be giving his blessing for the union and provides a bigger, cosmic energy to the card.
In the Tales Behind Tarot, the story of the Lovers Card includes a special message from the Angel to the Fool. “It all starts and ends with love, and every decision, if made with love, is the right decision at the time. I must follow my heart and love myself – that is the key. It may take me away from here and down a new path, but I must be true to myself.“
The Garden of Eden
The naked man and woman, the fruit tree =, the snake or serpent, along with the tree of flames, reminds us of the Garden of Eden and the biblical story of Adam and Eve with the apple tree. Eve’s tree is the Tree of Knowledge, while Adam’s tree has 12 flames representing the 12 zodiac signs. More than a warning, the trees offer enlightenment about the temptation of sensual pleasure which can distract you from the divine path. They show that with every choice comes risks and rewards. One must consider their choices carefully, but lead with their intuition and heart.
The Lovers Card in a Tarot Spread
When the Lovers card appears in a Tarot reading it usually refer to the importance of love and connections in a persons life. This could be the importance of a specific relationship, but look beyond just a romantic relationship, it could be a business partnership, soulmate or friend or family member. Or it could also reference self love. The value and key role love plays in the situation will be based on the question asked and the surrounding cards.
Don’t forget that our people are sky-clad with everything hanging out. The Lovers card reminds us that to truly experience love and a powerful bond with another we need to be vulnerable, open, and trusting. That both parties need to be all in when it comes to working together, to make each other the best they can be. They need honesty, compassion and to empower each other. Together they are confident, united and filled with passion as they navigate the world. Their union blessed by a greater cosmic force.
But before the Lovers unite, they need to make a choice. Is this the right time (and person) to fully let go, strip down, and trust in this person? Or do they need to work on other things first to establish a sound and healthy foundation upon which they can build those connections? Or perhaps there is a greater choice between following ones heart or head. But when your head is in the clouds, can you really make the best decisions?
Lovers Reversed
Reversed Lovers refers to a damaging or destructive love. It could be in the form of unhealthy relationships, a lack of self-love (or even self hatred), or the lack of maturity to form true love bonds. Reversed, the message may be a warning… the fiery passion could come back to burn, if caution is not taken and the right choices made. When the Lovers card appears in a reading reversed it could indicate disharmony, imbalance or a misalignment of values. When looking for areas to improve ourselves, the reversed Lovers tells us to watch for disconnection, detachment, trust issues, a lack of vulnerability or the need to set boundaries.
Incorporating the Message of the Lovers into Daily Practice
The Lovers tarot card is about love and choices. Set this card on your altar to remind yourself to focus on self-love first. Focus on building a deeper understanding of who you are, your personal beliefs, and connection with your divine, spiritual self. To be vulnerable and open when forming connections with your tribe. Always be generous in your support and empower those you love be the best they can be. To make choices and decisions, knowing the risks and rewards, but always following your heart.
Place the lovers card beside a special mirror. Then look in the mirror so you can see yourself and the Lovers Card, and repeat the lovers affirmations that resonate with you.
Lovers Card Affirmations
When working with the Lovers card and bringing that energy into your daily work, here are some affirmations you can use.
- I am worthy of love.
- I deserve nurturing, fulfilling, healthy love.
- I love myself.
- My inner self is strong, my heart is faithful, and my love is unconditional.
- I am deserving of help, affection, and support.
- I let go and I trust that love will find me.
- I release all past hurt and am ready to be vulnerable in love.
- True love starts within.
- I open myself to the love of the Divine.
- My heart is open and ready to love all around me.
- I love myself without judgement.
- I chose love over fear.
- I am responsible for my happiness.
- I surrender to the flow of love bonds as they wax and wane.
- I embrace the journey of deepening my connection with myself and my guides.
- Devoting my energy to healing myself, heals others.
- In the end, love is what matters.
- I will love myself without regret.
- We are all connected. We are all star dust.
If you are looking for a tarot spell to do using the Lovers card, I highly recommend The Tarot Spellbook. They have a wonderful spell for each card, including the Lovers Card. You can read our review of the Tarot Spellbook here.
The Lovers Card in tarot is a very special card to many. May your journey to connect with this card lead you to greater love, joy, peace, and happiness.
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