the devil tarot
15
earth
Capricorn
shadow self...
The Devil Keywords
Quick Interpretation
The Devil is card number 15 in the Major Arcana, representing one of the most significant archetypal energies in the tarot. This card carries profound meaning about shadow self and spiritual growth.
Card Symbolism Analysis
Analysis of card symbolism
Card description
A half-man, half-animal demon squatted on the dark stone base. It had goat's horns, bat wings and bird claws. There is an inverted five-pointed star on the devil's head. His right hand is raised in a declarative gesture, and his left hand holds a torch downward. At its feet, the man and woman who once appeared in the Lovers card are now wrapped in loose chains around their necks. Little horns sprouted from their heads and tails began to appear - they were taking on demonic forms.
symbolic elements
⛤ Inverted pentagram
The inverted pentagram symbolizes the dominance of matter over spirit. When we put material pursuits before spiritual growth, we are easily controlled by desires. Here’s a reminder: Don’t let external things define your worth.
🐐 Ram horns and half-animal image
The image of the devil comes from the god Pan in Greek mythology, symbolizing primitive instincts and desires. It is neither completely evil, but those parts of human nature that we do not want to face - greed, jealousy, desire, fear.
🦇 bat wings
Bat wings represent creatures that live in darkness, symbolizing those things that cannot be seen in the light. It could be our secrets, our shame, or those habits and thoughts we pretend don’t exist.
⛓ ️ Loose chains
This is the most crucial symbol of the entire card. The chains appear to be binding the man and woman, but a closer look reveals that they are very loose - they can escape at any time if they wish. This illustrates a cruel fact: many times, it is not the external environment that traps us, but our own choice to stay there.
🔥 downward torch
The torch burns downward, suggesting destructive desires and lower-level energies. Unlike the scepter held high by the magician, the fire here does not light the way, but ignites obsession.
👫 Men and women with horns
They were once Adam and Eve in pure love in the Lovers card, but now they are gradually changing under the influence of the devil. This symbolizes that anyone can be eroded by desire without knowing it and gradually lose their original self.
The core symbolic elements of the Devil card
Upright Meaning
Correct meaning of the tablet
core message
You may be stuck in something—perhaps an unhealthy relationship, a job that is crushing you, an addictive behavior, or simply an over-obsession with a substance. The devil card is not here to scare you, but to wake you up: the key to the cage that traps you is actually in your hand.
psychological level
The Devil card represents what psychologist Carl Jung called the “shadow”—those things about ourselves that we don’t want to acknowledge. You may be avoiding certain emotions or desires that you don't want to face, and this repression makes them more powerful. True freedom is not to pretend that the shadow does not exist, but to acknowledge it, understand it, and then choose not to be controlled by it.
reality
Whether it's your job, your relationship, or your lifestyle, you may feel like you have no choice. But remember that loose chain—it’s often something we impose on ourselves.
You may care so much about money, status, or material comforts that you sacrifice more important things for them. Ask yourself: are you using money, or are you being used by money?
It could be an emotional dependence on a certain person, an addiction to a certain substance, or an obsession with a certain pattern of behavior. These dependencies give you temporary satisfaction but consume your energy in the long term.
Whether it's your job, your relationship, or your lifestyle, you may feel like you have no choice. But remember that loose chain—it’s often something we impose on ourselves.
You may care so much about money, status, or material comforts that you sacrifice more important things for them. Ask yourself: are you using money, or are you being used by money?
It could be an emotional dependence on a certain person, an addiction to a certain substance, or an obsession with a certain pattern of behavior. These dependencies give you temporary satisfaction but consume your energy in the long term.
Suggestions for action
• Be honest with yourself: What is something you know is bad but can’t let go?
• Examine your rationalizations: Are you making excuses for unhealthy behaviors?
• Remember you have a choice, even if it feels like you don’t
• If needed, seek professional assistance to break the cycle
Reversed Meaning
Reversed card meaning
core message
The Devil reversed is one of the few tarot cards that is more positive when reversed. It means you are awakening, breaking free, and regaining your freedom. The things that once controlled you are losing their power.
Positive performance
You are becoming aware of the patterns that limit you and are taking action to change them. It could be ending an unhealthy relationship, quitting a bad habit, or getting out of a job that was depressing you.
You finally see the truth about something. The fog is lifting and you begin to understand what is truly important.
You are taking back control of your life. No longer let fear, greed, or dependence determine your choices.
You are becoming aware of the patterns that limit you and are taking action to change them. It could be ending an unhealthy relationship, quitting a bad habit, or getting out of a job that was depressing you.
You finally see the truth about something. The fog is lifting and you begin to understand what is truly important.
You are taking back control of your life. No longer let fear, greed, or dependence determine your choices.
Things to note
Sometimes the reversed devil may also represent: you know where the problem is, but still choose to turn a blind eye. Or you may be freed from one bondage only to find yourself trapped in another. True freedom requires sustained awareness and effort.
Adjustment suggestions
If you are going through the process of relief, give yourself some time and patience. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and occasional setbacks don’t mean failure. The important thing is that you are heading in the right direction, you are walking towards the light.
Energy comparison between upright and reverse positions
Love Guidance
love guidance
single
When the Devil card appears in a single's love issues, it may mean that you are trapped in a certain pattern. Maybe you are always attracted to the same type of people, even if you know that type of person is not good for you; or your expectations for love are too materialistic and ignore the true emotional connection. This card reminds you: first examine your blind spots in relationships before you can meet someone who is truly suitable for you.
Those with a partner
There may be unhealthy dynamics in the relationship—control, dependence, emotional blackmail, or sheer lust. The devil card does not necessarily mean breaking up, but it means you need to face the problem head on. Does this relationship make you grow, or does it make you become someone you don't like? Sometimes love can make people blind, but love should not make people lose themselves.
Compound opportunities
The Devil card advises caution on compounding. What was the reason for the breakup? If it was because of unhealthy patterns in the relationship, were those issues resolved before getting back together? Don't look back because you're used to the other person, you're afraid of being alone, or you can't let go of the good times you had. That's not love, that's dependence. Getting back together only makes sense if you both change and grow.
relationship advice
• Distinguish between love and dependence, passion and true connection
• Pay attention to whether the power dynamics in the relationship are balanced
• Don’t feel sorry for yourself just to not be alone
Interpretation of reversed love
The reversed devil is good news when it comes to love - you may be getting out of an unhealthy relationship or finally seeing someone for who they are. This is a time to redefine your expectations of love. Let go of relationship patterns that no longer serve you and make room for true love.
Career Analysis
career analysis
work development
The Devil card in your career may suggest that you are trapped in some unhealthy working condition. It could be working a job you hate for the money, being trapped in a toxic workplace culture, or being overly obsessed with promotion and status. This card asks you: Are you working for yourself, or are you a slave to your work?
Workplace interpersonal
You may encounter a controlling supervisor, an environment full of power struggles, or a co-worker relationship that makes you feel exploited. The Devil card reminds you to set boundaries and not sacrifice your bottom line for superficial harmony. Also check: Are you controlling or manipulating others unintentionally?
career reminder
The Devil card does not specifically point to a certain profession, but reminds you to examine your relationship with your work. However, it may imply topics related to:
Interpretation of reversed career
The reversed devil suggests that you are in or preparing to escape from a less-than-ideal work environment. Maybe it’s changing jobs, starting a business, or changing your attitude towards work. This is a good time to redefine "success" - success is not just about money and status, but also about your physical and mental health and quality of life.
Academic Advice
academic advising
learning attitude
Academically, the Devil card may represent some kind of obsession or distraction that hinders learning. It could be that you’re overly addicted to social media, gaming, or something else that distracts you from your focus. It may also be that you are too anxious about grades, which affects the quality of your learning. Learning requires discipline, but discipline does not mean suppression, but knowing when to say no.
Exam luck
Before the exam, the Devil card reminds you not to be controlled by fear. Excessive anxiety can affect performance. Also, be honest about your level of preparedness—don’t let yourself deceive yourself into neglecting what you need to review. Being down-to-earth is more reliable than relying on cleverness.
Suggestions for further study
When choosing a direction for further study, you should ask yourself whether you are really interested in this field, or whether you are influenced by external factors. Don't blindly follow the trend just because "you think it will make money" or "others are learning it". Choose studies that allow you to truly grow, rather than just pursuing certificates or academic qualifications.
Interpretation of academic studies in reverse position
The Devil reversed means you are breaking bad habits that hinder your learning. You may start to be more disciplined, be less distracted, or find real motivation to study. Keep up the good work and you're establishing a good learning pattern.
Financial Analysis
Financial Luck Analysis
Good fortune
The relationship between the Devil card and money is complex. It may represent an over-obsession with money—either because you love it too much, or because you are anxious about not having it. This card reminds you: money is a tool, not the master. If you find yourself doing things that go against your values for money, or are overwhelmed by financial problems, it’s time to re-examine your relationship with money.
investment advice
The Devil card is a warning sign in investing. Be careful of decisions driven by greed, opportunities that are too good to be true (maybe traps), and investment behaviors with a gambling mentality. If an investment keeps you awake or unable to stop looking at it, it's probably not the investment but a gambling addiction. Stability is more important than huge profits.
Interpretation of Reversed Fortune
The reversed devil financially represents freedom from material constraints. It could be paying off debt, breaking bad spending habits, or learning to have a healthier attitude toward money. This is a great time to build financial freedom—not the freedom of making a lot of money, but the freedom of not being controlled by money anxiety.
Health Guidance
health guidelines
good health
The Devil card in health often points to addiction-related problems - either substance addiction (alcohol, drugs, nicotine) or behavioral addiction (overeating, overworking, staying up late). These habits bring satisfaction in the short term but cost you your health in the long term. This card is a wake-up call: it’s time to face those things you know are bad for your health but can’t stop.
mental health
On a psychological level, the Devil card may represent anxiety, fear, obsessive thinking, or a state of being trapped by negative emotions. You may be repeating certain self-destructive thought patterns or falling into a victim mentality. The good news is: awareness is the first step to change. If you feel stuck, seeking professional counseling can be a very courageous choice.
Interpretation of reverse position health
The reversed devil is a positive health sign - you are, or will soon be, overcoming unhealthy habits. It could be successfully recovering from an addiction, building a better lifestyle, or getting over a psychological dilemma. The process can be difficult, but you are on the right path. Keep going, every day is a win.
Deck Matching Interpretation
Interpretation of deck matching
Combination with Major Arcana
devil + lover
Obsession and tests in relationships. You may face temptation or need to choose between desire and true love.
Demon + Power
You have the power to overcome this dilemma. Inner courage and willpower will help you break free.
Demon + Tower
Intense destruction and reconstruction. The structures that bind you will be broken down, painful but necessary.
devil + star
Hope in the darkness. Even if you feel trapped right now, the light is not far away. Healing is happening.
Devil + Sun
Shadows are illuminated. The problems that are bothering you will become visible, which is the first step to solving them.
Demon + Judgment
A moment of awakening. It’s time to take responsibility for your choices and make life-changing decisions.
Combination with the Minor Arcana
+ Wands deck
The conflict between passion and desire. Creativity can be consumed by unhealthy obsessions. More constructive outlets for energy need to be found.
+ Holy Grail Deck
Emotional dependence or addiction. It could be an attachment to someone, or using something to fill an emotional void.
+ Sword deck
The dilemma of thinking. Negative thinking can create a vicious cycle where self-limiting beliefs are holding you back.
+ Coin deck
Physical constraints. It could be financial pressure, an obsession with money, or being held hostage by worldly standards of achievement.
Explore More Major Arcana
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