When The Lovers card turns up in a reading, of course the first thought may be that a powerful and long-lasting romantic relationship is on its way—and often that is the case. This is not the type of love that just falls into our lives for a brief time and then fades away. The Lovers card is a herald of true and enduring love, so engagement or marriage is indicated. If there’s a card in tarot that represents a soul mate, then The Lovers card is surely the one. Whether or not the relationship lasts our entire lives, we will absolutely be changed forever.
This card can also signify an important decision. When that occurs in a reading, we’re encouraged to make a choice of the heart. We must feel the right direction to take. With the presence of Archangel Raphael, this card can also indicate a return to health.
The Dreamer’s Journey
As we continue along our path, we discover The Lovers. With this card, we’re either reminded of the influence that a heart-to-heart connection with another person can have over us, or we discover it for the first time. We come to realize the power and importance that emotion can play in our lives. In the story of this journey, this is where The Dreamer learns of romantic love for the first time. Of course, that’s a metaphor, so this experience is attributed to us or our clients in a reading. The relationship we encounter with this card can also be a very intimate, yet platonic one. If so, it probably involves a companion whose friendship will last a lifetime.
Our hearts themselves tell us that our choices can also be guided by our emotions. It’s not just the cool logic of The Emperor or the morality of the Unity card that can lead us in the right direction. Sometimes the heart must be our only compass.
Symbolism
This card represents opposites: the feminine and the masculine.
Behind the woman is a tree with five fruits to represent the five senses, which are based on information the body takes in. Behind the man is a tree with fruit to represent the signs of the zodiac. At the time tarot was created, astrology was considered purely a science. Therefore, it can be said that the woman’s perception is all feeling, while the man’s is intellectual.
The man’s attention is focused toward the woman and her role in his life, which is a very worldly concern. The woman’s focus is on Archangel Raphael, representing a desire for the spiritual. But there’s true love to be found in the successful commingling of our experience as humans with the knowledge that we’re also children of God.
Their differences also remind us that, regardless of the genders of the people involved, opposites attract, as they help us learn and grow.
In the foreground, marigolds are growing. These flowers are associated with healing, and therefore with Archangel Raphael.
Violets are also in the image, representing fidelity and love.
Angel Number
The Lovers card is number 6 in tarot. As explained in Angel Numbers 101, this is a number that’s focused on worldly concerns such as fertility and carrying on the family line. It’s worth mentioning, however, that in traditional numerology, the number 6 reflects caring, love, understanding, and nurturing. It represents a true and unfaltering concern for family and for others we love.
Archangel
Archangel Raphael is known for heralding love in ancient texts. Therefore, his place in The Lovers card is particularly appropriate. Raphael’s name means “God heals,” and he’s also considered to be the healing archangel that we can call upon for any concerns regarding health. He presents himself in beautiful emerald green.
Astrology
The Lovers card is ruled by Gemini, the sign of communication, but also of duality. The same principles of light and dark, masculine and feminine, are present in this astrological sign. It is yin and yang, and just like The Lovers card, it is the mix of these two energies that makes it so amazing.
