Learning Major Arcana - The Devil (15)

The Devil: The Card of Temptation and Materialism

The Devil is a card that often brings up intense and sometimes uncomfortable themes, as it represents the darker aspects of human nature, such as temptation, addiction, materialism, and control. However, this card doesn’t necessarily signify something “bad” in itself. Rather, it’s a powerful reminder of the ways we can become ensnared by our own desires, fears, and attachments. The Devil card calls us to look at where we might be limiting ourselves or where we might be feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns, and challenges us to break free from them.

When The Devil appears in a reading, it asks you to examine what is holding you back—whether it’s a toxic relationship, an unhealthy habit, or an overattachment to material success. It’s a card that urges you to face these challenges head-on and liberate yourself from any forces or behaviours that are keeping you stuck.

Imagery and Symbolism of The Devil

The imagery of The Devil card is often dark and striking, usually showing a horned figure, representing a demon or fallen angel, sitting upon a throne of sorts, with a fiery backdrop that evokes feelings of power and temptation. The Devil typically holds a scepter or torch, symbolising dominion or control. At the base of the card, there are often two chained figures—male and female—representing individuals who are bound by their own desires, addictions, or attachments.

The chains in the imagery are particularly significant because they are often loosely fitted, indicating that the people in the card could break free at any time if they chose to do so. This is a key point—the Devil doesn't necessarily represent a force outside of ourselves that holds us captive; it speaks to the internal chains that we create through our choices and actions.

The Devil also symbolises the lower, more primal aspects of our personality, such as our impulses, fears, and the pursuit of pleasure without regard for the consequences. While this can be interpreted negatively, it also reminds us of our own power and responsibility to overcome our limitations.

Upright Meaning of The Devil

When The Devil appears upright, it’s often a warning about being ensnared by unhealthy patterns, habits, or relationships. It can suggest that you are currently in a situation where you feel trapped or controlled, but the key here is that you likely have the power to free yourself. The Devil asks you to look at the things in your life that have become addictions or obsessions, whether it’s a substance, a toxic relationship, or a fixation on material wealth or status.

The Devil also speaks to feelings of powerlessness and can highlight ways in which you may be giving away your personal power to external forces—whether it’s a person, a job, or a belief system. In its upright position, The Devil asks you to confront these situations, reflect on why you might be stuck in them, and consider how you can break free. It may be a sign that you need to take back control over your own life and choices.

The appearance of The Devil can also indicate that you are being tempted to indulge in unhealthy pleasures or behaviours. You might be drawn to short-term gratification at the expense of your long-term happiness. This could be a wake-up call to reconsider your choices and examine whether your actions align with your higher values and goals.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil

When The Devil appears reversed, it suggests that you are in the process of freeing yourself from something that has been holding you back. This could be an addiction, a toxic relationship, a mindset, or a fear that has been preventing you from moving forward. The reversed Devil signifies liberation and breaking free from the chains that once bound you. It’s an indication that you are starting to recognise where you’ve been trapped and are finding the strength to escape.

This card reversed can also indicate that the worst of the situation is over, and now is a time for healing and reclaiming your power. If you’ve been struggling with an obsession or compulsion, the reversed Devil signals that you’re on the path to overcoming it. It might also indicate that you are beginning to understand the deeper lessons behind your attachments, realising that they no longer serve you, and choosing to let them go.

However, if the card is reversed and you’re still feeling stuck, it may suggest that the process of release is not yet complete. You may still be struggling with old patterns or attachments and need to work through them in order to fully free yourself.

The Devil in Love

In love, The Devil suggests a relationship that may be based on unhealthy patterns, addictions, or manipulation. It’s often a sign of a relationship where one or both people are feeling trapped or controlled by the other. This could be a toxic dynamic where you or your partner are becoming overly dependent on one another, or where there’s an unhealthy amount of power or manipulation at play. The Devil in love asks you to question whether your relationship is truly empowering you or whether it’s keeping you stuck in a cycle of negativity.

For singles, this card can suggest that you are being drawn to unhealthy attractions, or that you are overly fixated on finding love at any cost. The Devil warns you to avoid relationships that are based on shallow desires or materialistic expectations. Instead, it encourages you to seek a relationship that will bring you freedom and mutual respect, rather than one that binds you to limiting or toxic patterns.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil in Love

When reversed in love, The Devil signals a chance for liberation from unhealthy relationships or attachments. If you're in a relationship, this could be a time of healing from toxic dynamics, whether through breaking free from a controlling partner or addressing unhealthy habits within the relationship. It’s a sign that you may be beginning to recognise the patterns that have kept you stuck and are starting to take action to move forward in a healthier direction.

For singles, the reversed Devil suggests that you are breaking free from unhealthy patterns of behaviour and are starting to attract more balanced, healthy relationships. This could be a time when you let go of old, limiting beliefs about love, or when you stop chasing after superficial attractions and begin to focus on more meaningful connections.

The Devil in Feelings

The Devil in feelings can indicate a situation where you're feeling trapped, either emotionally or mentally. You may feel powerless or unable to break free from negative thought patterns or emotions. This can also point to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear that you are struggling to overcome. It’s important to recognise these emotions but not allow them to dominate your life. The Devil asks you to acknowledge these feelings and understand why they exist, rather than letting them control you.

It might also signify a strong attraction to something that feels irresistible or too good to be true—whether it’s a person, a lifestyle, or a material possession. While these feelings can be powerful, The Devil warns against allowing yourself to be consumed by them, as they could lead to unhealthy attachments.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil in Feelings

When reversed, The Devil in feelings suggests that you're beginning to free yourself from emotional chains, whether that’s fear, guilt, shame, or the need to control. It represents breaking free from unhealthy emotional patterns and starting to regain your sense of empowerment. If you’ve been struggling with feelings of self-doubt or emotional dependency, the reversed Devil signals a time when you can finally start healing and moving forward.

It’s a card of transformation, indicating that you’re ready to let go of the negative emotions that have held you back and are now prepared to embrace a healthier, more balanced emotional state.

The Devil in Career and Finances

In the context of career and finances, The Devil represents the pursuit of material gain at the expense of your well-being. It may suggest that you are overworking, focusing too much on money or success, or allowing ambition to drive you to unhealthy extremes. The Devil can highlight a toxic work environment, where control, manipulation, or unethical practices are at play.

It could also signify that you're stuck in a job or career that doesn’t fulfil you, but you feel trapped because of financial security or fear of change. The Devil warns you to take a step back and reassess your career path—are you chasing after wealth or status at the cost of your happiness and integrity? Is there a toxic dynamic at play with your colleagues or boss?

Reversed Meaning of The Devil in Career and Finances

When reversed, The Devil in career and finances signals an opportunity for release from unhealthy work habits or financial obsessions. This could indicate a shift where you are no longer driven solely by money or status and are finding more balance between your career and personal life. If you’ve been in a toxic work environment, the reversed Devil suggests that you are beginning to recognise the need to free yourself from that situation, and may even be taking steps to do so.

It’s also a time when you might be freeing yourself from financial burdens or unhealthy spending habits. The reversed Devil signals that you are finding a healthier, more balanced approach to your work and finances, one that is aligned with your values and long-term happiness.

The Devil in Health

In health, The Devil can point to physical or mental addictions or unhealthy habits that are taking a toll on your well-being. Whether it’s substance abuse, overeating, or an unhealthy fixation on appearance, The Devil warns you that these behaviours are limiting your vitality and freedom. The card asks you to reflect on any compulsions or self-destructive tendencies you may have and take action to overcome them.

If you’re struggling with a chronic health issue, The Devil could suggest that fear or negativity around your condition is making it worse. It’s a call to release these fears and focus on healing through a more balanced and holistic approach.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil in Health

Reversed, The Devil in health signals a time of recovery, where you are breaking free from an unhealthy habit or addiction that has been affecting your well-being. Whether it’s quitting smoking, seeking help for a substance abuse issue, or simply letting go of a negative mindset, the reversed Devil represents healing and liberation. You may be starting to regain control over your health and well-being, moving away from what has held you captive and embracing a more balanced approach to physical and mental health.

The Devil in Spirituality

In spirituality, The Devil suggests that you may be facing spiritual blocks, temptations, or attachments that are hindering your growth. It can point to a fixation on material or earthly desires, rather than on spiritual development. If you’ve been pursuing spiritual enlightenment but are too focused on external rewards, The Devil reminds you to look inward and examine where you might be seeking shortcuts or superficial answers.

The Devil can also indicate that you are trapped in an old belief system or dogma that no longer serves your higher self. It’s a call to liberate yourself from these limiting beliefs and take back your spiritual power.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil in Spirituality

Reversed, The Devil in spirituality signifies a time of liberation and release from spiritual blocks. You may be breaking free from outdated beliefs, habits, or fears that have hindered your spiritual journey. This is a time of spiritual healing, where you can let go of attachments and reclaim your personal power. The reversed Devil asks you to trust in your own path and recognise that you are free to grow and evolve without being bound by the limitations of the past.