Tarot Cards in Love
Let’s face it – the most common topic people seek out a tarot reading for is love. And to be honest, I am 100% here for it. Relationships play such a big role in our lives, and they’re a large part of the reason why we incarnate here on earth.
And while there are no hard and fast rules of which cards are good or bad for love readings, here are some that have regularly come up and how I generally interpret them when it comes to love. That said, please keep in mind that the whole story depends on all of the cards pulled.
I also think it’s worth mentioning all cards of the tarot can speak to love and relationships, but these are the ones that I seem to come across most often, and the different ways they may show up.
And before I get carried away talking about the cards, remember you can always book a reading with me here.
TWO OF CUPS
To me, the Two of Cups is the love card of the tarot, I would say even more so than the Lovers. This is two people coming together to see each other for who they are – no masks required. It’s a connection where you can both show up just as you are.
There is mutual attraction and, more importantly, respect. This comes with an equal share of responsibility in the partnership; it’s not one person constantly towing the line.
A Two of Cups relationship is built on love, support, and the ability to compromise in a way that is healthy for each party. There is open and honest communication, a sharing of emotion, and a desire to make things work. It’s not about perfection, but about choosing each other, day after day. When both partners are committed, this bond can grow into something truly lasting.
Reversed, however, we see a different story. It’s a disconnect and miscommunication. The relationship is unbalanced, and one partner may be feeling taken advantage of. Love is there, but it’s taken a backseat right now. Is it irreparable? No. Will it take work, honesty, and both halves to fix it? One hundred percent.
THE LOVERS
The Lovers is the one card people seem to want to see when they’re asking about relationships – and fair, it’s a great one to receive. It represents unity, connection, love, and fostering meaningful relationships.
It’s when you can be two complete, individual parts but come together to make a powerful whole. It speaks of romance, intimacy, harmony, and attraction. How do you show up authentically in your relationships? And how do you respond when others do the same?
The Lovers also tells me that these people are on the same wavelength. They share similar values, and goals for their relationship. This is a relationship that you will learn a lot from – both about yourself, and about love.
But the Lovers is about more than just love. It’s about the duality of choice. In older tarot decks, it was often a card that represented having to make a choice between two people. It’s the reminder that we choose who we allow in our lives – who we give our time, energy, and emotion to. When it comes up, it may be asking us to choose wisely.
Reversed, there is imbalance in the relationship. Perhaps you’re losing yourself in this connection, and having difficulty connecting with who you are. There is a lack of cohesion, and if things don’t change, resentment will only build. It may feel like your relationship is never the aspect that is chosen or put first. If you’re single, you’re not finding matches that are in alignment with what you want in your life.
TEN OF CUPS
Happiness, emotional fulfillment, support, completion – what more could you want from a card in a love reading?
The Ten of Cups generally indicates a happy ending. This is a connection that’s built on an emotionally strong foundation, and as a couple, you’ve worked hard to get here. Does that mean everything is perfect all the time? No, but you’re both willing to work it out.
It shows openness, growth, and overall happiness together. It’s a good card to represent having a family and that domestic life dream.
Reversed, the relationship has been going on for a while but isn’t emotionally fulfilling anymore. It might feel like you’re going through the motions, or have numbed yourself to the relationship as a whole. There is unease, and disharmony. It doesn’t feel great.
TEN OF PENTACLES
These relationships are built on a strong foundation, making the stable and secure. That’s not to say life doesn’t get in the way sometimes, but you’re building a future together.
Shared values are key here, and a desire to really build something of your life together. Family plays an important role in your connection, and you both appreciate building and sustaining meaningful traditions.
Feeling safe and secure both emotionally and financially is what makes this relationship work.
Reversed, it may feel like the ground is shaking beneath you. There are financial or external family issues that are making a not-so-great impact on your relationship. You may not want the same things in life anymore. The relationship may feel exhausting to maintain.
FOUR OF WANDS
You’ve created a wonderful foundation that is worth celebrating! This can also represent reaching milestones in a relationship, as well as events like weddings, and anniversaries.
The Four of Wands represent that feeling when things just click. It’s that feeling of belonging, and that sense of home.
Reversed, the relationship isn’t really fitting quite right. There may be some issues getting along with one another’s friends, and families, or maybe you’re just not ready for those bigger relationship milestones.
SIX OF CUPS
I always think of childhood crushes with the Six of Cups, but this also stands for a comfortable connection; one that feels sweet – maybe even wholesome.
This may be a sign of rekindling an old flame, but it also represents being in a relationship that helps you heal old wounds.
Reversed, there’s difficult letting go of the past. You may find yourself constantly checking on exes and old crushes, or being stuck in the memory of easier times. There’s a tendency here to wear rose tinted glasses.
THE SUN
Vibrant, fun, and free! This is a relationship that is filled with life, love, and laughter – and there’s a great deal that you can achieve together!
The freedom that comes with this connection actually strengthens the bond, and you truly enjoy one another’s company. Your partner helps you feel beautiful, confident, and radiant.
Reversed, you may be saying you’re fine about aspects of the relationship that are very much not fine. Be sure you’re not ignoring the issues by trying to be overly positive. You’re not feeling the happiness you desire.
THE ACES
I love when an Ace shows up in a love reading, especially if you’re looking to move into the next phase or attract someone new in your life.
Ace of Wands: that exciting romantic spark, going on dates, having fun, and experiencing new adventures! Say yes, and see where things take out instead of getting wrapped up in where it’s all going. It’s important to put yourself out there – be brave, and enjoy the ride. This can also encourage couples who have been together for a while to try new things to reignite that spark!
Ace of Cups: new emotional connections or potentially a rekindling of a former love (no toxic exes, though, okay?). Open yourself to new people, and give yourself a chance to be surprised. Have fun connecting with new people, or bringing a current relationship to a deeper emotional level.
Ace of Swords: new ideas about love and relationships, having clarity on what you want for yourself and what that means in terms of connections. Be honest and allowing yourself to speak up – talk to your partner because they sure as heck can’t read your mind. Enjoy open dialogue with your partner or new, potential interests.
Ace of Pentacles: for someone who’s looking for love, this shows that there are lots of fish in the sea – so go fishing, and see what you catch. Be practical in your approach, and take things slow. In a committed relationship, this is beginning of a new phase. Maybe you’re ready to move in together, start a business, or family. It’s a sign to build something meaningful.
Reversed, the Aces generally show either a missed opportunity, or something you need in your relationship, or something you’re not quite ready for yet.
THE EMPRESS
This is beautiful energy for a relationship, as it shows a lot of nurture, abundance, support, and growth.
The relationship is stable and mature. You’re able to grow together and make each other better. Enjoy sensuality and pleasure with one another.
This is a great card to receive if the querent wants to build a family, as the Empress is the mother and the divine feminine.
Reversed, there’s been a blow to the confidence in this relationship. One partner may be suffocating the other (with the intention to nurture), or you’re not growing in the same direction. May also represent difficulities with fertility.
THE STAR
The light at the end of the tunnel – this is your sign to trust yourself, your partner, and your relationship. You are where you are meant to be.
Heal together, as you find a rekindled hope and faith in love and in yourselves. Allow this person to help you find your guiding light.
This is an especially welcome card if people have been through difficulties in love. The hard times are ending, and it’s time to heal.
Reversed, you’ve lost hope in love. Maybe you’ve lost faith in your partner, or think you’ll never find the one. You’re likely hiding yourself away, losing yourself in a relationship, and being overly self-critical.
THE HIEROPHANT
If you’re looking for signs of commitment, here it is! The Hierophant represents a traditional approach to love, and the institution of marriage.
Your relationship follows the status quo. You have clearly defined roles, and are both happy to play your part.
While this doesn’t come up that often, it can represent an arranged marriage or a marriage of obligation or convenience.
Reversed, this connection goes against conventional norms, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Others may not understand it. This could also come up if you’ve set a strict timeline for yourself and are upset that your love life hasn’t adhered to it.
EIGHT OF WANDS
Things are moving fast and picking up momentum with the Eight of Wands! This may mean you’re taking your relationship to the next phase, or that someone worth meeting is right around the corner. Expect surprises (in a good way)!
With the wands kind of looking like arrows flying through the air, it can also represent ‘Cupid’s Arrows’ or love at first sight.
Reversed, there are delays in your love life, and definitely confusion. You may have difficulty knowing which way to go, or what feels right.
THE TAROT COURT
The Court Cards can show up as the querent, their partner, or people that have an influence on the relationship (keep reading for a story about that one).
Kings are typically stable, and emotionally mature. They embody their element in the best of ways for the betterment of the relationship, and can represent how someone shows up when it comes to love. In a reversed position, however, some of the worst aspects of their elements can come out.
The King of Swords is someone who likes a good mental connection, someone who is honest, communicative, and who challenges him. But in a more negative position, he can be controlling, manipulative, and quite nasty with their words. The King of Wands is passionate and bold when to comes to love. While he’s confident and charismatic, if he’s in, he’s all in. Reversed, he can be a partner who is physically abusive, or extremely poor-tempered.
Queens also indicate maturity in a relationship, along with emotional depth. They know who they are outside of their connection. They provide insight into how you or your partner approach love, emotional expression, and the relationship dynamics. Reversed, they often represent an outside factor in your connection, emotional instability, and manipulation or lack of fulfillment in a specific area of the partnership.
For example, the Queen of Cups is nurturing, caring, and enjoys a deep, emotional bond. Feeling loved is important to her; she loves unconditionally but ill-aspected, can struggle with not taking care of herself or loose boundaries in love. The Queen of Pentacles takes a grounded approach to love. She needs stability, security, and likely some type of commitment because she’s not here to waste her time. Reversed, she may be a sign that you’re accepting less than you deserve in this relationship, or doing all the work.
Knights generally indicate things are happening in a relationship. They show that there may be changes (good or bad) coming, and represent how you might pursue a relationship – or go about strengthening one. Knights aren’t Queens or Kings yet, so they’re still figuring some things out.
I always say the Knight of Cups is the lover boy of the tarot – he loves love and encourages you to just enjoy all the feelings – very much that honeymoon phase. The downside, however, is that he can be fickle and idealistic. The Knight of Wands wants to go on all the dates, and play the field. He’s just here to enjoy himself, and probably isn’t quite ready to settle down – he’s a good time, as long as you’re looking for the same thing.
Lastly we have the Pages, who often indicate a new connection, or one that hasn’t matured much yet. They’re a great opportunity for growth, and always make me think of the butterflies in your stomach type of feeling. Since they may be a little immature, they can sometimes be overwhelmed when it comes to love.
The Page of Pentacles shows a promising start, likely built on mutual interests or friendship. This might be a slow moving relationship, but there’s lots of potential (as long as you’re not in a rush). The Page of Cups is very much that puppy-dog love; there’s an excitement to connect, and to build something more but the idea may be better than the reality.
A STORY ABOUT THE QUEEN OF SWORDS
I had a couple come for a reading at an event. Their relationship was going well, but they were curious about their connection as a whole. We pulled some cards, and in a challenge position the Queen of Swords reversed popped up.
Generally, I would see this as a mother or influential person in one of their lives that has a lot to say about their relationship. Someone who may be a bit controlling, and domineering.
It turns out that one of their mothers was their landlord, and quite overbearing with her son. She constantly needed to know where they were, and what they were doing, and they admitted it was causing some strain on their relationship. And as if the universe was trying to deliver a yep, that’s right, his mother called. During the reading, and he answered it. She wanted to know where they were because she couldn’t spot them at the event.
THE THREE OF SWORDS & TEN OF SWORDS
I’m not going to lie, I haven’t had a single querent who’s been thrilled to see either the Three of Swords or the Ten of Swords in a reading – especially one about love.
The Three of Swords represents heartache, pain, loss, grief, and betrayal. It usually comes at a time when we’ve gone through a difficult lesson in love. Perhaps you had a big fight, broke up, or separated. There is a lot of sadness still to move through. It hurts, things you didn’t mean were said, and you might wonder if you’ll ever move through it (hint: you will).
Reversed, it encourages us to process our emotions, and to heal; to not bury it all deep down, hoping for it to go away. It can also show that the relationship you have now is a healing one.
The Ten of Swords is painful endings. Breakups, divorce, infidelity – most of the things we don’t want. And usually when the Ten comes up, it’s been dragging on for a long time. It may feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, and it’s important to realize it will take time to rebuild trust when it comes to love.
Reversed, you’ve come through the dark night of the soul and are piecing things back together. You’ve weathered the storm, and while there’s still pieces to put back together, you’re in a place where that’s now possible. Honesty, however, is key.
THE TOWER
The Tower shows that change is needed, and it’s coming one way or another. It doesn’t mean it’s over (it might be), but it does mean that the foundation you’ve built on is crumbling – and it’s time to rebuild.
That means getting it all out on the table, tearing down, and building it back up again. It’s learning from your past experiences to build something stronger and aligned.
I would never say the Tower means a relationship is doomed to fail, but it will take work to get through to the other side and it’s important to decide whether or not it’s worth it. It may be, and it may not be.
Reversed, the changes needed to sustain the relationship aren’t live altering – but there are definitely things being left unsaid. Make the shifts you need now so that things don’t tumble down later.
EIGHT OF CUPS
I always find the Eight of Cups a little bittersweet, and it usually comes up with the querent already knows it’s probably time to walk away.
What makes it hard are the emotional ties. There may be guilt leaving, shame, or a sense of failure.
The most important part of the Eight of Cups is accepting where you are, and how things have become. You’ve tried to make it work, you gave it a try, but you’re going around in circles.
It’s the reminder that not all relationships are meant to last a lifetime – and while it may be sad, it’s also okay.
Reversed, there is a lot of stagnation in the relationship. Feelings of underappreciation; you’re likely not with someone who is good for you at this time in your life. You feel stuck, and like nothing will change.
SEVEN OF SWORDS
Well, someone’s lying and playing games. Something is definitely sus.
While it never feels great to hear that, it generally means that they’re lying because they’re ashamed, embarrassed, or looking out for themselves. Nine times out of ten, it comes from a place of selfishness.
This can be an indication of cheating (especially if paired with the Three of Cups or Pentacles), but it could also be lies about who they are or what they really want.
(And every time this comes in questions of love, I think of Why you always lyin’….).
Reversed, the truth comes to light, so no matter what side you’re on, you better be prepared for it. This can also represent dropping masks and false pretenses, and the end of those ridiculous love games.
THE DEVIL
The Devil often appears when we feel trapped, controlled or stuck in love. This can indicate a co-dependent relationship, or a partner that is controlling, perhaps even to the point of abuse.
He can represent the self-limiting beliefs that you buy into that are preventing you from finding that meaningful, good relationship. But it can also indicate that you’re associating your self-worth with having a partner. If that’s the case, are you staying in a relationship because you’re afraid to be alone?
It can indicate an obsession, perhaps with someone, the idea of someone, or with being in a relationship as a whole. But if that’s the case, it also means you’re settling for less than you want and deserve.
You may find yourself lustful, the desire for pleasure and for getting physical needs met (likely at the cost of true connection and intimacy). This isn’t always a bad thing, the Devil can be a good time (and also can represent BDSM or kinks in general). However, as good of a time as he can be, the question is are you giving into physical pleasures to cope or avoid? Is addiction to sex a possibility? If all is safe and healthy, carry on and enjoy. (Yep, I took that part right out of my other post).
Reversed, we’re reclaiming our freedom. You are choosing an empowering connection, over one that holds you down. Independence, over co-dependency. Pleasure, and sensuality in a way that is healthy and enjoyable – not empty and void filling.
(Looking for more information on the Devil? Check out my article Through Different Lenses: The Devil).
As I hope you can see, tarot can offer deep insight into love, not by predicting the future, but by helping us understand our emotions, desires, and patterns. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or confirmation, the cards provide a mirror to your heart’s journey.
Have you drawn any of these cards in a love reading? Share your experience in the comments!.
If you’re looking for a personal one-on-one reading, book a session with me to explore what the cards are revealing for you. Or if you’re wanting to enhance your tarot reading skills, I also offer tarot mentorship, workshops, and practice nights.