UPRIGHT: Addiction, Dependency, Hopelessness, Materialism
REVERSED: Detachment, Independence, Freedom, Revelation
The Devil Tarot Card Description
(Description based on the original Smith-Waite tarot card)
The Devil tarot card features the evil one himself in his Baphomet form. One hand is raised in a Jewish hand gesture while the other holds a torch and is pointed down in Baphomet's traditional pose. An inverted pentacle is above his head, and two chained souls are at his feet.
The two demons (male and female) are seen attached to his pedestal by chains. However, these chains are actually lose, signifying that they can choose to free themselves whenever they want. Notice the small horns growing atop their heads. This new growth represents that they are becoming more like the Devil as time passes in his company. They each have grown tails, alluding that they have fallen prey to the more animalistic instincts. A flame is at the tip of the male's tail, signifying passion—the female's tail sports grapes, meaning pleasure.
The Devil Tarot Card Upright
In the Western hemisphere, the Devil represents all that is sinful. Since tarot relies heavily on symbolism, you can expect that from this card. When drawn in its upright position, the Devil represents unhealthy attachments and extreme materialism. You have allowed yourself to become chained to something that is not healthy for you, either things or a person. Reevaluate what is truly important in your life. Stop letting instant gratification rob you of long-term dreams. Perhaps it's time to loosen the grip on 'things' and let them go. This can also apply to a toxic friend, family member, or significant other in relationships. It's not healthy, and you know it. By holding on to a person who can only fulfill you sexually, you're holding yourself back from the person who can truly love and cherish you.
The Devil card can also represent depression and a general feeling of hopelessness. You feel like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of negative patterns. But like the chains around the two people on the card's imagery, you have the power to set yourself free at any time. It won't be easy, but it is possible. Try journaling and opening yourself up to shadow work. Dig deep into yourself and look honestly at what motivates this obsession. Our shadow self, the side we don't want to see, never disappears. But with diligence, honesty, and acceptance, we can acknowledge our faults and find our path to freedom.
Speaking of shadow work and the secret desires motivating our actions, the Devil tarot card can also embody mischief at its basest core. You love creating chaos for the simple purpose of watching the world burn. You need to do the internal work to discover what motivates your prankster tendencies before they land you in hot water.
The Devil Tarot Card Reversed
The Devil tarot card can often appear when you've done the hard work and are finally on the cusp of liberation. You've faced your darker side; now it's time for transformation. Stay calm now. If you've managed to leave your unhealthy habit in the dust, don't be tempted to look back. If you have doubts, focus on your end goal. What is your ultimate goal? Visualize that in your head and keep moving forward.
The Devil reversed can also referred to being sexually restrained. We are taught from an early age that sexuality is taboo and anything that deviates from accepted norms is monstrous. However, the Devil reversed indicates that you hide too much out of shame or fear. You need to release these outdated notions and embrace your self-expression. Embrace your true self with honesty and kindness.
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