Major Arcana
The Lovers
The Lovers is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of choice, union and value alignment. Reversed, it points to disharmony, indecision and misalignment. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- 6
- Element
- Air
- Astrology
- Gemini
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
A nude man and woman stand in a garden before an angel who blesses them from above beneath a radiant sun. Behind her grows the tree of knowledge with a serpent; behind him, the tree of flames with twelve tongues of fire. The card recalls Eden and the awareness of choice. The number 6 is harmony and balance between poles, and also the moment of deciding with heart and truth.
Affirmation
“I choose with my heart and with truth, in harmony with my values.”
Upright meaning
- choice
- union
- value alignment
- love
- harmony
- General
- The Lovers speak of an important choice that involves the heart and values, not just convenience. They also bring the experience of deep union, with another person or among parts of yourself. The decision should be conscious and owned, not left to chance. To choose is also to renounce, and that is where integrity lies.
- Love
- Genuine connection, attraction and commitment based on truth and mutual respect. As a couple, it is time to align values and choose each other again. If single, a meaningful encounter may arise, or you face a romantic choice.
- Work & money
- Partnerships, business alliances and decisions involving alignment with your values. There may be a choice between two career paths. Choose what fits who you are, not just what looks advantageous.
- Advice
- Choose with heart and reason together, and own the consequences. Be honest about what truly matters to you.
Reversed meaning
- disharmony
- indecision
- misalignment
- temptation
- disconnection
- General
- Reversed, the Lovers show a postponed choice, one made against your own values or driven by passing temptations. There may be a disconnect between what you say you want and what you do. It also indicates imbalance in a partnership and conflicts that call for truth. Finding inner coherence is the first step.
- Love
- Mismatches, lack of communication, doubt between people or between staying and leaving. As a couple, you need an honest conversation about what has changed. If single, beware of involvements that contradict what you want.
- Work & money
- Conflicts in partnerships or dilemmas stalling a decision. Something at work may be hurting your values. Reassess commitments and be clear in agreements.
- Advice
- Stop postponing the decision and write down what you truly want. Have the honest conversation that is pending.
Guides about The Lovers
- The Lovers in tarot: what does the card mean beyond love?The Lovers (VI) speaks of love, but also of choices and values. See what the card means upright, reversed and in decisions.
- Is The Lovers a yes or no in tarot?The Lovers lean toward yes when the choice is aligned with your values. See what the card asks for, when it changes reversed and how to read it well.
- Two of Cups and The Lovers: is it real love?See what the Two of Cups and The Lovers mean together in tarot: emotional connection, conscious choice and what each card asks of the couple.
- The Hierophant and The Lovers: tradition and personal choice?See what The Hierophant and The Lovers mean together in tarot: the weight of tradition and the personal choice about which values you take on as your own.
- Death and The Lovers Together: What Does This Combination Mean?Learn what Death and The Lovers together mean: a choice that asks you to end something, with examples for love and work, without predicting an outcome.
- The Devil and The Lovers Together: What Does This Combination Mean?See what The Devil and The Lovers together mean: a choice facing attachments and chains, with examples for love, work and reflection.