The Devil
⛓
Upright Meaning
Something has a grip on you that feels like it's from the outside, but the chains here are often looser than they look, and sometimes you're the one holding them. Whether it's a habit, a belief, a relationship, or a fear, this card asks you to name it honestly before you can address it.
Reversed Meaning
You may be in the process of breaking free from something that has held you, and the release is real, even if incomplete. Reclaiming agency takes time, especially from patterns that have been long in place. The recognition that you have a choice is itself the first step.
The Devil in love
If you're single, The Devil warns of an intense attraction that may not be healthy. Notice if part of the pull is that they're bad for you.
In a relationship, this card shows strong passion and possible dependency. Ask yourself whether you stay because you want to or because leaving feels impossible.
Drew it reversed? See The Devil reversed in love below.
The Devil as feelings
As feelings, they feel a powerful, perhaps obsessive pull toward you. Desire may be running ahead of trust.
The Devil in career and money
CareerAt work, The Devil can point to a job you stay in for the money while feeling trapped. Capricorn rules this card, so ambition runs high, but watch for overwork and golden handcuffs.
MoneyFinancially, beware of debt, compulsive spending or chasing quick gains. Possessions may have too tight a hold on you right now.
Is The Devil a yes or no card?
No, because The Devil points to a trap or temptation that probably isn't good for you.
Ask your own yes or no question →The Devil as advice
Look at what has a hold on you and remember that the chains are loose. You can lift them off and walk away.
What belief or habit are you pretending has more power over you than it actually does?
What the Devil card shows
A horned figure with bat wings and an inverted pentagram on the brow crouches on a dark pedestal, raising one hand and holding a torch pointed downward with the other. A naked man and woman stand chained to the pedestal, each with small horns and a tail. The chains around their necks are loose enough to lift off, and that is the real message of the card. The bondage is partly chosen, and so is the way out.
Astrology and symbolism
- Arcana
- Major, card 15
- Element
- Earth
- Astrology
- Capricorn
The Devil corresponds to Capricorn, so it carries that sign's earth energy. Read more about Capricorn.
The 22 Major Arcana cards trace the Fool's journey, from the first step of The Fool (card 0) to the completion of The World (card 21). The Devil is card 15 of that journey, and when it appears it points to a significant life theme rather than a passing mood.
The Major Arcana
The Devil questions
Is The Devil a good card?
The Devil is a hard card rather than a bad one. Upright it speaks of bondage, addiction, materialism and shadow self, which can be painful to face but often clears the way for something better. Reversed, it points to release, reclaiming power, detachment and freedom.
What does The Devil reversed mean in love?
Reversed in love, The Devil means breaking free from an unhealthy pattern or relationship. You're seeing the chains for what they are, and that's the first step out.
What zodiac sign is The Devil?
Capricorn. In the Golden Dawn correspondences that most modern decks follow, The Devil is assigned to Capricorn, which makes it an Earth card.
Is The Devil yes or no?
No, at least for now. If The Devil comes up reversed, the block is starting to lift and the answer leans toward yes.
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