6 - The Lovers
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Love, compromise, communication, balance, relationships, duality |
| Reversed Keywords: | Disconnected, imbalance, one-sided feelings, lack of consummation |
![](https://thepagesjourney.neocities.org/images/TarotCards/RWS_Tarot_06_Lovers.jpg")
Two figures, one with breasts and a vulva and the other with a penis, stand nude in casual poses on this card. They are implied to be Adam and Eve. A tree full of apples stands behind Eve, a serpent coiling up its length to hover over her shoulder. On the other side, behind Adam, the Tree of Life blazes with fire-like fruit.
Above them, appearing out of a cloud, an angel with red wings, purpleish robes, and flaming hair gazes down upon them with their hands aloft. The yellow sun above is positioned similar to a halo. In the background, a red mountain rises into the blue sky.
In Readings: Upright
The Lovers card is packed with symbolism. The two figures of "Adam and Eve," even if divorced from those names, indicate two people existing in harmony with each other. Their union or partnership has been thoroughly blessed by the angel over them. The imagery on the card is balanced and even, suggesting harmony in this relationship.
This card in the upright position suggests a pairing or partnership. It can be romantic, but it isn't necessarily always. In some ways, it can represent a choice between another person and something that the querent desires.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Fool, reversed: An ill-advised new relationship.
Five of Cups: A minor disappointment in a relationship isn't the end-all-be-all. This isn't a breaking point, but a bump.
Eight of Cups: The decision to leave is a surprisingly easy one to make.
The Sun: A happy, harmonious partnership is the key to victory against all odds.
In Readings: Reversed
In reverse, the harmony of this relationship begins to fall apart. Miscommunication and interpersonal issues abound. There is an air of dissatisfaction within this partnership or pairing that isn't easily dispelled.
When reversed, the Lovers card also begins to suffer from its background features: snakes, betrayal, and deception. There may be a sacrifice or a difficult choice to make in the name of returning to harmony.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Nine of Wands: Defensiveness and insecurity are the enemies of a healthy relationship.
Two of Wands: It may be time to let go of what isn't working to strike out toward something new.
The Chariot, reversed: The situation will spiral completely out of control due to an inability to see from each other's perspectives.
Knight of Swords: Charging ahead without addressing foundational problems isn't a great way to solve those problems.
Other Perspectives
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