General

The most obvious meaning for the Lovers is that they are lovers, and this is also a clear indicator that your relationship is about to head towards union. Soulmates and marriage can be represented by the Lovers. In traditional tarot, the man and the woman are being protected by an angel, and some have associated the angel with Archangel Raphael, who can sometimes help you manifest soulmate relationships. The archangel Raphael is associated with this card because he is an angel of air, the same element as the zodiac sign that governs the Lovers: Gemini. Air is associated with mental activity, and communication, and can sometimes mean that the relationship (with more communication) would be leading to union.

Upright

The Lovers is always a good sign for relationships and love, and when it comes to career and finances, it could mean that you would enter into a favourable partnership. Or perhaps, that you would have to work together with someone else to be able to achieve the goals and success that you are aiming for. Though there are other cards which can indicate that you have to work with others i.e. the Three of Pentacles, the Lovers can also indicate that you would have to partner up with someone. In other interpretations, the Lovers could mean that you are passionate about your business and you would give it your all. Also, it could symbolise a choice that you have to make about your career (this might be a good time to pull out some clarifier cards about what choices lay before you, if you don’t already know them).

Reversed

However, the Lovers in a negative spread, or surrounded by negative cards such as the 7 of Cups (sometimes, the 3 of swords – or any 3s—the Moon, or the 7 of Pentacles) could mean that you, or the person you are asking about is making a choice between you and another lover. This could indicate affairs, and perhaps a third party situation. In terms of career and finances, there might be a romantic relationship between you and a colleague that may lead to a conflict or a bit of drama. The Lovers can also indicate you or someone else not being responsible for their finances, and overspending.  

Astrological / Temporal Associations

The Lovers is associated with Gemini, which is an air sign, and ruled by Mercury. Mercury, and Air elements, both govern messages and communication. Gemini represents two different personalities uniting into one, just like how two lovers come to become one couple in love despite their differences. The archangel Raphael seems to indicate that there is divine intervention for the two lovers in the card, and that despite their differences, they will be able to find some balance and harmony. This could also symbolise a union of two opposing forces – like yin and yang.