MAJOR ARCANA · 06
The Lovers
Explore the imagery, upright and reversed readings, and its place in the Royal / Dragon Tarot universe.
THE 78 CARDS · RESEARCH NOTES
Meaning & symbolism
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and an editorial Royal / Dragon adaptation for this card.
Upright keywords
Connection · choice · alignment with values
Upright meaning
The Lovers concerns love and any decision that calls for honesty about one's values. In the RWS image, two exposed figures stand before an angel: being truly seen brings the responsibility to choose freely. Upright, attraction, trust, and deliberate commitment can come into alignment.
Reversed keywords
Discord · avoiding a decision · conflicting values
Reversed meaning
Intimacy may lack clear agreements, or attraction may coexist with choices driven by fear or pressure. This need not mean a breakup; it may call for a conversation about something neither person has named. In a non-romantic reading, the conflict may lie between competing values.
RWS image & symbols
The two figures stand before an angel, suggesting a witnessed choice; the fruit tree and serpent evoke knowledge and temptation; the flaming tree evokes passion and transformation; the mountain between them suggests a path to cross; sunlight brings exposure and clarity.
Reader's lens
Do not assume a fated soulmate. Ask what actions show two people choosing one another and taking responsibility for that choice.
Royal / Dragon adaptation
Use two adult royals, with genders chosen to preserve the relationship's legibility. Recast the serpent as a small serpentine dragon; retain the angel as a supernatural being.
Research edition based on the supplied 78-card manuscript. Symbolic interpretations are contextual, not guaranteed predictions or professional advice. Sonam Zangmo’s individual card interpretations will be added following editorial review.