The Lovers Tarot Card Meanings and Combinations
VI The Lovers Correspondences: Astrology: Gemini Element: Air Keywords & phrases: A love relationship, interest or attraction. Lovers Tarot Card Meanings Traditionally The Lovers was the triumph card of love but the depiction has appeared in various guises and with differing interpretations, so other meanings may apply (depending upon the deck you’re using) involving a choice between two paths (temptation and virtue) or sometimes a love choice between two people. The Lovers in the Gilded only contains two people and appears as idealised love. My view is, perhaps, slightly different in the way I apply it because for me it always relates to a love relationship in the romantic sense. For instance, some may apply The Lovers to work as a love of work, whereas I would view it as a love connection in the work place in some way, or a love relationship that comes in through work – depending upon surrounding cards. Since this works accurately for me I tend not to change it, although you may interpret it differently depending upon your inclination, how the image in your deck speaks to you, and your personal reading experiences with the card. For a single person, it can suggest an attraction, a love interest, or a potential relationship, but look for other cards to suggest a deeper commitment. When reading for someone already attached it usually indicates choices the couple need to make together, as their lives are entwined and they don’t tend to operate independently, since what affects one affects them both. If reversed or badly aspected it may suggest various types of relationship problems or frustrations, including thwarted love or unreciprocated feelings, infidelity, lack of harmony. Associations: Similar or supporting cards: Relationship cards are relevant, also when in combination with marriage/commitment cards (see full explanation under The Hierophant) Two of Cups (close loving union). Opposing or contradictory cards: The Hermit usually signifies a sense of aloneness. For some the Nine of Pentacles also indicates this, although it can represent financial independence or an independent person, rather than being alone. The Lovers Tarot Card Combinations: For a love triangle I’d normally look for secrecy cards in close proximity, plus the addition of a King or Queen Court card (outside the couple in question) may also point to third party involvement, although it can sometimes be outside interference, not always an actual affair etc. The Lovers is an easy card to apply to combinations; try using “love relationship” in application to cards before or after, for instance: Ace of Cups to Lovers would show the start of a new relationship, for a married couple it may show a new beginning that brings happiness to the relationship. As you would expect, lots of Cups combinations… > Two of Cups: relationship developing into a deeper bond. > Hierophant > Three of Cups: Marriage/wedding, also… > Ten of Cups: potential for commitment, marriage etc. Popular marriage combinations include Lovers with: Ace of Cups and Ten of Pentacles – or with Ace of Pentacles and Ten of Cups. > Four of Cups: stale relationship, lack of interest or becoming fed-up with circumstances. > Five of Cups: tears and disappointment but fives can be temporary so check card following. > Seven of Cups: may signify more than one option but check surrounding cards too as it could suggest daydreaming or being unrealistic about a relationship. > Two of Pentacles: may be balancing more than one relationship > Three of Swords: can show stormy emotions, upsets and quarrels but also distance relationships (people separated by distance, particularly if the Three precedes The Lovers). Similar to the Five of Cups, it’s a ‘small’ card so check the card following to clarify where it’s going. > Four of Swords: a sense of withdrawal or pulling back from the relationship, The Hermit may also indicate needing time to think or pull back. > Ten of Pentacles: setting up home and moving in together. > Judgement: relationship revived or resurrected. (Refer to The Lover Returns article.) > The Moon: uncertainty over a relationship, fluctuating emotions or not sure where you stand. > The Devil: may show a destructive or unhealthy relationship but can also indicate an obsession, or fling. *When in full combination with The Moon, The Devil, and Five of Swords, something is definitely amiss! > Death: (or Ten of Swords) relationship ending. 
You'll find more information to help you in Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All! book and card set.
Available from bookshops, Llewellyn, Amazon.com, & UK. Material provided here is in addition and complementary to the kit. Copyrighted material displayed with permission of Llewellyn. Please see my notes regarding combinations and reversals on the main index page. |
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