Tarot of Marseille: The Lover

WHO IS THE LOVER, ARCANUM 6 OF THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE?
The Lover corresponds to the number 6. This card, the sixth of the Major Arcana of the Tarot of Marseilles, represents four characters: an Angel, a man, and two women. The woman on the left appears older and rests her hand on the man's right shoulder. The woman on the right, on the other hand, rests her hand on her heart. Above the man is an Angel with a bow in his hand: he is surrounded by a bright light symbolized by the colors yellow, red, and blue. The Angel, representing Cupid, is unsure where to shoot his arrow: it seems the man is at a point where he must choose between two women, one representing the profane and the other the sacred. The man's gaze appears to be directed toward the older woman, even as he simultaneously bestows gestures of affection on the woman on the right. The Lover represents a crossroads. The individual has reached a point in his life where he must make a choice: reason or love?

INTERPRETATION OF THE CHARTER
In function, The Lover seduces by the sense of freedom it exudes. Sixes are in full possession of their free will and allow themselves to be guided by their affections: they find themselves at the point of having to make a decisive choice in life. Associated with light, The Lover is about to begin a beautiful love story. Not in function, The Lover indicates an indecisive individual who struggles to make a decision and gives in to temptation. They play on seduction, risking becoming entangled in an unedifying situation and giving in to libertinism. They are sometimes reckless and careless about the implications of their actions.

ADVICE FROM THE LOVER
– Let Love guide you. – Listen to what your heart tells you. – There must be passion and enthusiasm in what you do. – Bring Love into your work and relationships with others. – Make decisions based on what you love to do, not what you should do. – Be with someone only for love. – Between love and duty, choose love. – Act in union with others, rather than alone. – Follow the Path of the Heart. – Do what excites you. – Follow your calling. – Be with people with whom you have an affinity on all levels. – Bring things and people together, creating a synthesis that represents the best of each. – Eliminate from your life what you are doing half-heartedly. – Give in to passion.

KEYWORDS
Love, Union, Choice, Vocation, Synthesis, Affinity. See the other tarot cards...

THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE
I – THE MAGICIAN
II – THE POPESS
III – THE EMPRESS
III – THE EMPEROR
V – THE POPE
VI – THE LOVERS
VII – THE CHARIOT
VIII – JUSTICE
VIIII – THE HERMIT
X – THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
XI – THE STRENGTH
XII – THE HANGED MAN
XIII – DEATH
XIIII – TEMPERANCE
XV – THE DEVIL
XVI – THE TOWER
XVII – THE STARS
XVIII – THE MOON
XVIIII – THE SUN
XX – THE JUDGMENT
XXI – THE WORLD
THE FOOL