Revelation 6: The Lovers

Revelation 6 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible that is part of the Book of Revelation, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John. This chapter is significant because it describes the opening of the first six of the seven seals of a scroll held by the Lamb (who represents Jesus Christ). Each seal unleashes a different apocalyptic event, symbolizing various judgments and tribulations that will occur before the end of the world. Here’s a brief overview of the chapter:

1. The First Seal (Verses 1-2): The White Horse
   • The Lamb opens the first seal, and a rider on a white horse appears. The rider has a bow and is given a crown, and he goes out to conquer. This rider is often interpreted as representing conquest or the Antichrist.
2. The Second Seal (Verses 3-4): The Red Horse
   • The second seal is opened, and a rider on a red horse emerges. The rider is given a large sword and takes peace from the earth, leading to war and bloodshed.
3. The Third Seal (Verses 5-6): The Black Horse
   • The third seal is opened, revealing a rider on a black horse. The rider holds a pair of scales, and a voice announces the high cost of wheat and barley, symbolizing famine and economic hardship.
4. The Fourth Seal (Verses 7-8): The Pale Horse
   • The fourth seal is opened, and a rider on a pale (or ashen) horse appears. The rider is named Death, and Hades follows him. They are given power over a quarter of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts.
5. The Fifth Seal (Verses 9-11): The Souls of the Martyrs
   • The fifth seal reveals the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and their testimony. They cry out for justice, asking how long it will be until their blood is avenged. They are given white robes and told to wait a little longer until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who are to be killed is completed.
6. The Sixth Seal (Verses 12-17): The Cosmic Disturbances
   • The sixth seal is opened, and there is a great earthquake. The sun turns black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the moon turns red as blood, and the stars fall to the earth. The sky recedes like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island is removed from its place. People of all ranks hide in caves and among the rocks, calling for the mountains and rocks to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb and the one seated on the throne.

The chapter ends with a rhetorical question from those hiding: “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” This sets the stage for the seventh seal, which is revealed in the following chapter.

The Lovers is the sixth card in the Major Arcana of a tarot deck. This card is rich in symbolism and can have different meanings depending on its position in a spread (upright or reversed) and the context of the reading. Here’s a breakdown of the symbolism and meanings associated with The Lovers card:

Imagery and Symbolism:

• Central Figures: The card typically depicts a man and a woman, often shown in a garden setting reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. Above them is an angel, often identified as Archangel Raphael, who symbolizes healing, guidance, and divine blessing.
• The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge: Behind the man is usually the Tree of Life, symbolizing vitality and the divine connection, while behind the woman is the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, often depicted with a serpent, symbolizing temptation.
• The Angel: The angel represents divine love and protection, suggesting a spiritual element in the relationship or situation at hand.
• The Sun: The sun shining above them symbolizes clarity, enlightenment, and positivity.

Upright Meaning:

• Love and Relationships: The Lovers card is often associated with romantic love, deep connections, and partnerships. It can signify a meaningful relationship, whether romantic or otherwise, that brings balance, harmony, and mutual respect.
• Choices and Decisions: This card also represents choices, particularly those that have a moral or ethical dimension. It may indicate a crossroads where an important decision must be made, often related to love or relationships but not necessarily so.
• Harmony and Union: The Lovers symbolize the union of opposites, balance, and the harmony that comes from understanding and embracing differences. This can relate to relationships, inner balance, or even partnerships in a broader sense.
• Personal Values: The card can also speak to personal values and the alignment between actions and beliefs. It suggests the importance of staying true to oneself and making choices that resonate with one’s core values.

Reversed Meaning:

• Disharmony and Conflict: When reversed, The Lovers can indicate disharmony, imbalance, or conflict in a relationship. It may point to misunderstandings, a lack of connection, or difficulties in communication.
• Poor Choices: The reversed card might suggest that a decision has been made or is being considered that is not in alignment with one’s true self or values. It warns of the consequences of making choices based on superficial desires or external pressures.
• Separation or Loss: In some contexts, the reversed Lovers card can indicate separation, breakup, or a feeling of being disconnected from a partner or from one’s own values.
• Inner Conflict: This reversal can also point to inner conflict, where an individual may struggle with making a decision or feel torn between two opposing desires or paths.

General Interpretation:

The Lovers card emphasizes the importance of making choices that are true to oneself and the significance of relationships in our lives. It encourages individuals to seek harmony and balance, both within themselves and in their connections with others. Whether upright or reversed, it calls for a deep consideration of one’s values, the nature of love, and the impact of one’s choices on their life’s path.