Exploring The Devil Card: A Comprehensive Guide


The Major Arcana of the Tarot
The Major Arcana of the Tarot from paganwiccan.about.com

The Devil card is a card from the Major Arcana deck of the Tarot, and as its name suggests, it is a card of mystery and darkness associated with temptation, fear, and the idea of being trapped in a cycle of one’s own making. The Devil card is not necessarily a card of evil, but it does represent a situation in which a person’s own behavior and choices, rather than any external force, are the root of their troubles. To understand the Devil card’s deeper meaning, it’s important to look at the symbolism associated with it.

Symbolism of The Devil Card

The Devil card has a few distinct symbols that help to give it its meaning. The main symbol of the card is a figure of a devil, often with horns, wings, and a tail, seated on a throne. This figure is usually surrounded by two figures, often depicted as chained, who represent the temptation and bondage of the card. Other symbols of the Devil card include a fire, a pitchfork, and the number 15.

Interpretation of The Devil Card

The Devil card is a card of fear and temptation, but it is also a card of personal responsibility and freedom. The card is often associated with a feeling of being trapped by one’s own choices and behaviors, and it can represent a situation in which a person is unable to break free from their own habits and negative patterns. The card can also represent feelings of guilt, shame, and powerlessness, as well as a need to accept one’s own limitations. Additionally, the card can symbolize a fear of the unknown, and a refusal to take responsibility for one’s own life.

Reversed Meaning of The Devil Card

The reversed meaning of the Devil card is quite different from its upright meaning. When the card is reversed, it can indicate a sense of liberation and freedom from the power and control of the Devil card. It can represent a person’s ability to break free from their own negative patterns and behaviors, and to take responsibility and control of their own lives. Additionally, the reversed Devil card can indicate the ability to take risks and to be open to new experiences.

Reading The Devil Card in a Tarot Spread

The Devil card is an important card to consider when reading a Tarot spread. It can indicate a situation in which a person’s own choices and behaviors are causing them difficulty, and it can represent a fear of the unknown or a refusal to take responsibility for one’s life. Additionally, the card can symbolize a need to accept one’s own limitations, and to break free from one’s own negative patterns and behaviors. It is important to consider the context of the card when interpreting it in a Tarot spread.

Conclusion

The Devil card is a card of fear and temptation, but it is also a card of personal responsibility and freedom. The card is often associated with a feeling of being trapped by one’s own choices and behaviors, and it can represent a situation in which a person is unable to break free from their own habits and negative patterns. Additionally, the card can symbolize a fear of the unknown, and a refusal to take responsibility for one’s own life. The reversed meaning of the card can indicate a sense of liberation and freedom from the power and control of the Devil card, and it can represent a person’s ability to break free from their own negative patterns and behaviors, and to take responsibility and control of their own lives.