The Lovers Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Lovers Keywords 

• Upright: choice, union, relationships, balancing opposites, cooperation, communication
• Reversed: indecision, misalignment, contradiction, disharmony, imbalance, temptation

The Lovers: Description and Symbolism

The Lovers card sets the scene in the Garden of Eden, referring to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. This familiar depiction brings up themes of choice, relationships, and temptation. However, the tarot’s version of their story emphasizes the potential for a balanced, divine connection.

A man and woman bare themselves to one another before an angel, symbolizing their pure intentions. The Sun’s rays shine down on the figures, bringing clarity and hope to the interaction. The angel in the clouds above symbolizes divine guidance and protection. The figures are left to choose whether to connect or remain individualized. If they choose to come together, the angel and Sun above them suggest a promising outcome.

The depiction of two figures highlights the themes of duality and balance. The woman stands before the Tree of Knowledge with a snake wrapped around its branches, symbolizing unconscious wisdom. Meanwhile, the man stands in front of the Tree of Life, with 12 fiery leaves to correlate with the 12 zodiac signs. Once they combine forces, the union will give each of the Lovers a broadened perspective.

The Lovers card is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. This astrological correspondence speaks to the themes of connection, duality, and choice that the tarot card presents. The Gemini twins know how to balance and integrate their opposing perspectives in a parallel way to the Lovers.  Simultaneously, the twins emphasize the existence of opposites. A moral choice needs to be made whenever there are different perspectives to be considered.

The Lovers – Upright Meaning

When the Lovers card appears in a tarot reading, there could be a choice you need to make. It is time to weigh your options and consider what feels most aligned with you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and gather different perspectives before making a decision.

The Lovers card may also arise as a hopeful sign of love and connection. Whether it be romantic or not, the relationship being represented by this tarot card is likely to give you clarity on your situation. It is a great time to connect and collaborate with others whenever the Lovers appear.

Love Meaning – The Lovers Upright 

The Lovers symbolize a balanced relationship dynamic. You are experiencing a connection with the potential to last. This tarot card depicts a partnership in which both perspectives are respected and received with unconditional love. 

Alternatively, the Lovers card could also suggest the need to make a choice within love and relationships. If you are single and not dating, the Lovers encourages you to reflect on your needs and non-negotiables in a relationship. 

When describing how someone feels, the Lovers card represents someone with pure intentions. The other person is open to experiencing a new relationship. This tarot card is a sign of a hopeful new beginning in love.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Lovers Upright 

In a work context, the Lovers encourage you to focus on building strong relationships. You could be presented with an opportunity to collaborate soon. You will see the results you desire the more you compromise and network with your peers.

Another interpretation of the Lovers card is that you have a choice to make regarding your career path. Perhaps you are considering moving or switching career paths. Whatever the major decision might be, the Lovers remind you that you can trust your judgment on the matter. 

Financially, the Lovers card signals a need to balance your opposing desires. It is a good time to decide on a budget that will keep you happy in the long run. 

Health Meaning – The Lovers Upright 

The Lovers card encourages you to lean on your friends and loved ones for extra support. Your connections will bring you a strong sense of fulfillment, positively affecting your mental and physical health. If you have been unsure of how to approach a health concern, it would be a great time to seek advice from loved ones or a trusted professional.

Spirituality Meaning – The Lovers Upright 

The Lovers card symbolizes divinely guided connections. Whether it be romantic or platonic, you will find immense spiritual wisdom through your interactions with others. Open yourself up to others’ perspectives; they could inspire the direction of your practice.

The Lovers As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Lovers card represents feelings of internal balance and open-mindedness. You are receptive to new perspectives and the ideas they could inspire within you. It is a great time to be vulnerable with those you trust to gain a greater perspective on your feelings.

The Lovers As Actions Meaning – Upright

The Lovers card signals that you need to decide on your next steps. Give yourself time to weigh your options, and you will find the clarity you need to move forward.

The Lovers – Reversed Meaning

When the Lovers card appears reversed, it suggests you could be struggling to make a decision. Be careful not to cultivate stagnancy in this situation. The fear of making the wrong choice could be preventing you from making any progress. If this resonates, any move will feel more fulfilling than staying in the same place.

This tarot card could also indicate that you have been choosing short-term satisfaction over long-term fulfillment. If you find yourself feeling unaligned with your current commitments, you are encouraged to redirect your focus.

The reversed Lovers card could also signify an existing conflict or misunderstanding. The connection could require you to gain a deeper understanding of the other person’s perspective. It may be time to present your ideas differently to prevent miscommunication. 

Love Meaning – The Lovers Reversed

With the reversed Lovers card in the context of relationships, you could be going through a period of conflict with your partner. You could be learning a lesson about compromise and advocating for your needs in love. To prevent miscommunication, you are encouraged to reflect on the feelings and needs you have been suppressing. You are capable of finding a middle ground once you clarify your personal truth in the conflict.

If you are single, the Lovers reversed could suggest that you are struggling to make a decision about your next move. Perhaps you are considering the future potential with someone new, or you could be weighing whether you are ready for a new relationship while healing. This tarot card appears as a gentle reminder not to rush yourself to appease someone else’s wishes. The right connection will honor the timeline that feels authentic to your current situation.

When reading for someone else’s feelings, the reversed Lovers card represents someone who is unsure of their desires and intentions. It is best to give them time before proceeding further.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Lovers Reversed

When the Lovers card appears reversed, you may be facing a difficult decision regarding your work and finances. Perhaps you have the urge to switch career fields, or an unexpected circumstance could be forcing you to rethink your spending. Whatever has you questioning yourself, you will find comfort in the relationships that support you.

Alternatively, the reversed Lovers card could suggest a conflict with a coworker or boss. It will take reflection on your long-term desires to come to a compromise in the workplace. Just remember not to bend to others’ wishes at the expense of your own.

Health Meaning – The Lovers Reversed

The reversed Lovers card could symbolize an internal conflict that has been causing you stress lately. If you have felt torn between opposing priorities, you are encouraged to attend to your immediate needs first. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and loved ones for support now. This tarot card reversed could also indicate that you have had your walls up when you need a hand.

Spirituality Meaning – The Lovers Reversed

Spiritually, the reversed Lovers card could suggest that you are lacking clarity on what to focus on next. You may be giving other people’s opinions more power than you should. To ground in your truth again, it would benefit you to journal about the concerns that have been on your mind. This will help you realign with your path and spiritual practice.

The Lovers As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed Lovers card represents feelings of uncertainty and confusion. You could feel pulled in different directions, unsure of what to believe. Before leaning on others for advice, you will find the most clarity through self-reflection. Once you are clear on your true desires, vulnerable connection will come naturally.

The Lovers As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

When the Lovers card appears reversed, it represents ungrounded action. You may be feeling unsure of your next steps, leading you to choose stagnancy over forward movement. Use this opportunity to empower yourself about your true desires. The situation could call for a new perspective or collaboration to achieve the outcome you seek.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Lovers card brings your attention to a past relationship that influenced your current perspective. 

Alternatively, this card could highlight a past decision that is affecting your current situation. In either scenario, you learned the importance of weighing different perspectives to come to a final conclusion.

Present Position

When the Lovers appear in the ‘present’ position, it suggests a decision needs to be made. The present situation is asking you to find a balance between opposing forces to make a fulfilling choice. 

An alternative interpretation of the Lovers is that you are experiencing a fulfilling connection with someone. You are encouraged to remain open to the lessons you learn in this relationship.

Future Position

The Lovers card in the ‘future’ position predicts a new relationship is on the horizon. You are advised to open your mind and heart to new perspectives to prepare for this future union.

This card could also suggest that you are leading up to making a big decision. Your present situation will bring you to a crossroads where you must choose where you stand. 

Yes or No Meaning of The Lovers

• The Lovers Upright: Yes
• The Lovers Reversed: Maybe

When the Lovers appear upright, it gives you a ‘yes’. You can trust your judgment in the decisions you make regarding this situation.

When the Lovers are reversed in a reading, it gives you a ‘maybe’. A more balanced perspective is needed before moving forward in this situation.

Advice and Message of The Lovers

With strong themes of duality and connection, the Lovers card serves as a reminder to maintain a balanced perspective. The Lovers know how to listen to each other and come together to achieve a common goal. The current situation may require you to find a compromise between opposing desires. This tarot card reminds you that you are capable of making a sound decision, encouraging you to trust your judgment.

Summary of The Lovers Tarot Meaning

The Lovers look to one another, hopeful about the wisdom they could gain from an opposing perspective. In a tarot reading, this card pushes you to open your mind and heart to new viewpoints. Only when you account for both sides will you be able to understand yourself deeply. When reversed, you could be going through a situation where it is difficult to accept an opposing perspective. The Lovers remind you that if you remain open to new perspectives, you are bound to find the clarity you seek.