 | Upright: Temptation, bondage, materialism, addiction, power, desire Reversed: Liberation, release, awareness, breaking free, reclaiming control, detachment |
The Devil card confronts you with shadows and chains in the tarot deck. It symbolizes temptation, self-imposed limits, and the pull of materialism, urging you to face what binds you. This card challenges you to break free from destructive patterns.
Numerological Value
The Devil is the 15th card in the tarot deck. The number fifteen signifies entrapment and liberation, reflecting the card’s dual nature of bondage and the potential for freedom.
Element
The Devil’s element is Earth. Earth represents materialism, physicality, and grounding, aligning with the card’s focus on worldly desires and attachments.
Astrological Value
The Devil is associated with Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Capricorn embodies ambition and structure, while Saturn adds the weight of restriction and lessons.
General Meaning of the Card
| Upright Meaning | Reversed Meaning |
|---|---|
| Temptation and unhealthy attachments | Breaking free from chains |
| Bondage to desires or fears | Gaining awareness and liberation |
| Materialism over spirituality | Reclaiming personal power |
| Addiction or destructive habits | Detachment from toxic influences |
| Feeling trapped by circumstances | Release from self-imposed limits |
| Power struggles or manipulation | Overcoming fear and dependency |
“Face your chains and break them loose, for freedom lies beyond temptation!”
Love and Relationship Readings
Upright Meaning
In love, The Devil Card upright warns of toxic dynamics or obsession. A relationship might feel binding—think jealousy or dependency—trapping you in unhealthy patterns.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil signals freedom from a stifling bond. You might end a toxic romance or break free from controlling behaviors, reclaiming your independence.
Career and Work Readings
Upright Meaning
In career, The Devil upright suggests feeling trapped in a job or chasing status over purpose. Ambition might turn into burnout; it’s time to question what drives you.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil indicates liberation from a dead-end career. Quitting a draining role or shedding workaholic tendencies can open new doors.
Finances and Money
Upright Meaning
Financially, The Devil upright points to greed or debt tying you down. Overspending or chasing wealth might limit your freedom; awareness can shift your focus.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil brings relief from financial burdens. Paying off debt or ditching materialism can free you up; control over money returns.
Personality and Archetypes
Upright Meaning
Upright, The Devil represents a seductive, controlling personality. As the “Tempter” archetype, this person lures others—or themselves—into traps of desire or power.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil Card reflects a liberated, awakening personality. As the “Freed Captive” archetype, this individual sheds chains, embracing clarity and strength.
Health
Upright Meaning
In health, The Devil upright warns of addictions or harmful habits—like overeating or substance use—binding your well-being. Facing these is the first step to freedom.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil suggests breaking free from unhealthy cycles. Quitting a vice or releasing stress can spark recovery; you’re unshackling your health.
Symbolism of The Devil Card
The Devil card shows a horned figure atop a pedestal, chaining a man and woman, symbolizing bondage to base desires. The inverted pentagram above signifies materialism, while the torch in the Devil’s hand ignites temptation. The black background reflects shadow, and the loose chains hint at escapable limits.
Upright Meaning Explanation
Upright, The Devil locks you in a dance with your shadows, tempting you with glittering traps. Picture getting hooked—maybe on a toxic fling, a soul-sucking job, or a spending spree—feeling the chains tighten as freedom fades. It’s the late-night scroll that steals sleep, the power play that sours a friendship, or the craving that owns you. This card doesn’t judge; it reveals what’s got you hooked and dares you to see it. The chains are loose—freedom’s there if you face the mirror and choose to slip them off.
Reversed Meaning Explanation
Reversed, The Devil snaps the chains, setting you free from what’s held you back. Imagine kicking the habit—dumping a controlling ex, walking away from a grind that broke you, or cutting up the credit card—and tasting liberty. You’re waking up, like shaking off a bad dream where you were stuck; the torch dims, and clarity floods in. This card cheers you on as you reclaim power—maybe therapy helps, or a bold “no” shifts the game. It’s your breakout moment, proving the cage was never locked.
