Ideas: Couples therapy, incompatibility, unrequited love
Traits: Contradictory, deceptive, hesitant, indecisive, noncommittal, one-sided, skeptical, uncooperative
Emotions: Annoyance, disappointment, frustration, infatuation, irritation, rejection
Ideas: Combination, mutuality, union
Traits: Accessible, agreeable, balanced, conciliatory, cooperative, decent, honest, responsive, secure, understanding
Emotions: Affection, attraction, contentment, enjoyment, liking, longing, pleasure, satisfaction
Ideas: Clinginess, codependency, romanticization
Traits: Dependent, idealistic, impatient, impractical, indulgent, irrational, unrealistic, stubborn
Emotions: Apprehension, desire, envy, jealousy, loneliness, neglect, pity, pride, sympathy
Personal Growth
Rather than merely reflect the desires of others, identify what you want and be yourself. You can appreciate others without sacrificing your individuality. Honesty is power; be brave enough to admit what you really feel.
Relationship
In a healthy relationship, everyone involved feels safe enough to reveal how he or she really feels. Feeling attraction? Say so. Not invested? Say so. Reflected love is a balm for the soul, but hidden or repressed emotions will poison a relationship.
Career
Meet your goals more easily by recruiting others who see things your way. If what you’re doing now doesn’t thrill you, admit it. Do what delights you, or engineer a change of heart that allows you to enjoy what you’re doing now.
Spirituality
The idea that your spiritual practice must satisfy anyone other than yourself is an illusion. Do what you feel drawn to do. Find support and solace with like-minded individuals. Forgive spiritual abuse and rediscover the power of unity.
The Medicinal Angel
In Rider–Waite–Smith-inspired decks, an angel and a caduceus (the medical symbol) rise from the two cups, signifying the healing power of love. How might affection be the balm for what ails you now?
The Romantic Couple
Many versions of this card depict a couple caught up in intense, hypnotic passion. This symbolizes the power of reflected feeling: the unity achieved when yin and yang combine. In your situation, what’s missing? What’s needed in order to be complete?
Balance
Note how often illustrations for this card incorporate themes of balance. Emotional extremes and obsessions unbalance us; tempering your feelings with wisdom may help you feel more empowered.
Mutuality
Do your relationships and alliances incorporate a cycle of healthy interdependence and mutual support?
Responses to Mutuality
Rider–Waite–Smith-inspired couples seem to be on the verge of a toast. What do you need to celebrate? To acknowledge? To embrace?
The Marseilles Image
Two perfectly-balanced chalices give rise to a beautifully symmetrical blossom. Stability requires equality. Is everyone in your situation equally invested? What role do mutual feelings play?