THE LOVERS

Here we find Raphael, angel of the air, personifying the superconscious pouring down cosmic benediction on the two figures below.

The man in the picture represents the conscious mind in the earlier cards (also known as keys), the Magician and the Emperor, as well as the King standing in the Chariot in Key 7 (card VII).

The woman is the subconscious mind, the High Priestess and the Empress; behind her is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, bearing the fruits of the five senses.

The serpent of sensation climbs up the tree, for temptation comes from the subconscious.
Behind the man is a leafless tree bearing the trefoil flames of the 12 signs of the Zodiac, each divided into three decans.

The Card is profoundly metaphysical in its symbolism. As the man looks at the woman and she looks up at the angel, the truth conveyed is that the conscious mind cannot approach the superconscious unless it passes through the subconscious — a thought to consider in meditation.

The Lovers stand here in friendly harmony, with nothing to hide from each other, as the nudity of the figures indicates. A harmonious and successful life depends on the cooperation between the conscious and the subconscious.

The mountain in this Card indicates the fruitfulness of correct thought.

Key 6 (or Card VI) is often symbolized by a man standing between two women. There is a cupid with a bow and arrow above them. The meanings for divinatory purposes are derived from this older symbolism.

Divinatory Meaning:
Choice, temptation, attraction. The struggle between sacred and profane love. Harmony of the inner and outer aspects of life.

Reversed:
Quarrels, infidelity, danger of a broken marriage. Need to stabilize the emotions. Possibility of a wrong choice.

Dascent Deck