What they mean together
The Devil is the shadow of The Lovers. Same couple, but in chains. There's a very strong attraction that can turn into dependence, jealousy, or a relationship that doesn't let you be free.
In love
Lots of chemistry and little freedom. It also comes up with love triangles or temptation outside the relationship. Ask yourself whether you're choosing or just finding it hard to let go.
Career and money
A choice driven by money or fear more than by what you want. Take a look at what's keeping you tied to that job.
An example
Let's say you ask why you can't get over someone who hurts you, and The Lovers and The Devil come up. It's a bond with a lot of attraction and very little freedom. There's love and there's also a hook, which is why letting go is so hard. Look at what that relationship gives you and what it takes away, and reach out for support if you feel you can't do it alone.
By position in the spread
In the past
You lived through a very intense relationship that bound you more than you wanted. Understanding that pull helps you avoid repeating it.
In the present
A strong passion or temptation is shaping your decisions. Ask yourself whether you're choosing freely or out of fear of losing something.
In the future
Be careful with an intense attraction that could turn into dependence. Go in with your eyes open and set your boundaries from the start.
If they come up reversed
With The Devil reversed, you begin breaking the chains and getting your freedom back. If The Lovers are the reversed card, the relationship tips out of balance and resentment or jealousy shows up. With both reversed the dependence is plain to see, and it's a good moment to decide to step away.
Tell apart what you desire from what has you hooked.
Frequently asked questions
Do The Lovers and The Devil together mean cheating?
They can point to temptation or a love triangle, though not always. More often it's a relationship with lots of chemistry and not enough freedom.
Do The Lovers and The Devil mean a toxic relationship?
There's a risk of dependence or control, so notice how you feel in that bond. If you feel small or trapped, put yourself first.
To read them separately, here is the meaning of The Lovers and of The Devil. And if they came up in a three card spread, look at the position each one landed in too.