The Lovers

Major Arcana
Written By Quinn

Traditional Meaning

Choices around relationships. The arrival of a new person into your life. Dilemmas. The Lovers is a card that is portrayed in two distinct ways. One is a loving relationship; the other is an established relationship with a choice between two people. It is usually best to go with the deck's interpretation. 

Going Deeper

The Lovers is one of those cards that generally doesn't show the difficulties it brings. It is easy to assume that you'll see prince charming on his trusty steed when it appears in a reading. After fifteen years of seeing this card appear, I can say that it rarely means lifelong love. The Lovers is often about having to make a choice. The choice presented usually involves deciding whether to go with something safe or if you should go with your heart's desire. There will frequently be third-party interference if The Lovers shows up. Yet, the third party can be drink, drugs, work, ideals, or family members; it doesn't have to be symbolic of an affair. There is no alternative but to dig deep and work out what will make you really happy. In contrast to the card before, The Lovers indicates trust is lacking because someone behaves deceitfully. There can be a good reason to be suspicious if The Lovers appears, but like I already said, it doesn't have to be about affairs. The inner dilemma that can rage whilst this card is in operation can be uncomfortable because somewhere inside is the knowledge that all is not well. If we are living the kind of life that suggests we are happy and getting on with it, seeing this card is more challenging because of the heavy expectations we feel. There is an age in life where we're not supposed to have these inner conflicts (whatever age is currently deemed acceptable by society). To have them in your twenties is almost expected, but if you've passed this stage, it often indicates a potential disruption in the marriage and home situation. Maybe there's something you really want to do, but your family thinks your energy should be sacrificed for them? Whatever the choice presented, there will be no easy way to resolve the dilemma. In an ideal world, you'll do whatever is needed to keep your soul growing. As a realist, I know it's not easy to make decisions that directly or indirectly affect others. None of us wants to be seen as the bastard, but unfortunately, we can't please all the people all the time. 

Astro Insight

The sign of Gemini. 

Examples With Other Cards

Swords: A seriously painful triangle and choices could mean heartbreak with the three. The ten is about having no choice but to choose (usually to let go). The nine indicates too much isolation and a need to seek help with mental difficulties. The two and six show a need to confront the situation rather than go into denial. Cups: With the seven, things are not what they seem, and it would be wise to wait before committing. Wands: A need to give voice to your conscience, something isn't sitting right. Magician: A need to make sure it's not just gossip. Hierophant: Needing to choose from the heart. Tower: Sudden revelations about your significant other. Moon: Needing to have clarity and facts before moving forward. 

To Help Yourself or Give Advice To Clients

It's easy to get excited by this card, but the reality is usually disappointing when viewed in six months. Caution in decision-making is advised, but only because there's the likelihood that situations are being looked at superficially. 

Citrine

Common Associations

The air element. The colour yellow. Synchronicity and the ability to read signs and omens from the cosmos. Rutilated quartz and citrine are the gemstones that resonate with this card.

 

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