Upright keywords
Natural course, attraction, freedom, release, conquering obstacles, unleashing potential
Reversed keywords
Potential is restricted, inhibited, limiting, self sabotage
As the old saying goes
You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.
Planet
Pluto
Flowers
Rhododendron, geranium
The Devil description
The Devil is depicted as a horned goat with bat wings. Some sources name him specifically as Baphomet, who was allegedly worshipped as a deity by the medieval order of the Knights Templar. This reference along with the upside down pentagram are a nod to the darker side of magic. The goat is a sign of primitive, instinctual urges. The human is a sign of intellect and discipline.
His hand is in the shape of the Hebrew letter Shin (ש), which has three upward strokes similar to the position of the thumb and fingers in the salute. This gesture was later made popular by the movie Star Trek.
Two human figures are chained to his throne, quite the opposite of The Lovers card. Again, ‘Adam and Eve’ are depicted with fruit and fire. This time, attached to their tails. Representing self limiting behavior, addiction, lust, greed, pride, excessive indulgence in earthly senses. They appear to be trapped, but on closer look you can see the chains around their neck are quite loose. They could free themselves if it weren’t for the horn on their heads. The horns are self limiting thoughts and patterns keeping them stuck.
Upright meaning
The Devil represents road blocks, fears, self limiting beliefs, losing situations, and unhealthy habits that are holding you back. This card begs you to look at your attachments in life. This card is a sign that your shadow self is gaining power, being ignored, just below the surface, and you cannot manifest your highest and greatest good until this is addressed.
In relationship spreads, it could be a sign that one person is holding the other person back, and that role could even be shifting back and forth in a pattern. This could be a codependent relationship. It can also be a card for caregivers (new mom, caring for an elderly parent) that do not take enough time out for themselves. You are letting your inhibitions and auto drive mentality run the show. It’s time to take back control. Lastly, sometimes the Devil can be a sign that you are exploring your sexuality in a new and exciting way! Remember to put your safety and wellbeing first at all times.
Reversed meaning
The Devil in reversed is a positive sign that you are taking back control of your life and breaking chains that are holding you back. A habit, a belief, a person, or a situation is preventing you from moving forward and you’ve already started to address it. You are accepting yourself as you truly are, right here and now. You are shining light into the darkest parts of yourself and moving towards healing. The best thing you can do right now is stick to your healthy boundaries, cut ties that are not serving you where possible, or change the circumstances so that those things you cannot change will not drain your energy so much that you feel the need to self soothe in unhealthy ways. It’s necessary to integrate the shadow aspects of yourself into your whole being.
In relationships, the Devil in reversed can be a sign that both of you are making the changes together. and that by working on your intimacy as a couple, you can reignite more passion sexually. It’s necessary to integrate the shadow aspects of yourself into your whole being.
The Devil quote
“No one is truly free, they are a slave to wealth, fortune, the law, or other people restraining them from acting according to their will.” Euripides
Want to check in with your higher self?
Tarot helps you step back and consider the bigger picture. This is just a snapshot in time. All things shall pass! Let’s take a look at past, present, and future themes in your life and consider a new direction.