Table of Contents ▼

Devil

Category: Major Arcana, sphere of existence Card position: 15 Zodiac sign: Capricorn ♑

The Devil in Tarot is an alluring and simultaneously unsettling card. It captivates with strong magnetism, yet conceals the most repulsive aspects of human nature. This Arcana offers everything you dream of, in exchange for a seemingly trifling price: your own soul. If one does not make a rational decision and succumbs to temptation, one will fall into an abyss of no return. In the reversed position, the Devil reveals the consequences of past sins and indicates the necessity of repaying the debts of one's actions. It is also a reminder that each transgression is committed by ourselves – no mythical being is directly required for this.

Symbolism and Main Ideas of the Devil Card

In the classic Rider-Waite deck, the Devil depicts Baphomet – a hybrid figure with goat horns and bat wings, seated on a pedestal. At his feet stand a woman and a man, naked, chained to the throne. They resemble a distorted image of a paradisal couple, but now they are immersed in a world of sin and temptation. The man and woman possess animalistic attributes, symbols of succumbing to base instincts. The burning torch in Baphomet's hand and the inverted pentagram above his head allude to an inverted order – the victory of matter over spirit, sensuality over morality. The whole scene is a metaphor of seduction, where every decision comes at a cost, and the chief currency is inner freedom.

Meaning of the Devil Card in the Upright Position

Key Aspects:

Powerful temptations and the chance to achieve great gains, but at a high cost.
Intense desire, sensuality, and the energy of elemental magnetism.
The ability to turn a difficult situation to one's advantage, albeit at the expense of personal values.
Hidden motives, abuse of persuasive power, and concealed interests.

In the upright position, the Devil signifies that it tempts us with the easy path and the possibility of quickly attaining wealth, power, or deep passion. It favors the fulfillment of desires, but without a guarantee of lasting satisfaction. It is a time when success is attainable, yet one must be aware that every pleasure and extreme gain will eventually demand a price. This Arcana serves as a reminder of inherent weaknesses and how easily one can succumb to the deceptive allure of the material world.

Love and Relationships (Upright)

Great passion, irresistible charm, strong attraction.
Intense, even addictive relationships, in which emotions reach their peak.
The possibility of becoming involved in a romance with someone unattainable or entangled in another relationship.
Feelings that are hard to control yet impossible to resist.

In the realm of emotions, the Devil portrays a relationship resembling a sparking fire, sometimes destructive. Partners are unable to part ways despite their issues. For a single individual, it may bring fascinating yet risky encounters.

Work and Finances (Upright)

Industries related to entertainment, nightlife, gambling, and intoxicants.
A talent for exploiting others' weaknesses, an ability to multiply wealth.
Special predispositions for earning large sums of money, even under challenging circumstances.
A positive outcome in financial matters, if unconventional methods are embraced.

In work and business, the Devil encourages an all-in approach. Spectacular results can be achieved, but one should keep in mind moral and legal boundaries.

Health and Psychology (Upright)

Strong physical and mental constitution, resistant to bad habits.
The ability to push the body's limits without visible consequences.
Strong will and energy for action, though employed in a controversial manner.
Intense personal charm, charisma, and the ability to influence others.

The Devil suggests that even lifestyle excesses may remain without severe health consequences. The psychological sphere is tense yet stable. People of this nature are confident, alluring, and creative.

Situations and Questions (Upright)

The emergence of mysterious opportunities and unexpected benefits.
Gambling, behind-the-scenes schemes, but also exceptional chances to get rich.
Rapid pace of events, low scruples.
Decisions based on desire and gain, rather than morality.

It is a moment when even the boldest plans can be realized, provided one accepts the dark side of the transaction. The Devil encourages one to consider how much one is willing to sacrifice for success.

Spirituality and Karma (Upright)

The cult of materialism, the temptation to reject divine principles.
Experiments with dark forces, seeking power in the underworld.
A confrontation with one's shadow, working with difficult aspects of one's personality.
The choice of a dark path, a lack of belief in moral ideals.

On a spiritual level, the Devil can symbolize surrender to base instincts and a desire to test boundaries. The consequences of such an attitude are often costly and become permanently inscribed in one's karma.

Reversed Meaning of the Devil Card

Key Negative Aspects:

Paying for past mistakes and sins.
The revelation of deceptions, unmasking someone who tried to outsmart fate.
A failed attempt to achieve happiness by shortcuts.
A deterioration of the situation, with no help coming from any force.

In the reversed form, the Devil indicates the inevitable consequences of poor choices. The person who ignored moral laws will have to face a cruel reality. False promises lose their luster, and imprudent decisions prove to be disastrous.

Love and Relationships (Reversed)

Toxic relationships based on manipulation and abuse.
An attempt at separation with no possibility of freeing oneself from the past.
Arrangements filled with anger, mutual recriminations, with no hope for improvement.
A lack of sincerity, a lack of respect, living in the shadow of past mistakes.

The reversed Devil in love represents an unhappy union marked by a lack of tenderness and sincerity. One may remain in such a situation merely out of habit or fear, with no chance for a better tomorrow.

Work and Finances (Reversed)

Unmasking of illegal practices, loss of material benefits.
Business attempts at dishonest schemes ending in failure.
Fruitless efforts, lack of career growth and development.
Deepening financial troubles, with no external assistance.

The reversed Devil signifies the end of dreams for easy money. The coveted gains will not materialize, and unethical actions will backfire.

Health and Psychology (Reversed)

A deterioration in health, consequences of neglect and bad habits.
Weakening of vital forces, lack of energy for positive change.
Negative thought patterns, succumbing to one's own demons and addictions.
Frustration, lack of satisfaction, toxic emotions.

The reversed Devil shows that the body and mind cannot withstand the pressure of an irresponsible lifestyle. The time for recovery has passed, and now the consequences emerge.

Situations and Questions (Reversed)

The exposure of intrigues that tarnish one's reputation or prospects for success.
The collapse of illusory plans.
A fatal mistake that could have been avoided if consequences had been considered.
The end of a period in which others were easily manipulated.

The reversed Devil is a time for reckonings and bitter lessons. All tricks and deceptions come to light, and the world demands payment for past deeds.

Spirituality and Karma (Reversed)

The inability to avoid punishment for sins.
The shattering of the illusion of everlasting happiness in material pleasures.
An inner emptiness following the loss of what was supposedly meant to bring satisfaction.
A harsh karmic lesson that can no longer be dismissed.

On a spiritual level, the reversed Devil forces one to acknowledge one's own transgressions and weaknesses. No excuses will now mitigate the consequences.

The Devil as a Person Signifier

In its upright form, the Devil represents a highly charismatic, assertive individual, capable of persuasion. They have a talent for making money and achieving success regardless of circumstances.

The reversed Arcana describes a person who puts their head into a hellish noose. Instead of having full control, they become a victim of their own intrigues and desires. It is the image of someone who is unable to assess the situation rationally and falls prey to their own greed or fears.

Advice and Warnings of the Devil Card

Upright Position: The Devil encourages bold moves and seizing opportunities, even if they are somewhat controversial. However, it warns that nothing in this world comes for free. The final decision lies with the querent: are they ready to pay the spiritual price for material success?

Reversed Position: Here, the card advises exercising caution. One should not be deceived by appearances or feed illusions. The reversed Devil warns to beware of easy solutions that lead only to greater troubles. It is time to learn responsibility and remember that evil always comes with a price.

Devil: Meaning of the Card of the Day

Upright Position: Today, you may feel a surge of energy and the ability to manipulate circumstances to your advantage. However, it is important to remember not to overdo it and not to succumb to the temptation of unethical behavior. The day favors quick gains and brilliant argumentation, but one should be mindful of the consequences of such actions.

Reversed Position: Today, you will feel the consequences of past decisions. You may find yourself in a situation where dishonest practices come to light or you lose the chance for recovery. It is best to avoid risky offers and instead focus on constructive actions. Accept that no illusion lasts forever and consider how to build a future with integrity.