Week VII | The Lovers | Class

[mol]

And the next card...

http://www.mysticwicks.com/img/tarot/riderwaite_lovers.gif

Commence class!

[Semele]

Well, Here is the picture of Mol and Semele you all requested!! Aren't we cute???

uh...huh... they are nakid!!!

Yeah!!

Semele

[BrightStar]

Hi all!
Nekkid?!
I think that violates more than a few state laws in Oklahoma.(o:
I think this card is about choices.Those you make and have to live with.Kind of an Adam and Eve context.
Also,I see The Godess watching over(I know it's an angel,just telling my feelings).Of course Love,natural love.To be proud of what one is,in all your glory!One should open up ones' heart.
Peace and love
Rain BrightStar

[Semele]

Very insightful!! I also get the feeling of purity and total openess from their lack of clothing. Maybe we should all be posting naked pics of ourselves!!! EW I am just kidding...settle down!!!
Semele

[eaglewolf]

HEY!

I resent that!

...heh ...no I don't.

;)

~ew

[Semele]

Ok Eagle you first!!!
:eek:

Semele

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Okay, from the Lover's card I get: It's definately about relationships, maybe opposites or the differences between men and women each has a seperate role, how about your sensualness or sexuality....Companionship.....Completeness.

I am using the Robin Wood Tarot for my Description (see attachment): An endearing couple are standing in front of a tree arms around each other and the other arms....female holding the moon and male holding the sun. On the side with the man, in the background is farmed land. On the side with the woman, is a home blanketed away. Many fruits are growing in the tree on the female side of the card and butterflies are drifting around on the male side of the card. There is a rainbow type symbol above their heads...from male shoulder to female shoulder.

I've included an attachment of the Lovers from the: Arthurian Legend Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot and the Dragon Tarot.


:D
Dagda

[Semele]

Dagda,
I can't thank you enough for posting the other deck images. I thoroughly enjoy comparing them. I really like the witches Tarot.Darn, now I need that deck...psstt Hey mol!! I can see I will hide that deck from Trey as he gets older. My mom recieved, as a gag gift one time, a deck of playing cards with naked men. My friends and I used to look at them all the time cackling. The Jocker was my Fav!!!

One common point I noticed on most of the cards is that the woman appears to be focused on the "angel" or something else and the man is constantly focused on the woman. Any ideas on that?

Semele

[Wildwood]

Hmm.

One thing that strikes me about the rider-waite is the sense of divine in the union between
male and female. or indeed all lovers.
The divine blesses encourages and seems to take a delight in this union of love.

I'm, not sure about the tree behind the man, but the apple tree behind the female figure
contains a coiled snake which represents female sexuality in some cultures.

A similarity between Rider-Waite and Arthurian is that neither of the couples are
touching. This seems to mean (in my head and the accompanying book) that the
couple are secure enough in themselves and their relationship that they don't need to be
embracing, they are merely content to be in each other's company.
That level of strength in a relationship seems to me a wonderful thing.

In the Arthurian (thanks for the piccie Dag), the lovers are portrayed by Gareth and Lyones
a relationship which began in admiration from afar (in true courtly love fashion, I believe).

This is one of my favourite cards because of the colours in the picture.
The scene is clearly one of Autumn time as the couple walk through the woods together.
I think that the woods may represent the divine in the same way that the angel does in the
Rider-Waite does.
The Autumn colours says to me that this is relationship in its prime, full of companionship
and trust.

I think that this refers also to the love of a friend (once this came up in a reading I did
clearly not alluding to a relationship of the romantic sort but more the sense that
although the querent may be going through a tough time they had a lot of stable
close friendships which would pull them through.)

In keeping with the sense of the whole deck this card seems to me to be very gentle.


Enjoy
Wildwood

[Wildwood]

I forgot a couple of things in my last post,

my initial reactions to the Arthurian lovers cards

Were also that the red leaves of the trees were the colour
of passion.
And that autumn was the time of ultimate fruition when the
harvest was collected in.

Thanks for your patience.

Enjoy !

Wildwood

[Semele]

Ok so we have the basic concept of the card but what is the angel representing and what does it have to do with the union of these two lovers??

Any ideas?

Semele

[BlackDragon]

I've got the Dragon Tarot cards, so I'll use them for this.

When I look at the Lover's card, I see that they hold their hearts in their hands, and believe that that shows their devotion to each other.
Their tails are intwined, tied to each other.
The female {? could go either way but its a good assumption} in this card is 'concentrating' on the male, who seems to be almost glaring at whomever is looking at the card.
I notice the yin-yang above them, symbolizing equality, togetherness, unity.

It's a start...

[Shatav]

Originally posted by Semele
Ok so we have the basic concept of the card but what is the angel representing and what does it have to do with the union of these two lovers??

Any ideas?


I see it as meaning a blessed union, blessed by deity themself. Being an angel, I also have hints of purity linked into it.

From an Alchemical standpoint, the giant sun is hugely important too, as the state of perfection is Gold, and Gold and the Sun are one in the same within the philosophy. Therefore the union is perfect, pure, and blessed.

[BrightStar]

Hi all!
The angel,to me,symbolizes the Divine,in my deck it's The Goddess.It's like the angel is sanctioning the love.It also reminds me of how I,as a Witch,divide the Deities into male and female,but behind them all is The Divine ,or Spirit,or whatever you wish to call it.
Peace and Love
Rain BrightStar

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

I think the woman is looking at the angel because she is more intuitive than the man. And he is looking at her because men seem to be based more in reality....seeing is believing. I think it also has to do with choices. (Re: Eve's choice in the garden) I think the angelic being represents blessings of the union.

:)

Dagda

[Semele]

You guys have some very good descriptions. Brightstar, i love your description of the diety. I tend to agree that there is a male/female side as well as one central theme of pure love that is niether male nor female, or perhaps both.

Maybe the angel is a sign of being blessed in your relationship. What if it is the other way around and through finding our true love we open ourselves up to see more clearly the beauty of God/Godess?? When you are in love everything is more clear so maybe this does help us find our spirituality. I know that in my case I feel everything stronger because of my strong relationship. What do you guys think??

Semele

[Shatav]

Originally posted by Semele
What if it is the other way around and through finding our true love we open ourselves up to see more clearly the beauty of God/Godess?? When you are in love everything is more clear so maybe this does help us find our spirituality. I know that in my case I feel everything stronger because of my strong relationship. What do you guys think??


Ummm...this still has yet to happen in my relationship, so I'll remain mute. But that could be because I'm married to an atheist who tends to look at me strangely when I talk about spiritual stuff. It's the, "Yeah, whatever" look. :D But maybe others have been as blessed as you, Semele.

[Semele]

I don't think you are lacking in the blessed department. YOu know beauty and love...that is why you are with your sweetie, right??? You love him with all your heart. I think that is the key to love.. you see the beauty and not so much the "negative" side of things. I mean if I didn't love Mol so much I would have nitpicked him to death already over some of his annoying little habits.

Semele

[Semele]

This card is very descriptive to almost anyone who views it. It can bring about a mixture of feelings that often vary depending on where you are in your own relationships. To me it is a card of beauty.

One of my favorite theories is brought to life through this card. Plato has theorised that humans were originally double creatures that were seperated by a thunderbolt from Zeus. His theory states that there were three different types of doubles, male-female, male-male, and female-female. We then spend the rest of our lives searching for our other half. This gives some validity to homosexual relationships which I like. I do think that we all have another half of us and we can only hope to find them in this lifetime. For some of us it is someone of the opposite sex, for others the same sex. Neither being a better choice, only the right choice for us.

Another reference to this can be found in The Celestine Prophecy, a favorite book of mine. It is said that we are all like C's looking for our other half to make us a complete O. Often we find that person and it is great because we feel complete. Only becasue we are both constantly giving each other energy willingly. When the newness wears off or when one person is tired or simply unable to give the energy required we start tugging at each others energy or finding other ways to get it. That can lead to problems and eventual break ups. This however doesn't mean that we are with the wrong person, in my opinion. I think we simply have to gain energy from a higher source so that we can keep our O complete and balanced. I think this card represents that with the Angel looking down on the couple.

They are complete together and now this enables them to see and feel the energy from a higher source. That way they don't have to depend on each other to provide all that is needed.

Here are the key words and description from Joan Bunning.

ACTIONS

relating to others
establishing bonds
feeling love
forming a union or marriage
acknowledging kinship
sympathizing with another
getting closer
making a connection
being intimate

being sexual
seeking union
experiencing desire
making love
opening to another
responding with passion
feeling a physical attraction
tapping inner energy

establishing personal beliefs
questioning received opinions
figuring out where you stand
staying true to yourself
setting your own philosophy
going by your own standards
making up your own mind

determining values
struggling with temptation
choosing between right and wrong
facing an ethical or moral choice
refusing to let ends justify means
finding out what you care about

DESCRIPTION

The Lovers is one card that is easy to remember. Love and sex are riveting subjects, and, as you'd expect, this card represents both. The urge for union is powerful, and, in its highest form, takes us beyond ourselves. That is why an angel is blessing the bond between the man and woman on this card.

In readings, Card 6 often refers to a relationship that is based on deep love - the strongest force of all. The relationship may not be sexual, although it often is or could be. More generally, the Lovers can represent the attractive force that draws any two entities together in a relationship - whether people, ideas, events, movements or groups.

Card 6 can also stand for tough value choices and the questioning that goes with them. In some decks, the Lovers shows a man torn between two women - a virgin and a temptress. This rather old-fashioned triangle symbolizes the larger dilemmas we face when we are tempted between right and wrong.

The Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical crossroads - a decision point where you must choose between the high road or the low road. This card can also represent your personal beliefs because to make such a decision you must know where you stand. Following your own path can mean going against those who are urging you in a direction that is wrong for you.

[Sunsong]

I have been gone for a while. Busy with work. i hope I can catch up on the Tarot class. Sorry, semele, for being gone so long on you. ;)

[Semele]

Welcome back!!! We missed you!!

Semele

[Rosabelle]

this reminds mer of the Adam and Eve story. The is God in the background and he has created Adam (right) and Eve (left) they are not ashamed of the nackedness (if there is such a word). There is the apple tree behind Eve because she was the one who ate from it and wrapped arround the tree is the snake (Satan, or the Devil. whatever you like to call it). I think it is an oak tree behind Adam, but i'm no way sure. how am i doing? The sun is behind the angel (or God) and i think that shows love and divinity. This card shows great love, but who ever said that men have to fall in love with women (and visa nersa). do they ever mention homosexuals in the bible?
Rosabelle

[eaglewolf]

Originally posted by Rosabelle
This card shows great love, but who ever said that men have to fall in love with women...Interesting observation indeed...

;)

~ew

[Jazzmine]

To me, the man is looking at his goddess and the woman is looking at hers. The colors are gold and to me
this means precious. The relationship of the man and the woman is as precious as gold. And love is very precious to the goddess. I believe this card stands for all kinds of love. Because the their are three in the card.
Love for your friends, family, children, etc. I hope I don't sound too weird. But that's my view on it. I also think that the dark circle over the man and the gold circle over the woman stands for balance in love. Like the yin/yang in the dragon tarot deck.

[Tigerwallah]

I don't remember the exact passage or even book, but homosexuals are definately mentioned in the bible - in a not so favorable light. Ask any fundamentalist. The bible was/is, however, a compilation of opinions from different people. Just read the Dr. Laura letter and you'll see that.

I believe that it is the love that is the important thing, not the genders of the lovers.

[Semele]

I also believe that true love has no discrepency for gender. I am certain that I could have just as easily fallen in love with a woman if that was my destiny. Instead I got Mol... good enough for me!

I also agree with Jazzmine that this card can represent all forms of love, not just romantic. Love is love is love.

Semele

[Illyandra]

In this deck the woman/Eve figure is looking at something not seen on the card and the man/Adam figure is concentrating on her. I think that shows how women are based on the emotional/spiritual aspects of life, while men tend to focus on the physical/carnal aspects. Women are more attuned to love - men to lust.

The female has a moon floating above her upturned right palm and the man has a sun above his left. Not only do I know that symbolizes deity, but also the receptive and projective aspects of the dominant hand ...men are considered dominent and women more submissive in society (not that I agree with this ideal or stereotype!!!)

I do see a lot of opposites symbolized, his blond hair, her raven locks.(day and night symbolized).... her side of the tree has apples while his side has oak leaves (again deity symbols). And yet we see a balance achieved between them, not necessarliy one established easily...but it can be done.

I think it is a relationship of not just a couple in love, but of spirituality, emotions, reality, fantasy, the physical world... every opposite is intertwined in a relationship such as this. and can be overcome and exist harmoniously.

Okay...that one I rambled a bit, but I think I got to the point whatever that was! LOL! :D

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Oh but I love it when you ramble dear! I think you are really catching on! I know you weren't alway SO intereseted in Tarot....like the fanatical me! lol

[Xois]

bring togehter the duality of ourselves

understand the duality

http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jllavoie/tarot/major6.jpg

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

~*BUMP*~

[Flaire-FireStar]

Spiral Tarot

Surrounded by what looks like a field of pomegranites or an apple orchard, the Lovers embrace. The male looks at the female, while she looks up at the spirit in the sky above the two. On the Lovers' arms are 2 symbols- the male has the symbol for the sun and the female has a silver crescent moon (which I think makes them represent the God & Goddess. :))

From this card, I feel more power than in the other decks I have, mostly because of the representation of the sun & moon symbols. I think, if this card turned up in more of my readings than it does (:rolleyes: ) that it would symbolize the relationships that I have at hand a blessing, and that there is "smooth sailing" ahead. :)


Dragon Tarot

:) I love how the Lovers are depicted in the Dragon Tarot (it's one of my fave cards in that deck.;) )
The male (I think) bluish dragon seems to be the dominant of the two, as he flies higher up than the pink one. He could also be protecting her from anything that would threaten their relationship. She (the pink dragon) seems to be embracing the blue, letting her feelings toward him known. She is not afraid of what others will think of her.

Tarot Classic

The design on this card is very simplistic. There are 2 women standing on either side of the man - one light haired, the other dark haired. I think the darker haired one could be the male's mother, or a suitor that he doesn't want, as the cupid in the air above the 3 is pointing his arrow at the light haired woman.