Maybe I’m being biased with my preference of the Egyptian archetypal images, but I’ve been studying the cards more and many occultists view the Lovers in a wholly different way (almost) than the intended meaning from the Egyptian images. Crowley says the Lovers (or more properly ‘The Brothers’) is a story of Creation; That this is the true traditional meaning. It can also be found in the Rider-Waite deck. In the Thoth deck, Crowley depicts the Lovers according the symbolism of “The Chemical Marriage of Christian Rosenkruetz”, which is a profound alchemical allegory. If you are attracted to occultism, I would suggest reading this book. It’s symbolism is used in many places and understanding of such symbolism was ever under a veil for me until I read the book.
I will quote significant (to me) quotes from Crowley on the Lovers:
“The subject of this card is Analysis, followed by Synthesis. The first question asked by science is: “Of what are things composed?” This having been answered, the next question is: “How shall we recombine them to our greater advantage?” This resumes the whole policy of the Tarot.”
“The Royal Persons concerned are the Black or Moorish King with a golden crown, and the White Queen with a silver crown. He is accompanied by the Red Lion, and she by the White Eagle. These are symbols of the male and female principles in Nature; they are therefore equally, in various stages of manifestation, Sun and Moon, Fire and Water, Air and Earth.”
In regard to the Cupid, “From this, it may appear that he represents the intelligent (and, at the same time, unconscious) will of the soul to unite itself with all and sundry, as has been explained in the general formula with regard to the agony of separation.” This is like the Genii in the Egyptian cards, I think.
This quote is why I say that the interpretation is “almost” completely different:
To me, that sounds like the Choice of polarity that must need be made for the transformation of mind. The natural compliment to VI. The Lovers is, according to Crowley with the use of alchemical symbolism, XIV. Art/Temperance, which is the consummation of the Royal Marriage. So Temperance/Art/“The Alchemist” would the Great Way of the Body in Ra’s system.
I will quote significant (to me) quotes from Crowley on the Lovers:
“The subject of this card is Analysis, followed by Synthesis. The first question asked by science is: “Of what are things composed?” This having been answered, the next question is: “How shall we recombine them to our greater advantage?” This resumes the whole policy of the Tarot.”
“The Royal Persons concerned are the Black or Moorish King with a golden crown, and the White Queen with a silver crown. He is accompanied by the Red Lion, and she by the White Eagle. These are symbols of the male and female principles in Nature; they are therefore equally, in various stages of manifestation, Sun and Moon, Fire and Water, Air and Earth.”
In regard to the Cupid, “From this, it may appear that he represents the intelligent (and, at the same time, unconscious) will of the soul to unite itself with all and sundry, as has been explained in the general formula with regard to the agony of separation.” This is like the Genii in the Egyptian cards, I think.
This quote is why I say that the interpretation is “almost” completely different:
Quote:In this symbolism is therefore a complete glyph of the equilibrium necessary to begin the Great Work. But, as to the final mystery, that is left unsolved. Perfect is the plan to produce life, but the nature of this life is concealed. It is capable of taking any possible form; but what form? That is dependent upon the influences attendant on gestation.
To me, that sounds like the Choice of polarity that must need be made for the transformation of mind. The natural compliment to VI. The Lovers is, according to Crowley with the use of alchemical symbolism, XIV. Art/Temperance, which is the consummation of the Royal Marriage. So Temperance/Art/“The Alchemist” would the Great Way of the Body in Ra’s system.