The Devil

Card Information

major Arcana

Wikipedia Link

Upright Meaning

Ravage, violence, vehemence, extraordinary efforts, force, fatality; that which is predestined but is not for this reason evil.

Reversed Meaning

Evil fatality, weakness, pettiness, blindness.

In Yes or No Reading

The Devil is a card of feeling trapped. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive The Devil, the answer is NO. Think through the unintended consequences of whatever you're considering.

Description

The Devil card in Tarot represents temptation, bondage, and the darker aspects of human nature. The imagery of the Horned Goat of Mendes embodies both primal instincts and the allure of materialism. The inverted torch symbolizes the misdirection of energy and potential, while the chains connecting the figures indicate the entrapment in earthly desires and attachments. Despite their animalistic traits, the human intelligence in their faces suggests awareness of their bondage. This card warns of the dangers of excess, addiction, and the illusion of control. It reflects a struggle between higher aspirations and the pull of the physical world, urging one to confront and transcend inner demons. Ultimately, The Devil invites self-reflection and encourages liberation from self-imposed limitations.