The Devil
The Devil card depicts a horned, winged figure seated above two naked human figures who are chained to the pedestal on which it sits. The chains around the humans' necks are loose, suggesting they could easily free themselves if they chose to. The Devil holds up one hand in an inverted blessing, while holding down a torch with the other. The imagery suggests bondage to material desires and illusions that keep us trapped in destructive patterns.
Keywords
Bondage
Materialism
Addiction
Illusion
Shadow
General Meaning:
The Devil represents our attachments, addictions, and the self-imposed chains that bind us to destructive patterns. When this card appears, it suggests being trapped by materialism, unhealthy desires, or toxic situations that we perceive as inescapable. The card reveals where we have given our power away to external forces or our own lower impulses. It points to situations where we feel powerless but actually have the ability to break free. The Devil reminds us that we often create our own prisons through fear, addiction, or the pursuit of material pleasures at the expense of spiritual growth.
Love:
In matters of love, the Devil indicates relationships bound by unhealthy attachments or dependencies rather than genuine love. For those in partnerships, it might reveal toxic patterns, obsession, or codependency that keep both partners trapped in destructive cycles. The card can indicate relationships maintained through fear, obligation, or material concerns rather than authentic connection. For singles, it might point to being bound by past relationship trauma, unhealthy attraction patterns, or fear of intimacy. It suggests examining what emotional chains need to be broken before healthy love can flourish.
Career/Business:
In career and professional matters, the Devil suggests being trapped in unfulfilling work situations by material needs or fear of change. It might indicate being chained to a job or business relationship through golden handcuffs, debt, or perceived obligations. The card can reveal workplace toxicity, unethical practices, or excessive focus on material gain at the expense of personal wellbeing. It often appears when someone feels trapped in their career but actually has more options than they realize. The Devil encourages examining what fear-based thoughts or material attachments are preventing professional growth and fulfillment.
The Devil card represents the self-imposed bondage we create through our attachments, fears, and material desires. It reveals where we have given away our power and reminds us that the chains binding us are often of our own making. Whether in love, career, or personal life, the Devil encourages us to examine our dependencies and face our shadow aspects honestly. The card ultimately suggests that by recognizing our self-imposed limitations and finding the courage to break free from unhealthy patterns, we can reclaim our power and create more authentic, fulfilling lives.