The Devil stirs up strong reactions due to its provocative name and imagery. However, this card is not about literal devilry or evil! It’s actually about the metaphorical devils that bind us. For example, temptation, materialism, and the illusion of powerlessness.
It represents the shadow side of ourselves, the aspects we often prefer to ignore or deny. In the Fool’s journey, the Devil represents a crucial test. The Fool must confront his own inner demons and learn to free himself from the chains of his own making.
The card is a wake-up call, urging us to confront our fears and unhealthy habits that hold us back from reaching our full potential. It’s about acknowledging our self-imposed limitations and taking responsibility for our actions. Moreover, it’s a reminder that we are not victims of circumstance but rather the architects of our own lives.
The Devil card is a call to empowerment, urging us to break free from our self-imposed chains and reclaim our personal power.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of this powerful card.
The Devil Keywords and General Associations
The Devil card is associated with themes of bondage, materialism, ignorance, hopelessness, and addiction. It’s about being trapped in our own fears and desires, often without even realizing it. At the same time, the Devil card is a symbol of the shadow self, the part of us that we often deny or ignore.
- Upright keywords: Materialism, Ignorance, Stagnation, Self-bondage, Lust
- Reversed keywords: Detachment, Breaking free, Power, Recognition, Awakening
The Devil card is associated with the element of Earth, symbolizing the material world and our physical desires. Its zodiac sign is Capricorn, the sign of ambition, discipline, and practicality. Capricorn’s association with the card reminds us of the dangers of excessive ambition and the importance of balancing our material desires with our spiritual needs.
Detailed Description of the Devil Card
The Devil card in the Rider-Waite-Colman tarot deck depicts a large, horned figure – the Devil – sitting on a dark, gloomy pedestal. The figure is half-human, half-animal, symbolizing our primal instincts and desires. In fact, the inverted pentagram on his forehead represents the inversion of spiritual consciousness. At the same time, the torch in his hand symbolizes intellect used for destructive purposes.
Chained to the pedestal are a man and a woman, both with small horns and tails, symbolizing their transformation under the influence of the Devil. Interestingly, the chains around their necks are loose, suggesting that their bondage is self-imposed. The backdrop of the card is black, symbolizing ignorance and despair.
Meaning of the Devil
The card represents the darker side of human nature, the shadow self that we often deny or ignore. It’s about the chains that bind us, whether they’re addictions, unhealthy relationships, or self-limiting beliefs. The Devil card is a reminder that we are not victims of circumstance but rather the architects of our own lives. Furthermore, it’s a call to empowerment, urging us to break free from our self-imposed chains.
The card also represents the temptation of materialism and the illusion of power that it brings. It’s a reminder that true power comes not from external sources, but from within. Therefore, the Devil card urges us to look beyond the surface and to question our desires and motivations.
Interpretation of the Devil
Upright Devil
When the Devil appears upright in a reading, it’s a sign that you may be dealing with issues of bondage, addiction, or negativity. This card suggests that you may feel trapped in a situation, relationship, or mindset, often due to your own fears or self-limiting beliefs.
In a relationship context, the Devil can indicate an unhealthy attachment or codependency. It’s a reminder that the chains that bind you are self-imposed, and you have the power to break free.
In a career context, the Devil might suggest feeling trapped in a job or career path that doesn’t fulfill you. However, the card is also a call to empowerment. It’s about acknowledging your fears and limitations and taking steps to overcome them.
Reversed Devil
When the Devil card appears reversed in a reading, it’s a sign of breaking free from bondage and reclaiming your personal power. Additionally, it suggests that you are beginning to recognize your self-imposed limitations and are taking steps to overcome them.
In a relationship context, the reversed Devil can indicate breaking free from an unhealthy attachment or codependency. It’s a reminder, to be honest with yourself and to take responsibility for your actions.
In a career context, the reversed Devil might suggest making a bold move, such as leaving a job that doesn’t fulfill you. However, the reversed Devil card can also serve as a warning. It suggests that you may be resisting necessary change or that you may be in denial about your situation.
The Devil in Specific Readings
Yes-no readings
In a yes-no reading, the card is usually seen as a warning. It suggests that the situation may not be as it seems and that you may be dealing with self-imposed limitations or negative influences. The answer is not a clear “yes” or “no” but rather a call to introspection and self-awareness.
However, the Devil card can also suggest a powerful opportunity for growth and transformation. Moreover, this card reminds us that we have the power to change our circumstances. Therefore, the first step is to acknowledge and confront our fears and limitations.
Love readings
In a love reading, the Devil card can indicate an intense, passionate relationship that may border on obsession. So, this card encourages you to maintain your individuality and personal power within the relationship.
If you’re single, the card may suggest that you need to confront your fears or insecurities before you can find love. It’s a call to self-awareness and personal growth, urging you to break free from past patterns.
Work readings
In a work reading, the Devil card can indicate feeling trapped in a job or career path that doesn’t fulfill you. This card urges you to break free from your self-imposed chains and pursue your true passions.
It can also suggest issues with a boss or coworker or a toxic workplace environment. The card is a reminder that we have the power to change our circumstances! But we must first acknowledge and confront our fears and limitations.
Key Card Combinations with the Devil
The Devil card can interact with other cards in the Major and Minor Arcana in interesting ways. For example, paired with the Lovers card, the Devil can indicate a passionate but potentially destructive relationship. Paired with the Tower card, it can suggest a sudden, dramatic upheaval or revelation.
In combination with cards from the Minor Arcana, the card can provide more specific insights. For example, paired with the Ten of Swords, it can suggest a painful ending or betrayal. Paired with the Eight of Cups, it can suggest the need to leave behind something that no longer serves you.
Comparing and Contrasting The Devil with The Lovers and The Tower
In the realm of tarot, each card carries its unique symbolism and meaning. However, they are all interconnected, telling a story of the human experience. Let’s delve into a comparison and contrast of The Devil with two other Major Arcana cards: The Lovers and The Tower.
The Devil and The Lovers
At first glance, The Devil and The Lovers might seem to be polar opposites. The Lovers represent love, harmony, and partnership. On the other hand, The Devil often signifies bondage, materialism, and self-imposed limitations. However, both cards speak to the nature of relationships and the choices we make.
The Lovers card is about harmony, unity, and mutual respect in relationships. It represents a choice made with consciousness and consideration, leading to a balanced and fulfilling relationship. Meanwhile, The Devil represents relationships based on dependency, obsession, or materialistic factors. It suggests a situation where one feels trapped or powerless, indicating a choice made out of fear or ignorance.
Despite their differences, both cards remind us of the importance of making conscious choices in our relationships and the impact these choices have on our lives.
The Devil and The Tower
The Devil and The Tower are both cards that often provoke strong reactions due to their intense imagery and powerful symbolism. Both cards represent significant challenges and upheavals, but they approach these concepts from different angles.
The Devil represents the chains we place on ourselves, often without realizing it. It’s about the shadow self, the part of us that we often hide or deny. The Tower, on the other hand, represents sudden upheaval and change. It’s about the destruction of existing structures or beliefs, leading to a moment of clarity and transformation.
While The Devil suggests a slow realization and confrontation of our self-imposed limitations, The Tower indicates a sudden, often unexpected, revelation or change. However, both cards ultimately lead to liberation and transformation. They remind us that sometimes we need to confront our shadows or break down our old structures to make way for evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Devil
No, the Devil card is not inherently bad. It’s a powerful card that speaks to the power of personal choice and the importance of confronting our fears and limitations. Additionally, it’s a call to empowerment, urging us to break free from our self-imposed chains and reclaim our personal power.
In a love reading, the Devil card can indicate an intense, passionate relationship that may border on obsession or codependency. So take it as a reminder to maintain your individuality and personal power within the relationship.
In a career reading, the Devil card can indicate feeling trapped in a job or career path that doesn’t fulfill you. Therefore, it’s a call to empowerment, urging you to break free from your self-imposed chains and pursue your true passions.
When the Devil card appears reversed in a reading, it’s a sign of breaking free from bondage and reclaiming your personal power. It suggests that you are beginning to recognize your self-imposed limitations and are taking steps to overcome them.
Conclusion on the Devil
The Devil card is a powerful symbol of self-imposed limitations and the power of personal choice. It’s about recognizing our own power and taking responsibility for our actions. So, whether upright or reversed, the card is a call to empowerment! In short, it urges us to break free from our self-imposed chains and reclaim our personal power.
Remember, the Devil card is not about literal devilry or evil but rather about the metaphorical devils that bind us: temptation, materialism, and the illusion of powerlessness. It’s a reminder that we are not victims of circumstance but rather the architects of our own lives.
Approach it with an open mind and heart. Use it as a tool for self-reflection and empowerment, and remember that the power to change your life is always in your hands.
Learn the Tarot with Online Flash Cards
Are you looking to dive into the world of tarot and master the meaning of each card? You should check out our post, “Learn The Tarot Cards – Online Flash Cards” by our own Tarot expert Ersa Fay. With interactive flash cards covering all 78 cards in the tarot, both the Minor and Major Arcana, you will learn key facts and the symbolism and meanings associated with each card.
By using these flash cards, you’ll become more comfortable with performing your own readings and enhance your journey into the world of tarot.
In the post, Ersa focuses on the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, known for its rich imagery and profound symbolism. The captivating illustrations in this deck draw from various sources such as mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with the human psyche. So, if you’re ready to start learning, don’t miss out on this fantastic resource. We hope you find it useful and remember to have fun with it!
