An angel clothed in a purple gown with red-purple wings
and flame-like hair hovers in a grey cloud with arms
outstretched above a pointed mound that lies between a
nude female standing in front of a fruit tree that is
wrapped by a serpent, and a male standing next to a tree
with flames for leaves.
The Lovers depicts the creation story featuring Adam,
Eve, The Serpent and Archangel Raphael as The Holy
Guardian Angel. Adam and Eve are placed next to trees
that are the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge,
respectively.
The male figure, Adam, sets his gaze upon his female
counterpart. Eve has her eyes on the amazing Divine
creature above her. It is as if they are poised to make
a statement regarding some realization or perhaps a
choice that has been determined. These three figures
make up a natural trinity.
The man and woman represent the masculine and feminine
aspects in opposing pairs such as Adam and Eve; King
and Queen; Father and Mother; Force and Form. This
Path speaks to the principle of polarity and division. It
symbolizes the division of the sexes in manifestation
and shows the dualities contained within the individual.
The sign of Gemini the Twins attributed to this key also
represents this dual energy.
The trees will be easily recognized as the Tree of Life
and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil mentioned
in Genesis. The two trees illustrated on this card
reference the mystery of equilibrium. The Tree of Life
behind the male has 12 flames that refer to the 12
zodiac signs and the secret to immortality. The Tree of
Knowledge behind the female has apples, which once
plucked, become separated from their source. The fruit
from this tree represents humanity's fall into the
"real world." It symbolizes awareness, awakening,
and a forgetfulness of one's divine self.
Behind the shoulder of the female the serpent is coiled
around the tree as a constant source of temptation,
urging us into physical existence. In some traditions,
the serpent was indistinguishable from Eve, being a
shadow of Adam in his androgynous form. This division
in Adam is only reconcilable through love. The primeval
serpent was essential to the story of humanity's
origin.
In a reading, The Lovers is typically interpreted as
the literal joining of two lovers. It can suggest a
marriage, an agreement, or combining of forces. The
Lovers shows individuality within a partnership.
Relationships take on a more spiritual tone rather than
focusing on the physical.
With The Lovers there is a realization of the
difference between right and wrong. A reunion with the
Divine and a return to paradise can happen once all
lessons of physical existence are learned. Issues of
virtues, moral strength and responsibility may need to
be addressed.
Positive Keywords: Attraction, love, union, virtue,
harmony, choice, optimism, goodness, creativity,
beginnings, openness, beauty, enchantment, selection,
and trials that are surmounted.
Negative Keywords: Temptation, end of relationships,
entanglement, jealousy, shame, inner conflict, and bad
decisions.