The Devil -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

15. THE DEVIL

At a glance:

The Devil is a cautionary tale against succumbing to unhealthy habits and materialism, reminding us that the power to break free lies within ourselves.

Upright Keywords:
Addiction, lust, self-destructive habits

Reversed Keywords:
breaking free from unhealthy situation

Numerology:
individuality (1) and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth (5)

The Devil: Upright Meaning

The Devil card unveils a striking image of Baphomet perched on a pedestal, with a reversed pentacle crowning his head. Two individuals are bound to the pedestal, yet their collars hang loose, signifying the illusion of entrapment. This card serves as a cautionary tale against succumbing to unhealthy habits and materialism, reminding us that the power to break free lies within ourselves.

The Devil card is often misunderstood due to its ominous imagery and negative connotations, but it can actually be one of the most enlightening cards in the deck. This card challenges you to reflect on whether you are allowing negative influences to seep into your life, affecting your well-being and happiness. It speaks to the idea of giving up too much power to a particular situation, person, or thing, which can block your personal growth and fulfillment. The Devil card urges you to recognize these unhealthy attachments and take steps to reclaim your autonomy, paving the way for a more liberated and empowered existence.

In The Fool's Journey, The Devil symbolizes the aspects of the Fool's psyche that they often overlook or deny – either due to their ignorance, lack of understanding, or apathy. Despite their efforts to move forward, they find themselves bound to their past. As the journey progresses, the Fool understands the necessity of confronting these inner shadows, recognizing that ignoring them only keeps him enslaved.

The Devil card is connected to 15, which embodies a sense of adventure and a yearning for freedom. The combination of the numbers 1 and 5 underscores the importance of individuality (1) and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth (5).

Love/Relationships

When it comes to relationships, The Devil urges caution against falling into toxic dynamics. This could manifest as codependency, manipulation, or other forms of emotional bondage. While there's no inherent issue with indulging in pleasure, it's essential that all parties involved are on the same page. Take stock of your partnerships and ensure they align with your values and aspirations. 

Alternatively, The Devil card love meaning may also signify the need to break free from relationships that are limiting or stifling personal growth. Remember, the most sustainable relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding.

Money/Career

In the realm of finances and career, The Devil warns against the allure of materialism and the pursuit of power at any cost. You may feel trapped in a cycle of striving for success or developing an unhealthy obsession with wealth. Take a step back to reassess your priorities and explore how you can regain control over your financial situation. Seek fulfillment in financial goals that aligns with your values and brings both stability and genuine satisfaction. Beware of chasing empty desires.

Spiritual/Self

On a spiritual level, The Devil prompts us to confront our inner demons and break free from self-imposed limitations (examples could include: unhealthy habits like smoking, negative self-talk, insecurities, limited beliefs, etc). It serves as a mirror, reflecting the aspects of ourselves that we may shy away from. 

Our biases often obscure our ability to recognize our own bad behavior, making it challenging to acknowledge and address them. It's essential to understand that personal growth isn't about striving for perfection but rather about recognizing areas where we can improve. We may not even realize that these habits are the root cause of our frustrations, keeping us tethered to old traumas. 

To initiate change, it's crucial to develop a step-by-step plan to confront these issues and measure our progress along the way. By taking proactive steps, we can pave the path toward personal growth and fulfillment. True liberation comes from acknowledging and accepting our shadows. Practice self-compassion to overcome negative thought patterns that are keeping you stuck.

“We may not even realize that our habits are the root cause of our frustrations, keeping us tethered to old traumas. ”

Astrology

The Devil is associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn, embodying themes of ambition, bondage, and self-limitation. Capricorn's drive for success and achievement can sometimes lead to an overemphasis on material pursuits. By recognizing and transcending these limitations, Capricorn individuals can harness their ambitious energy to achieve their full potential.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

In its reversed position, The Devil signifies a period of liberation and breaking free from self-imposed constraints. You may find yourself shedding old habits and belief systems that no longer serve your highest good. However, remain vigilant to avoid slipping back into familiar patterns. Embrace this newfound freedom with gratitude and determination, knowing that you have the power to chart a new course for yourself.

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CARD SUMMARY

Avoid giving up too much power to a particular situation, person, or thing, which can block your personal growth and fulfillment.

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