The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
- Control
- Obsession
- Comfort
Reversed Keywords
- Addiction
- Stockholm Syndrome
- Oppression
The Devil represents control and the things that hold us. Often, the chains that bind us are loose, suggesting that escape is possible if we choose it. The card hints at a form of Stockholm syndrome, where we become comfortable with what's holding us back. Reversed, it indicates breaking free or recognising that the control is not as strong as it seems.
The Devil Imagery and Symbolism
The imagery of The Devil in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck represents temptation, illusion, and the darker aspects of human nature. A horned figure with bat-like wings and an inverted pentagram on their forehead looms over two chained figures, symbolising the oppressive forces of materialism, addiction, and destructive desires. The Devil’s hypnotic gaze suggests an enticing yet dangerous influence, drawing those who come close into their grasp. Despite the apparent bondage, the chains around the figures’ necks are loose, indicating that their imprisonment is one of choice or illusion rather than force.
Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork reinforces these themes through symbolic details. The chained figures have small horns, implying that the longer they remain in this state, the more they become like The Devil themselves. Their tails, one bearing grapes (pleasure) and the other fire (passion or destruction), reflect indulgence and the consequences of excess. The darkness surrounding the scene contrasts with the lit torch in The Devil’s hand, symbolising the false light of desires that seem illuminating but ultimately keep one trapped. This card challenges us to examine the ways in which we give away our power, whether through unhealthy attachments, fear, or self-deception.
Different tarot decks have depicted The Devil in various ways, sometimes as a trickster, a controlling force, or an inner demon. However, the core message remains the same—this card highlights the illusions that keep us bound and asks us to recognise that true liberation comes from within. The Devil is not an inescapable force but a reflection of our own chains, reminding us that awareness is the first step toward reclaiming our freedom.
The Devil Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Control
The Devil card symbolises the aspects of our lives where we feel controlled or restricted. This card highlights the influence of external forces or internal fears that keep us bound. It suggests that you may be feeling trapped or manipulated, unable to break free from certain patterns or situations. The Devil encourages you to examine what is controlling you and to question whether these influences are truly as powerful as they seem. Their energy prompts you to acknowledge these chains and to start seeking ways to regain your autonomy and power.
Obsession
Obsession is a key theme of The Devil card. This card suggests that you may be fixated on certain desires, habits, or relationships that are unhealthy or unbalanced. It highlights the dangers of becoming too attached to material possessions, physical pleasures, or unhealthy relationships. The Devil urges you to recognise these obsessions and to understand how they are impacting your life negatively. Their presence in a reading is a call to evaluate these attachments and to consider letting go of what no longer serves your highest good.
Comfort
The Devil card also speaks to the comfort we sometimes find in familiar yet harmful situations. It suggests that you may have become accustomed to your chains, finding a twisted sense of security in them. This card highlights the phenomenon of Stockholm syndrome, where you become comfortable with what is holding you back. The Devil encourages you to reflect on why you are clinging to these comforts and to consider whether they are truly beneficial. Their energy supports you in recognising that real comfort and freedom come from breaking these chains and seeking healthier, more fulfilling paths.
See how the themes of The Devil could be playing out for you, book a tarot reading with me today.
The Devil Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In a love and relationships reading, the Devil symbolises attachment, temptation, and intense desire, suggesting that unhealthy patterns or dependence may be present in the relationship. This card indicates that both partners might need to examine if the relationship is driven by need rather than love. The Devil in love readings encourages honesty and self-reflection, helping both partners to recognise dynamics that hinder growth. Its energy supports transformation, reminding you that true love thrives in freedom, not entrapment.
Wondering what The Devil means for your relationships? Book a tarot reading with me to gain insight.
The Devil Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
In self-care readings, the Devil represents the importance of facing fears, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and releasing destructive habits. This card suggests that confronting these shadows can lead to profound personal growth. The Devil in self-care encourages self-awareness, helping you to recognise habits or mindsets that restrict your freedom. Its energy supports empowerment, guiding you to reclaim control and choose paths that serve your true self.
The Devil Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity readings, the Devil symbolises ambition, materialism, and potential burnout, suggesting that attachment to success or status may be causing stress. This card indicates that balancing ambition with well-being is essential for lasting success. The Devil in career readings encourages reassessment, helping you to recognise if work is controlling you rather than enhancing your life. Its energy supports resilience, guiding you to achieve without compromising your values.
The Devil Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In shadow work, the Devil represents exploring your relationship with control, fears, and self-limiting beliefs, encouraging you to confront what binds you. This card suggests that recognising these shadows can lead to liberation. The Devil in shadow work encourages self-reflection, helping you to face parts of yourself you may avoid. Its energy supports transformation, guiding you to release negative patterns and step into self-empowerment.
Explore the transformative energy of The Devil in your own life—book a tarot reading with me.
The Devil Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Addiction
When The Devil card appears reversed, it can indicate a struggle with addiction. This card suggests that you may be facing challenges related to addictive behaviours or substances, and that these are holding you back. It’s a call to confront these addictions and to seek help in overcoming them. The reversed Devil encourages you to recognise the power these addictions have over you and to take steps towards recovery and freedom. Their energy supports you in breaking the cycle of addiction and in finding healthier ways to cope and thrive.
Stockholm Syndrome
Reversed, The Devil can signify a realisation of the Stockholm syndrome effect in your life. This card suggests that you may be becoming aware of how you have grown comfortable with what holds you back. It’s a call to break free from this mindset and to recognise that the control is not as strong as it seems. The reversed Devil encourages you to reclaim your power and to seek out healthier, more liberating situations. Their energy helps you to see the truth of your circumstances and to take bold steps towards freedom and self-empowerment.
Oppression
The reversed Devil highlights the theme of oppression, suggesting that you may be feeling heavily burdened by external pressures or internal fears. This card indicates that you are beginning to see through the illusion of control and are ready to challenge the forces that oppress you. It’s a call to break free from these oppressive influences and to assert your independence. The reversed Devil encourages you to take action against what is holding you back and to seek liberation. Their energy supports you in overcoming oppression and in finding the strength to live authentically and freely.
Struggling with the themes of The Devil? A tarot reading with me can offer perspective.
The Devil Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In a reversed love reading, the Devil may indicate a release from toxic patterns, freedom from dependency, or a shift toward healthier dynamics. This card suggests that one or both partners may be ready to let go of unhealthy attachments. The reversed Devil in love readings supports liberation, helping both partners to build a relationship based on respect and independence. Its energy assists in finding balance, guiding the relationship toward healing and authenticity.
If The Devil feels relevant to your love life, a tarot reading with me could bring clarity.
The Devil Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
Reversed, the Devil in self-care readings may indicate letting go of self-destructive behaviours, releasing guilt, or finding freedom from internal battles. This card suggests that embracing self-acceptance can bring healing. The reversed Devil encourages breaking free from shame, helping you to redefine self-care without judgement. Its energy assists in creating empowerment, guiding you to nurture yourself with compassion and freedom from past limitations.
Feeling stuck in the energy of The Devil? A tarot reading with me might help you move forward.
The Devil Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
Reversed in career readings, the Devil may indicate freedom from restrictive career paths, release from burnout, or a shift toward more meaningful work. This card suggests that redefining success on your own terms can lead to fulfilment. The reversed Devil in career readings supports self-discovery, helping you to focus on values-driven work. Its energy assists in fostering balance, guiding you to pursue a career that aligns with your well-being.
The Devil Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed in shadow work, the Devil may indicate release from guilt, healing from past trauma, or freedom from self-judgment. This card suggests that letting go of shame can bring peace. The reversed Devil supports forgiveness, helping you to embrace all parts of yourself. Its energy assists in self-acceptance, guiding you to approach self-discovery with compassion and a willingness to evolve.
Facing challenges linked to The Devil? A tarot reading with me can help you work through them.
The Devil on the Fool’s Journey
The Devil is one of the cards on the Fool’s Journey, a symbolic narrative in tarot that explores the archetypes and experiences shaping our existence. The Major Arcana represents the grand themes and life-altering moments in the tarot. It’s a 22-card journey that begins with the Fool, symbolizing new beginnings and adventure. Each card represents a distinct chapter, exploring the dualities, challenges, and transformations we face throughout our lives.
Understanding the themes in the Major Arcana is crucial for grasping the Fool’s Journey. As you progress through these cards, you will encounter symbols and lessons that resonate with various stages of life, offering insights into personal growth, relationships, and spiritual questions.
The Devil in the Superconscious Realm: Embracing Ultimate Enlightenment
The Devil is part of the Superconscious Realm. This realm represents the culmination of your journey through tarot, where spiritual insights and enlightenment converge. It’s where you integrate the lessons from previous realms and apply them to create a life filled with clarity and purpose. The Superconscious Realm isn’t just the end of your journey; it’s a new beginning. It invites you to live out the wisdom you’ve gained and make a meaningful impact on the world around you, embracing your ultimate potential and stepping into a life of true enlightenment.
The Devil and the Element of Earth
The Devil resonates with the element of Earth, embodying stability, practicality, and the physical realm. Earth calls for groundedness, representing the strength found in patience, dedication, and growth over time. This element reminds us of our roots, our foundations, and the value of nurturing what we wish to cultivate. Earth invites a connection to nature, security, and the tangible aspects of life, encouraging resilience and an appreciation for the present.
The Devil Journalling Prompts
Where am I feeling trapped or restricted, and how can I take steps toward freedom?
What beliefs or habits no longer serve me, and how can I begin releasing them?
How can I approach my shadow self with acceptance, breaking free from self-judgment?
Frequently Asked Questions about The Devil
What does The Devil mean in a tarot reading?
The Devil represents temptation, attachment, and the illusions that bind us to unhealthy patterns or beliefs. It often appears when you're feeling stuck or controlled by external influences, reminding you of your power to break free. This card encourages you to confront the fears or habits holding you back and reclaim your autonomy. In readings, The Devil suggests the importance of self-awareness and the courage to let go of what no longer aligns with your higher self.
Is The Devil a yes or no card?
The Devil leans towards a no, representing temptation, control, and restriction. In tarot for burnout or overcoming creative barriers, it highlights the need to break free from unhealthy patterns. This card often appears in life transitions or navigating change, encouraging you to embrace transformation and seek guidance through tarot. In empowerment tarot, The Devil challenges you to reclaim your power and boost self-esteem.
What is the role of The Devil in the tarot deck?
The Devil symbolises temptation, limitations, and self-awareness, offering clarity for overcoming creative blocks or navigating personal empowerment. It highlights the importance of breaking free from constraints and trusting your intuition to find your path. The Devil supports intuitive tarot and helps explore your purpose in life, aligning with transformation and growth. This card encourages you to uncover your inner strength and make empowered choices.
What does The Devil symbolise?
The Devil symbolises entrapment and materialism. In the imagery on the Rider-Waite-Smith version of the card, the half-human, half-goat figure embodies the balance of good and evil. The loose chains on the figures suggest entrapment by choice. The inverted pentagram above the Devil’s head symbolises the darker aspects of life, while the fire tail and grape tail represent lust and indulgence.
What does The Devil suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
The Devil suggests that life’s challenges can often be linked to unhealthy attachments, fears, or habits that need to be released. When facing burnout or navigating difficult transitions, the Devil calls attention to the patterns that may be holding you back. It encourages you to explore tarot for overcoming creative block, recovery from burnout, or guidance on breaking free from limiting beliefs. This card’s energy asks you to confront what’s no longer serving you, enabling you to break free and reclaim your power.
Is The Devil a positive or negative card?
The Devil is typically viewed as a negative card, representing addiction, restriction, and unhealthy attachments. It can highlight the challenges of burnout or feeling trapped in a career or life situation. However, The Devil also offers an opportunity for empowerment, as it calls you to break free from limitations and reclaim your personal power. In tarot for overcoming burnout, it suggests releasing the chains that hold you back and embracing freedom.
How does The Devil align with themes of personal growth?
The Devil represents temptation, attachment, and self-imposed limitations. It’s a card that highlights the challenges we face in breaking free from unhealthy patterns or behaviors. If you're dealing with burnout or career stagnation, this card can offer insights into the mental and emotional barriers that are holding you back. Tarot for overcoming burnout or navigating change can help you free yourself from these constraints and move forward.
What are some other names for The Devil?
Other names for The Devil include Le Diable in the Tarot de Marseille and The Lord of the Gates of Matter in the Golden Dawn Tarot. Le Diable focuses on bondage and temptation, while The Lord of the Gates of Matter reflects the material constraints of the physical world. Some inclusive decks rename it The Shadow or The Chains to focus on overcoming limitations and facing fears.
What other tarot cards often appear with The Devil?
The Devil pairs with The Lovers, exploring themes of attachment and temptation. The Tower emphasizes breaking free from constraints, while Strength highlights the courage needed for liberation. Temperance offers balance and moderation, and The Moon delves into hidden fears and illusions tied to desires.
How can The Devil guide me in breaking free from unhealthy attachments?
The Devil guides you in breaking free from unhealthy attachments and recognising limiting patterns. It invites you to confront fears, temptations, or dependencies that hold you back. This card is powerful for overcoming burnout, addressing addictions, or releasing toxic relationships. By working with the Devil, you can reclaim your power and choose freedom. Its energy fosters self-awareness and transformation.
