Card Meaning

The Devil symbolizes temptation, materialism, and unhealthy attachments. It calls for you to recognize the chains holding you back and reclaim your freedom. This card warns of indulgence, addiction, or self-imposed limitations, urging you to confront your shadow side and make empowered choices.

Card Themes

  • Temptation and Desire
    Reflects materialism or unhealthy attachments.
  • Illusions
    Encourages recognizing self-imposed limitations.
  • Shadow Work
    Calls for confronting hidden fears or behaviors.
  • Bondage
    Symbolizes being trapped in toxic patterns.
  • Freedom
    Warns against ignoring the ability to break free.

Card Symbolism

  • The Figure
    A horned demon with bat wings sits on a black pedestal, symbolizing bondage to materialism and ignorance.
  • The Chains
    A man and woman are chained to the pedestal, representing addiction or unhealthy attachments.
  • The Torch
    The Devil holds an inverted torch, signifying false enlightenment.
The Devil

UPRIGHT

The Devil

REVERSED

Upright Meaning

When drawn upright, The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the feeling of being bound to unhealthy attachments. It highlights areas in your life where you may feel trapped or powerless, encouraging you to recognize the chains you can break free from. This card invites you to confront your shadow self and acknowledge patterns of behavior that no longer serve you. The Devil is not inherently negative but a call to reclaim your power by facing fears, addictions, or unhealthy dynamics. It warns against ignoring the consequences of indulgence or letting desires control you but reminds you that freedom is always within reach.

Upright Keywords:
Bondage, Materialism, Temptation, Attachment, Limitation, Shadow self, Addiction, Sexuality, Dependencies, Material focus

Reversed Meaning

When drawn reversed, The Devil represents release, freedom, and breaking free from unhealthy attachments or limiting beliefs. It reflects a turning point where you can recognize the chains holding you back and reclaim your power. This card encourages you to confront your fears, addictions, or toxic patterns and make conscious efforts to overcome them. The Devil reversed invites you to embrace personal growth and liberation, reminding you that you have the strength to create positive change. However, it cautions against reverting to old habits or failing to address the root causes of your struggles.

Reversed Keywords:
Release, Breaking free, Power reclaimed, Independence, Freedom, Revelation, Recovery, Divorce, Detachment, Light

Tarot Reading

Love & Relationships

Upright Meaning:
The Devil upright in a love reading symbolizes passion and attachment. If you’re single, it suggests being mindful of relationships based solely on physical attraction or unhealthy dynamics. For those in a relationship, it may indicate dependency, control, or unresolved issues. The card encourages breaking free from toxic patterns and fostering love based on trust and respect.

Reversed Meaning:
The Devil reversed in a love reading signifies breaking free from toxic patterns or attachments. If you’re single, it suggests releasing unhealthy beliefs or behaviors that block love. For those in a relationship, it indicates overcoming codependency or addictions that harm the partnership. The card encourages reclaiming control and seeking healthier dynamics.

Money & Career

Upright Meaning:
In a career context, The Devil upright represents feeling trapped, unhealthy attachments, or excessive focus on material gain. It suggests reevaluating whether your job aligns with your values and personal well-being. This card encourages you to break free from limiting beliefs or toxic environments and seek fulfillment in your professional life.

Reversed Meaning:
In a career context, The Devil reversed symbolizes breaking free from unhealthy attachments, toxic environments, or self-imposed limitations. It suggests leaving behind a toxic workplace or unproductive habits. Financially, it indicates releasing dependence on unhealthy financial practices. The card encourages reclaiming control and making empowered choices.

Health

Upright Meaning:
For health, The Devil represents unhealthy habits, addictions, or limitations. It suggests identifying and breaking free from patterns that harm your well-being, such as overindulgence or neglect of self-care. This card encourages facing challenges honestly and seeking support to regain control of your health.

Reversed Meaning:
The reversed Devil in health readings signifies breaking free from unhealthy habits, addictions, or limiting beliefs. It suggests a turning point where you recognize the need for change and begin to take steps toward improved well-being. The card encourages letting go of toxic patterns and embracing healthier choices.

Spirituality

Upright Meaning:
In spirituality, The Devil upright symbolizes facing limitations, attachments, or fears that hinder your spiritual growth. It encourages you to confront your shadow side and release unhealthy patterns. The card reminds you that spiritual liberation often comes from acknowledging and transforming your inner challenges.

Reversed Meaning:
In spirituality, The Devil reversed symbolizes breaking free from limitations, releasing attachments, or overcoming spiritual blocks. It suggests that you are beginning to recognize unhealthy patterns or beliefs that have held you back. The card advises you to continue releasing what no longer serves you and to embrace your spiritual freedom.

Tarot Cards

Arcana Type

The Devil is part of the Major Arcana.
The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards in the Tarot that represents profound life lessons, significant turning points, and deep spiritual archetypes. These cards reflect the journey of the soul capturing themes of growth, transformation, and universal truths. Each card symbolizes pivotal moments in life, guiding seekers through challenges, opportunities, and self-discovery on their path to enlightenment.

Numerology

The Devil has the numberology number 15.
The numberology meaning of 15 is defined as having magic and alchemy. Represents spiritual power and manifestation.

Zodiac Sign

Capricorn:
Charming and fair-minded, Libra seeks harmony in relationships and environments. They are natural diplomats, valuing balance and a sense of beauty in all things.

Astrology

The Devil is ruled by the astrological energy of Saturn.
Structured and disciplined, Saturn teaches responsibility, patience, and the value of hard work and perseverance.

Tarot Mystic

Element

The Devil is associated with the Earth element.
Intuitive and emotional, Water symbolizes feelings, compassion, and the flow of life. It is deeply connected to intuition, healing, and emotional depth.

Chakra

Root Chakra:
Grounded and secure, the Root Chakra represents stability, survival, and connection to the physical world. It is the foundation of safety and strength.

Hebrew Letter

The Devil is associated with the Hebrew letter Ayin.
Associated with perception and insight, Ayin embodies the ability to see beyond appearances and uncover deeper truths.

Crystal

The Devil is associated with the Garnet crystal.
Deeply grounding and energizing, Garnet enhances passion, courage, and vitality. It fosters resilience and strength during challenges.