Tarot Cards Explained:The Devil
What it can mean for your career, health, and lovelife
The Devil tarot card is the fifteenth card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It embodies bondage, addiction, and materialism, representing a challenging aspect of life that we must learn to confront. It often serves as a reminder of our earthy nature and primitive instincts, pointing to darker forces we might need to overcome.
Symbolism
The card portrays the Devil, flanked by two humanoid devils, chained to his podium. The Devil represents evil, addiction, and temptation. The chains symbolize enslavement to materialistic desires that bind us and prevent personal growth. The inverted pentacle on the Devil's forehead is a sign of dark magic, while the torch he holds symbolizes the destructive power of unchecked passions.
General Meaning
Drawing the Devil in a reading generally indicates that you're caught in a harmful cycle or relationship. You might feel trapped by situations or habits that are harmful to you physically, mentally, or spiritually. The card serves as a warning, advising you to examine your life and free yourself from the chains that bind you.
Love and Relationships
In a love context, the Devil card can imply an unhealthy relationship or a strong attachment that might be harmful. It could also indicate obsession, jealousy, or even a fear of commitment - anything that restricts freedom and growth in a relationship. It advises for reflection, understanding, and possibly detachment.
Career and Finances
When referring to finances or career, the Devil symbolizes attachment to material goods and wealth, often to an unhealthy extent. The desire for money and success might have taken over, leading to unethical behaviors and detriment to your spiritual self. It encourages you to reassess your priorities and values.
Health
From a health perspective, the Devil could indicate an unhealthy attachment to certain habits or addictions, such as overeating, excessive drinking, or drug use. It serves as a reminder to start taking better care of yourself and to make positive changes in your lifestyle.
Spiritual Contexts
Spiritually, the Devil represents the material world's control over the spiritual self. It serves as a reminder of the fetters that tie us to our earthly existence and hinders our spiritual growth. The card asks for a conscious effort to overcome these hurdles and ascend towards spiritual enlightenment.
Past, Present, and Future
When drawn for past, the Devil signifies a history of bondage and addiction, or unhealthy relationships. For present, it warns of your tendencies to be controlled by harmful habits or addictions. In the future position, it cautions of potential pitfalls and temptations that might lead you astray.
What it means if Reversed?
The Devil reversed represents breaking free from bindings, overcoming addiction, or ending toxic relationships. It indicates a time of self-awareness and change, a phase where you find the strength to let go of the things that have been holding you back from progressing.
What it means in Yes or No Reading?
In a Yes/No reading, the Devil card leans towards a 'no'. It suggests that the path you're asking about may lead to harmful outcomes or unhealthy attachments.
The Devil tarot card serves both as a warning and a call for introspection. It encourages liberation from harmful habits or relationships and advises not letting material desires overshadow spiritual growth. While the image and themes may seem dark, the ultimate goal is enlightenment and freedom, turning the initial fear into a chance for transformation.
