The Lovers invariably shows three figures. Sometimes there is a couple, with an angelic being hovering over them. Sometimes Cupid plays this role, and in other packs a young man is shown with two women - one young and one mature. These figures are often said to represent the conscious mind (male), the unconscious mind (female) and the higher self (angel, Cupid). In cards depicting two women, the older one may have been intended to represent the priestess who would marry the young couple. Women played a far from supportive role in ancient religions, including medieval Catharism. Gemini, the Twins, rules this card. The Twins variously symbolise active and passive, light and dark, conscious and unconscious, positive and negative. The spiritual lesson of this sign is to learn how to blend these apparent opposites in what is effectively a mental and emotional marriage. This fusion can only be brought about through the powers of love, including physical love. Eastern philosophies such as Tantra and Taoism believed that sexual union was one of the true paths to enlightenment. They did not see the body as an obstacle, or as something disgusting, but as a temple of the spirit. Interpretation The Lovers Not surprisingly, the Lovers suggests love, romance and an emotional, spiritual and physical union. Any relationship connected to this card will be a powerful and meaningful one, the old idea of a soulmate being suggested here. You may feel as if you have known one another always, be able to read each other's minds, and feel completely in tune on every level. Many occultists would say that you have been together before, loving through many different lifetimes in many different cultures. You are, quite simply, meant for each other. Sometimes this card can mean an 'inner marriage'. In this case, you have resolved many conflicts within yourself, and are happy with your body. Your male and female characteristics are well balanced at this time; your energy finds positive expression. Sexually, you are just as happy to initiate as to receive, and are full of affection. The other important meaning of the Lovers is choice. If it appears when you are trying to make your mind up, it is telling you to think very carefully. Choices indicated by this card are not black and white, nor easily resolved in a logical way. Sometimes they are presented as towpaths; you can continue with what you are currently doing, or take a risk and try something new. You must use your intuition and ask yourself a few questions. The Lovers counsels you to go wherever your heart leads you. Does your home, job, or relationship reflect you, or do you sometimes wonder what you are doing in one of those areas of your life? Have you sacrificed your ideals completely? Look closely at your life, and think quietly about your question. If you feel you have sold out in order to gain security, to please someone else, or because you are lazy, the Lovers offers you a chance to get back on the right path. Reversed This position often denotes adultery, sex without love, and relationship difficulties. Within a relationship it indicates a disrupted sex life. One partner may be trying to control the other, and using sex - or the lack of it - as a weapon. Anger and disharmony lurk just beneath the surface. Jealousy could be a serious problem, driving a poisonous wedge between two people. One partner may feel shut out, neglected or frustrated emotionally and physically. These feelings are likely to result in an affair outside the partnership, or a gradual withdrawal of affection and commitment. If you get this card at the beginning of an affair it serves as a warning. You may end up as one point in an eternal triangle, and emerge as the loser. You may be the victim of deception, or short-lived but powerful feelings. Do not make any irrevocable choices at this time. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World