Card Basics

The Devil card

15. The Devil

Number: 15 English Name: The Devil Element: Earth Astrology: Capricorn Hebrew Letter: Ayin Keywords: Bondage, Temptation, Addiction, Material Attachment, Self-Limitation, Desire

Symbolism and Imagery

Key Symbolic Elements

Baphomet (The Devil)

  • Meaning: Material power, primal desires.
  • Interpretation: Instinctive impulses and temptations.
  • Posture: Intimidating and dominating attitude.

Goat’s Head

  • Meaning: Capricorn, materiality, stubbornness.
  • Interpretation: Earthly desires and attachments.

Bat Wings

  • Meaning: Darkness, night, unconscious.
  • Interpretation: Hidden desires and fears.

Inverted Pentagram

  • Position: Forehead.
  • Meaning: Subordination of spirit to matter.
  • Interpretation: Reversal and corruption of spirituality.

Right Hand Sign

  • Meaning: Reversal of “As above, so below.”
  • Interpretation: Distortion of Hermetic principles.

Torch

  • Meaning: Destructive fire, false enlightenment.
  • Interpretation: Distorted form of truth.

Man and Woman Chained

  • Meaning: Bound humanity.
  • Interpretation: Voluntary submission and dependence.

Neck Chains

  • Loose chains: Actually able to escape.
  • Meaning: Self-deception, abandonment of choice.
  • Interpretation: The bondage is self-created.

Horned Head

  • Meaning: Dominance of animalistic instincts.
  • Interpretation: Loss of reason.

Tail

  • Meaning: Primal impulses.
  • Interpretation: Regression of evolution.

Pedestal

  • Meaning: Foundation of false authority.
  • Interpretation: Dependence on material power.

Dark Background

  • Meaning: Ignorance, blindness.
  • Interpretation: Lack of ability to see the truth.

Upright Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • Bondage: Material and spiritual restrictions.
  • Temptation: Seduction and corruption by desires.
  • Addiction: Addictive behaviors.
  • Materialism: Excessive attachment to material values.
  • Self-Limitation: Self-imposed restrictions.
  • Desire: Uncontrolled urges.

In Love and Relationships

  • Unhealthy Relationship: Dominating and dependent relationship.
  • Physical Relationship: A relationship without spiritual connection.
  • Jealousy: Possessiveness and jealousy.
  • Affair: Relationship against moral principles.
  • Emotional Dependence: Over-reliance on a partner.

In Work and Career

  • Attachment to Money: Work driven solely by financial motives.
  • Thirst for Power: Excessive desire for status and power.
  • Unethical Conduct: Actions against ethics.
  • Workaholism: Addiction to work.
  • Intensified Competition: Competition at the expense of others.

In Money and Material Matters

  • Materialism: Excessive attachment to material wealth.
  • Debt: Financial bondage.
  • Gambling: Speculative and risky investments.
  • Wastefulness: Uncontrolled spending.
  • Profit Priority: Pursuit of profit disregarding ethics.

In Spirituality

  • Spiritual Bondage: Attachment to old beliefs or fears.
  • Spiritual Stagnation: Hindrance to growth.
  • False Teachings: Doctrines that distort truth.
  • Self-Deception: Denial of one’s own truth.
  • Shadow Integration: Confronting hidden dark aspects.

Reversed Meaning

Basic Meaning

  • Liberation: Freedom from bondage.
  • Discovery of Truth: Awakening from self-deception.
  • Recovery from Addiction: Overcoming addiction.
  • Spiritual Awakening: Breaking free from materialism.
  • Self-Acceptance: Embracing one’s shadow side.

In Love and Relationships

  • Relationship Improvement: Breaking free from unhealthy relationships.
  • Spiritual Love: Love transcending physical relationships.
  • Overcoming Jealousy: Liberation from possessiveness.
  • Moral Choice: Return to a righteous relationship.
  • Independence: Self-reliance from emotional dependence.

In Work and Career

  • Re-evaluation of Values: Discovery of values other than money.
  • Overcoming Power Thirst: Discovery of true leadership.
  • Ethical Conduct: Return to the right path.
  • Work-Life Balance: Restoration of work-life balance.
  • Cooperation: Shift from competition to collaboration.

In Money and Material Matters

  • Simple Life: Letting go of material desires.
  • Debt Repayment: Liberation from financial bondage.
  • Investment Review: Risk adjustment.
  • Moderation: Control over spending.
  • Value Transformation: Emphasis on spiritual values.

Deeper Meaning and Philosophy

Philosophical Interpretation

The Devil represents the paradox of “free will and bondage.” This is related to the existentialist philosophy’s concept that “man is condemned to be free.”

  • Existentialism: Sartre’s freedom and responsibility.
  • Christianity: Concept of original sin and temptation.
  • Buddhism: Suffering from worldly desires and attachments.
  • Psychology: Unconscious projection and shadow.

Psychological Interpretation

Jungian Psychology Interpretation:

  • Shadow: Repressed dark aspects.
  • Projection: Seeing one’s own problems in others.
  • Collective Unconscious: Universal dark impulses.

Addiction Research Interpretation:

  • Mechanism of Addiction: Distortion of the reward system.
  • Codependency: Unhealthy relationship patterns.
  • Recovery: Process of liberation from addiction.

Spiritual Meaning

  • Lucifer: The fall of the light-bringer.
  • Mara: Buddhist symbol of worldly desires.
  • Set: Egyptian god of chaos.
  • Dark Night of the Soul: Mystical trial.

Practical Reading

Interpretation Examples by Question

“Is this relationship healthy?”

  • Upright: There are unhealthy elements. Review issues of dependence and control.
  • Reversed: You are aware of the problems and moving towards improvement. Build a relationship based on true love.

“Is this investment safe?”

  • Upright: Decisions driven by desire are dangerous. Reconsider calmly.
  • Reversed: You are free from material temptations. You will be able to make wise decisions.

“What is the root cause of my problem?”

  • Upright: The cause is self-imposed limitations and attachments. Face the truth.
  • Reversed: You understand the root of the problem and are moving towards a solution. You are approaching true freedom.

Combinations with Other Cards

The Devil + The Tower

  • Dramatic liberation from bondage. Destructive but necessary change.

The Devil + Temperance

  • Conflict between temptation and self-control. Importance of balance.

The Devil + The Star

  • From despair to hope. Light after darkness.

The Devil + Judgment

  • Ultimate liberation. Awakening to true freedom.

Meditation and Work

Devil Meditation

  1. Preparation: Place the Devil card in a quiet and safe place.
  2. Breathing: Deep, calm breaths to release fear.
  3. Observation: Objectively observe your own bondage and attachments.
  4. Acceptance: Accept your shadow side without denying it.
  5. Understanding: Realize that the chains of bondage are actually loose.
  6. Choice: Choose liberation through free will.
  7. Integration: Accept your whole self, including your shadow side.

Journaling Questions

  • What is binding me?
  • What temptations am I weak to?
  • What are my addictive behavior patterns?
  • What shadow parts am I afraid to face?
  • How can I achieve true freedom?

How to Deal with the Energy of the Devil in Daily Life

Daily Practice:

  • Objectively observe your desires and attachments.
  • Review unhealthy habits and relationships.
  • Make conscious choices regarding material temptations.
  • Integrate your shadow side instead of denying it.
  • Distinguish between true freedom and false freedom.

Affirmations for Liberation from the Devil:

  • “I recognize my bondage and choose liberation.”
  • “I am not swayed by temptation and see the truth.”
  • “I am free from addiction and gain true freedom.”
  • “I accept my shadow side and love my whole self.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If the Devil appears, does something bad happen? A: The Devil is a warning card. It indicates an opportunity to become aware of current bondage or addiction and move towards liberation.

Q: Does a reversed Devil mean the Devil’s power weakens? A: A reversed card indicates liberation from bondage or awareness of problems. It means you are breaking free from the Devil’s influence.

Q: What is the difference between the Devil and Temperance? A: The Devil represents extremes and attachment, while Temperance represents balance and harmony. The Devil is the principle of “binding,” and Temperance is the principle of “harmonizing.”

Summary

The Devil teaches us the importance of recognizing the bondage and dependencies we create and gaining true freedom. This card indicates that we create our own limitations, not external forces.

The energy of the Devil teaches us that true freedom comes with responsibility. By integrating our shadow side instead of denying it, we can become more complete versions of ourselves.