The Devil
Words describing The Devil: Bondage, temptation, materialism, ignorance, addiction, unhealthy, control, fear, manipulation, lust, power, deception, ego, excess, temptation, bondage.
How to interpret The Devil in tarot
Past
King of Wands (reversed)
Present
The Devil (reversed)
Future
Three of Pentacles (reversed)
Basic Meaning of The Devil (Rider-Waite)
The Devil is the fifteenth card of the Major Arcana in tarot and symbolizes desires, materialism, and being bound by unhealthy patterns. The card’s image shows a large devil figure standing over two people who are chained with shackles. It represents that we can sometimes become trapped by our own desires, fears, and dependencies, and that we need to confront these in order to be free.
Upright Meaning
When The Devil appears upright in a tarot reading it means that you may be stuck in an unhealthy situation, relationship, or behavior pattern. The card encourages you to acknowledge your desires, fears, and weaknesses and to take responsibility for overcoming them. It is a time for self-awareness and questioning if your current actions and choices are really benefitting you and your wellbeing.
Reversed Meaning
If The Devil is reversed in a reading it can signify that you are on the brink of breaking away from negative behaviors, dependencies, or relationships. It can also mean that you are struggling to let go of old patterns and need more strength and determination to be free. The card encourages you to keep fighting for your freedom and to seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors if needed.
Example Reading
If The Devil appears in a reading alongside Two of Swords and Eight of Pentagrams it could be interpreted as you being faced with a difficult decision (Two of Swords) regarding a situation or relationship that is negative or unhealthy for you (The Devil). Through hard work, commitment, and focusing on your own skills and development (Eight of Pentagrams) you will be able to break away from this situation and create a better future for yourself.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Devil is a powerful and complex archetype that represents the darker aspects of our psyche. It is associated with the shadow self, the parts of ourselves that we repress or deny. This archetype can also represent the concept of temptation and the lure of materialism and instant gratification.
Behavioral Patterns
When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the person is struggling with their own inner demons and negative patterns of behavior. They may be feeling trapped in destructive habits or addictions, unable to break free. This card can also suggest a feeling of being controlled or manipulated by external forces.
Integration and Shadow Work
The Devil encourages us to confront our deepest fears and desires, to acknowledge and accept our shadow self. Only by facing and integrating these darker aspects of ourselves can we truly transcend them. When this card appears, it is a call to do the inner work necessary for personal growth and transformation. This may involve examining our beliefs and values, questioning our motivations, and breaking free from destructive patterns. By doing this shadow work, we can release ourselves from the grip of the Devil and find true freedom and liberation.