We live in a world filled with choices. Lots of choices. With the swipe of a finger, our phones offer us an infinite array of probable meals, outfits and gadgets. Even our love lives are filled with technologically enhanced options. Open up any dating app and you’ll find a myriad of potential mates, and all it takes is a single swipe to initiate conversation. Sounds wonderful, right?

Not exactly. Many single people find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of potential relationships, while others have begun to treat dating like a video game that doesn’t often culminate in an actual date. And even if an in person date happens, how can we decide who to allow into our lives? And how do we know which way to swipe in order to get there?

Luckily, the tarot has a card to help us deal with the tsunami of possibility that is modern dating: the Lovers card.

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The Lovers Card

On its surface, the Lovers card appears to tell the tale of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. A naked man and woman stand below an otherworldly angel, while behind the woman, a coiled snake slithers up an apple tree, referencing the serpent that tempted Eve with the fruit of knowledge. The angel seems to be blessing the people below, and the scene feels exciting and filled with potential.

While the Lovers can be about love, it also holds a hidden clue regarding all relationships.

The figures in this card each represent an aspect of the human psyche. The man represents the conscious mind, the part of ourselves that is aware and takes physical action. Think of it as the surface level.

The woman represents the subconscious aspect of the mind, where deeply ingrained patterns and instincts dwell. This is where both intuition and shadow exist, so if you’ve got relationship baggage this is the closet you keep it in.

With the angel, a spiritual element enters the picture. The word angel is derived from the Greek word angelos, which means “messenger.” The angel connects us to the superconscious mind, the otherworldly knowing that moves beyond the confines of space and time.

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Conscious Mind vs Subconscious Mind

In the Lovers card, the man (conscious mind) looks to the woman (the subconscious) who looks to the angel (the superconscious) for guidance. The Lovers shows us that a well informed decision is not only a conscious choice. We must take into account our subconscious biases and ingrained assumptions in order to understand why we want what we want. Through the intuitive knowing of the subconscious the  superconscious can be accessed, giving us a glimpse into the spiritual lessons that our relationships offer.

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Superconscious

The superconscious represented by the angel is also a reminder that any choice in life holds an intuitive resonance. In order to hear and trust our intuitive knowing, we have to know what lies in our subconscious mind

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It's all in your intuition

Next time you find yourself faced with a decision regarding relationships, pause and consider what draws you to the person in question. Do they represent your ideal mate, or are they just like the ex you aren’t over? You might want to pause a moment, quiet your mind, and tune into your intuitive instincts before you disregard a potential date. Your intuition may just be trying to tell you that the love of your life is here!