The Lovers
Definition:
Opportunity to make a commitment or choice, invitation to examine your projections, and the possibility of union through vulnerability.
Poem:
You stand at a crossroads.
Will you let the apple touch your lips?
Either way, you are protected.
So decide!
Knowledge is power.
Knowledge is nothing.
Feeling can be the deeper truth.
What you seek cannot be found in the other.
In his eyes lies comfort, but not salvation.
There are some things you can only give yourself.
Invitation:
You might think this card predicts romance, but the name is misleading. The Lovers has many more layers. The apple tree and the snake bring to mind the story of Adam and Eve and the choice they made. And thus the card is associated with making choices and commitments. It’s not so much about making the right choice, but moving forward. And this card can also come up when we are looking to others to give us something that we can give ourselves. Finally, yes, sometimes it indicates an opportunity for vulnerable connection with another, but not necessarily romantic. I find this card difficult to grasp at times, but endlessly interesting.
To work with the energy of the Lovers, you might…
Journal Prompt: If this card comes up when you are in the midst of a decision, ask yourself, what to I gain from not making a choice? If you understand what is blocking you, it can help you find a way forward.
Examine Your Projections: If you feel you can’t move forward in your life because you are waiting on someone else, ask yourself, what am I really seeking? And is there any part of this I can give myself?
For example, you may be wishing your boss would praise your hard work more, but can you find a way to celebrate yourself. Or you may wish your partner would say you looked nice more, but can you be the one who admires yourself.
Humans need each other, but sometimes we give other people way too much power over us. And there are times where it can be helpful to explore that.