The Devil Tarot Card Meanings
By M-C
The Devil Keywords
| Upright Keywords | Reversed Keywords |
|---|---|
| Temptation, Materialism, Bondage, Addictions, Shadow self | Liberation, Breaking free, Release, Enlightenment, Seeing through illusions |
The Devil Tarot Card Description
The Devil, also known as Mephistopheles, Satan, or the Prince of Darkness, embodies our conception of evil and the undesirable. From a human standpoint, life often seems a battle between light and darkness, where we strive to overcome evil to let goodness prevail. Yet, good and evil are intertwined; they cannot be distinctly separated any more than a shadow can be detached from its object. Darkness represents merely the absence of light, emerging from mistakes that obscure the truth. Tarot's Card 15 illustrates these very errors. The first mistake is ignorance—being unaware of the truth and oblivious to our lack of knowledge. The second error is materialism—the notion that only the physical world exists. As spiritual entities, we yearn for the Divine, yet we sever ties with this source of truth if we rely solely on our senses. Another error is hopelessness, which steals our joy and impedes our progress toward enlightenment. Traditionally, the Devil symbolizes evil, but in a tarot reading, it conveys a less ominous message. It signals that you are trapped in a detrimental and unproductive scenario. You might be oblivious to the truth and its consequences. You could be fixated on a person, idea, substance, or behavior detrimental to your wellbeing (whether you recognize it or not). At times, this card mirrors the negativity that has caused you to question your own worth and future prospects. Life is full of mistakes, and Card 15 alerts us when they are significant enough to demand our attention. When the Devil appears, it's crucial to scrutinize your assumptions. Ensure that you are not basing decisions on a distorted view of yourself and your circumstances. Cling to the most noble vision of who you are.
The Devil card often represents being ensnared in harmful or stagnant situations, prompting a reevaluation of one's perceptions and assumptions to reconnect with the highest self.
The Devil Upright Meaning
The Devil card signifies the presence of unhealthy attachments, addictions, or patterns that are holding you back. It represents a sense of being trapped or controlled by external influences or negative behaviors. It serves as a reminder to examine your attachments and habits to determine whether they are serving your highest good or inhibiting your growth. It encourages you to break free from these patterns and regain control over your life.
The Devil Reversed Meaning
In reverse, The Devil signifies the release from bondage, liberation, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and overcoming materialism. It suggests a newfound sense of freedom, inner transformation, and a willingness to confront and transcend the negative influences or patterns that have held us back. It calls for self-awareness, breaking free from unhealthy attachments, and reclaiming personal power to live an authentic and fulfilling life.
The Devil Affirmation
I release negative attachments and embrace my freedom and inner light.
The Devil Correspondances
| Elements | Earth |
| Numerology | It is associated with the number 15. The number 15 in numerology signifies the energy of materialism and the potential for being ensnared in worldly attachments. It symbolizes the need for caution and self-awareness to avoid falling into destructive patterns or unhealthy habits. |
| Astrology | It is associated with the planet Saturn and the astrological sign of Capricorn. |
| Yes / No Meaning | No |
| Crystals | Black diamond, Black onyx, Obsidian, Jet, Charoite, Hematite, Pyrite, Tektite, Black tourmaline |
The Devil Summary: Love
| Upright Summary: Love | Reversed Summary: Love |
|---|---|
| Drawn to relationships that are exciting yet potentially unhealthy or addictive. Suggests a relationship characterized by strong desires and emotional intensity. Indicates issues of control, jealousy, or unhealthy attachments within the relationship. | Freedom from past traumas and toxic patterns. Attracting respectful and value-aligned partners. Enhancing mutual respect and open communication in relationships. |
The Devil Upright Meaning: Love
Searching for Love:
The Devil card in an upright position can signify intense and passionate connections when seeking love. This card may indicate that you are drawn to relationships that are exciting yet potentially unhealthy or addictive. It's important to be cautious about falling into patterns of obsession or dependency.
In Relationships:
When the Devil card appears upright in a love reading, it suggests a relationship characterized by strong desires and emotional intensity. This card can also point to issues of control, jealousy, or unhealthy attachments within the relationship. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for a balanced and healthy partnership.
The Devil Reversed Meaning: Love
Searching for Love:
When The Devil card appears reversed in a love reading, it suggests liberation and breaking free from unhealthy patterns. If you're single, it indicates that you're overcoming past traumas or toxic relationships, making room for a healthier love life. This card signifies a time of self-awareness and growth, allowing you to attract partners who align with your values and respect your boundaries.
In Relationships:
For those in a relationship, The Devil reversed signifies the end of manipulation, control, or dependency issues. It highlights a period of healing and mutual respect, where both partners are working towards a more balanced and harmonious connection. This card encourages open communication and honesty, helping to rebuild trust and strengthen the bond.
The Devil Summary: Career
| Upright Summary: Career | Reversed Summary: Career |
|---|---|
| Obsession with work can lead to personal life imbalance. Feeling trapped in a job can cause a lack of control over your career. Prioritizing money and status may result in unethical behavior. | Breaking free from constraints leads to new opportunities. Embrace empowerment and regain control over your work life. Positive changes are on the horizon. |
The Devil Upright Meaning: Career
Obsession with Work:
The Devil card in an upright position often signifies an unhealthy obsession with your job. You may be working excessively, to the point where it is impacting your personal life and well-being.
Feeling Trapped:
This card can indicate feelings of being trapped or chained to your current job. You might feel like you have no control over your career path, and that external circumstances are dictating your professional life.
Materialism and Power:
The Devil suggests a strong focus on materialism and power. You may be prioritizing money and status over more meaningful aspects of your career, potentially leading to unethical behavior or decision-making.
The Devil Reversed Meaning: Career
Breaking Free:
The Devil reversed in a career reading signifies breaking free from constraints and negative influences. You might be releasing yourself from a toxic work environment or overcoming self-doubt that has hindered your progress.
New Opportunities:
With this card, new opportunities may present themselves as you shed limiting beliefs and behaviors. This could be a time of embracing innovation and exploring new career paths that align more closely with your true passions.
Empowerment:
The reversed Devil card suggests a period of empowerment and increased confidence. You are more aware of your strengths and capabilities, allowing you to take bold steps toward your career goals.
Balance and Control:
It also indicates regaining balance and control over your work life. This can involve setting healthier boundaries, managing stress better, and creating a more harmonious work environment.
Positive Changes:
Expect positive changes as you move away from destructive patterns. This card encourages you to cultivate a healthier mindset and adopt practices that support your professional growth and well-being.
The Devil Summary: Health
| Upright Summary: Health | Reversed Summary: Health |
|---|---|
| The Devil upright in health readings suggests confronting unhealthy habits and feeling trapped. It points to overindulgence affecting physical health and urges control. Mental health may be suffering due to feelings of entrapment and highlights the need for support. | Reversed Devil card indicates recovery. Embrace new healthy habits. Feel liberated and positive. |
The Devil Upright Meaning: Health
The Devil upright in a health reading indicates a need to confront unhealthy habits or addictions that may be affecting your physical or mental well-being. It suggests that you may be feeling trapped or powerless in your current health situation, often due to self-imposed limitations or negative thought patterns.
Physical Health:
This card often points to issues related to overindulgence, such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug abuse. It can also signify chronic conditions that may be exacerbated by these behaviors. The Devil urges you to take control of your health by breaking free from these destructive habits.
Mental Health:
The Devil upright can indicate feelings of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that are being intensified by a sense of entrapment or hopelessness. It highlights the importance of seeking help and support to overcome these challenges and regain a sense of control and empowerment.
Advice:
It is crucial to recognize and address any negative patterns or dependencies in your life. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or medical treatment, can be beneficial. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and making conscious efforts to improve your lifestyle can lead to significant health improvements.
The Devil Reversed Meaning: Health
Physical Health:
The reversed Devil card often indicates a positive turning point in physical health. It suggests liberation from unhealthy habits or addictions that were previously causing harm. This could be the right time to start a new, healthier lifestyle.
Mental Health:
When the Devil card appears reversed, it often symbolizes a breakthrough in mental health. There may be a release from negative thought patterns, anxieties, or dependencies. This card encourages the embrace of personal freedom and mental clarity.
Emotional Well-being:
Emotionally, the reversed Devil card points to the removal of toxic influences. It can indicate the end of a harmful relationship or the overcoming of emotional barriers. There is a strong sense of reclaiming personal power and emotional resilience.
Overall Wellness:
Overall, the reversed Devil card is a sign of recovery and regeneration. It is a period where one might feel a newfound sense of control and positivity. This is a time to focus on self-improvement and self-care.