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Category: Major Arcana
The Devil tarot card – positioned as the fifteenth card in the Major Arcana – stands as a captivating symbol at the crossroads of earthly desires and spiritual exploration. It invites seekers to unravel the mysteries of the occult, delving into the shadows and temptations inherent in the human experience.
Before immersing into the Devil tarot card, a quick reminder: at Born Under Saturn, we unveil the meanings and key symbols of a new tarot card every Friday. Come back next week (and the ones following) to discover more cards, and click here to explore the tarot card meanings we’ve already posted.
The Devil: Description
The Devil tarot card beckons, ushering seekers into the mystique of the occult within the Rider-Waite deck. Here, a captivating illustration unveils Baphomet – the Horned Goat of Mendes, a symbol echoing balance in various mystical traditions. This enigmatic creature, part man and part goat, is often entwined with notions of evil, its symbolism reframed in Christianity as a devil goat. Yet, within the occult, it holds diverse interpretations, occasionally seen as a deity or a demon. Anyways, we’ll explore the Baphomet figure more extensively in the upcoming key symbols section.
Seated on a throne, the horned figure is a manifestation of earthly desires and the seduction of materialism. Bat wings grace this half-goat embodiment, weaving an aura of otherworldly allure. Delving into intricate details, the Devil card reveals an inverted pentagram on the creature’s forehead, a visual tether to darker energies.
Chains feature prominently in the imagery, binding two figures – a man and a woman – foregrounding the entrapment of earthly desires. The loose chains, depicted in the image, suggest escape is possible, yet the figures remain bound. Their transformation unfolds through subtle details: both sport little horns and tails reminiscent of the Devil. The man’s tail ablaze symbolizes a fiery addiction to power, while the woman’s tail, crowned with a bowl of grapes, speaks to a craving for life’s finer pleasures.
The card’s fiery colors make it stand out and show its link to passion and the primal forces guiding human actions. The Devil card, with its vibrant visuals, encourages seekers to face their inner shadows and navigate the fine line between desire and control.
The Devil: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Temptation – Materialism – Bondage – Addiction – Passion – Desire – Shadow self – Hedonism – Power imbalance – Control – Illusions
REVERSED: Liberation – Breaking free – Release – Redemption – Detoxification – Overcoming addiction – Reevaluating desires – Empowerment – Shedding illusions – Confronting shadows
The Devil: Meaning
While our focus centers on the Rider-Waite depiction, it’s intriguing to draw comparisons with other tarot renditions, such as the Marseille tarot deck or the Visconti Sforza tarot deck. Though illustrations vary, subtle differences notwithstanding, they often converge on the core meanings. Before delving into the upright and reversed interpretations, let’s explore an alternative perspective found in Jodorowsky‘s enlightening book, “The Way of Tarot”.
Jodorowsky’s exploration of the Marseille cards in his bestseller “The Way of Tarot” unveils fresh insights. The book seamlessly weaves descriptions with captivating fun facts. Each card is presented with a full illustration and intricate zooms, ultimately culminating in a unique revelation: the card itself speaks, offering its distinctive perspective.
In contemplating the Devil tarot card, Jodorowsky intriguingly positions it as the antithesis of the Pope tarot card – also known as The Hierophant. Both figures, blending human and animal elements, tap into our primal powers and prehistoric memories embedded in our nervous system. While the Pope points to spiritual heights, the Devil is a tempter leading into the profound obscurity of our being.
According to Jodorowsky, the Devil card embodies passion – both carnal and creative – and temptation. Within its imagery lies the entire spectrum of human unconscious creative powers, spanning positive and negative forces. However, this Arcane card can also signify fraudulent contact – aligning with the Faustian myth – depicting degenerations of sexuality, infantilism, deception, mental delusions, economic greed, gluttony, and self-destructive constraints.
Now, let’s plunge into the nuanced meanings of the Devil tarot card in a reading, exploring its significance in both the upright and reversed positions.
Upright Meaning
In its upright position, the Devil tarot card unfurls a rich tapestry of intense and nuanced meanings. At its core, this card serves as a potent symbol, revealing the irresistible allure of earthly temptations and the material realm. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our tendencies to become overly fixated on material things, status, or power.
The Devil, its upright stance, issues a challenge – one that compels us to confront the seductive powers capable of binding us. Whether it be to material possessions, unhealthy relationships, dependencies, bad habits, or unbridled passions, the card embodies the raw energy of primal instincts and unchecked desires. It urges us to traverse the delicate line between indulgence and self-destruction, beckoning seekers to acknowledge and navigate their innermost struggles.
However, the Devil in its upright position not only underscores the allure of these vices but also sheds light on feelings of emptiness and unfulfillment. This emotional landscape may signal a perceived lack of control in one’s life. Yet, just as the figures in the card are connected to the Devil by loose chains, the feeling of not having control is an illusion. Recognizing this illusion becomes the crucial first step toward transformation – a realization that empowers individuals to dismantle the chains of perceived helplessness.
Feeling like a slave to one’s own life, trapped, or restricted is a common theme highlighted by the Devil in the upright position. Yet, it’s essential to understand that, no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem, choices always exist to alter the trajectory. This card encourages seekers to embrace the power within themselves, reminding them that even in seemingly desperate situations, the agency to instigate change remains a potent force.
Heed the call to balance amidst earthly and material temptations. Unravel the illusion of uncontrol; embrace the power for transformation.
Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Devil tarot card offers profound insights into liberation and breaking free from self-imposed constraints. When the Devil appears inverted, it signals a release from the seductive chains that may have bound us in the past. This card suggests a period of detoxification, a moment to overcome addictive patterns, and a reprieve from the shackles of unhealthy relationships.
The Devil in reverse prompts a reevaluation of desires, encouraging seekers to question the sources of emptiness and unfulfillment in their lives. It signifies empowerment, emphasizing that the perceived lack of control is a mere illusion. As the figures in the card can escape the loose chains that connect them to the Devil, the reversed position underscores the potential for breaking free from self-imposed limitations.
This card reversed serves as a powerful reminder that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, choices exist to alter the trajectory. It invites individuals to shed illusions of feeling trapped or restricted, urging them to embrace their agency in shaping a new, liberated path.
Reclaim control, break free from entanglements, and embark on a journey toward personal empowerment and freedom.
The Devil: Love meaning
In matters of love, the Devil tarot card brings forth a complex and compelling narrative. When this card appears in a love reading, it often suggests intense and passionate connections. The allure of physical attraction may be palpable, drawing individuals into relationships that are fiery, magnetic, and potentially transformative. However, it comes with a cautionary note – the Devil warns of the potential for unhealthy attachments, obsessions, or power imbalances within the relationship.
For those in committed partnerships, the Devil may signify a period of reevaluation. It prompts a closer look at the dynamics of the relationship, urging individuals to recognize any codependent patterns or destructive habits that may be hindering personal and mutual growth. While the Devil embodies passion, it also underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding excessive control or possessiveness.
In love readings, the Devil encourages open communication and a deeper understanding of one another’s desires and motivations. It challenges individuals to confront any shadows within the relationship and work towards liberation from toxic patterns.
Whether single or attached, meeting the Devil in a love reading sparks introspection. It signals a call for clear boundaries and a deliberate effort to cultivate a love that’s not only passionate – beyond mere carnal or possessive aspects – but also empowering.
The Devil Tarot card: Key symbols
Let’s explore the depths of three pivotal symbols in the Rider-Waite version – the Devil, the two figures, and the pentagram. Uncover hidden details and nuanced meanings within these captivating elements.
The Devil: Baphomet
Seated regally on the throne, Baphomet embodies the Horned Goat of Mendes, serving as a potent symbol that represents balance in mystical traditions. This half-human, half-goat entity transcends duality, infusing the Devil card with an energy that entices seekers to explore harmony within chaos. Baphomet encapsulates dichotomies like male and female, man and animal, as well as good and evil.
The connections between Baphomet’s position and other tarot cards are enthralling. Let’s delve into them.
- We’ve previously explored the connection with the Hierophant (or Pope) in the meaning section, as noted by Jodorowsky. Returning to this topic, we emphasize the symbolic divergence in the hands between these cards. While the Hierophant blesses, the Devil seemingly curses. The Devil’s palm even displays the planet Saturn, historically associated with complex influences (even though today, we understand it has both tricky and beneficial aspects).
- Baphomet’s pose intriguingly mirrors the angel’s stance in The Lovers card. The Lovers depict an angel overseeing a couple in a paradisiacal setting, symbolizing divine guidance and harmonious union. In contrast, the Devil’s mirrored posture suggests a darker interpretation – Baphomet presides over two figures, bound and seemingly captivated. This visual parallel hints at the dual nature of love: the divine love within The Lovers and the Devil’s challenge to navigate the intricate dance between desire and possessiveness.
- In the portrayal of the Devil crouching on a pedestal, his right hand points upward, connecting to the spiritual realm, while the left hand points downward, tethered to Earth or Hell – a similar gesture to the Magician.
Examining the devil figure reveals distinctive features: bat wings, donkey-like ears, and red skin – all symbolic of associations with the burning depths of hell. Notably, Baphomet’s left hand clutches a downward-facing torch, subverting the traditional religious objective of bringing light into darkness. This nuanced imagery challenges conventional notions and adds layers of meaning to the symbolism within the Devil card.
Chains and figures
Within this article, our attention has frequently gravitated towards the figures – the man and the woman at the forefront of the Devil card. And with good reason: they hold significant importance within the complexity of this card and its interpretations. Their presence may be linked to the narrative of Adam and Eve.
We’ve explored tails and horns in the card description. Now, let’s turn our attention to another crucial detail: the red hairs. They serve as a subtle reminder of the fiery hues associated with hell’s burning depths.
Additionally, the chains binding these two figures symbolize the intricate entanglement of earthly desires and material attachments. The paradox of the loose chains suggests the potential for liberation, prompting contemplation on the nature of self-imposed limitations. As these figures tread the delicate line between bondage and freedom, they serve as mirrors reflecting the intricate dance of human temptation.
The inverted Pentagram
One of the pivotal symbols within the Devil tarot card is the inverted pentagram adorning the creature’s forehead. This potent emblem acts as a key, unlocking the realm of dark energies and primal forces. Its inversion challenges traditional interpretations, signifying a descent into the depths of the subconscious. As seekers gaze upon this symbol, they embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries concealed within the shadows.
The Devil: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
Interpreting the Devil tarot card in a yes-or-no tarot reading isn’t a straightforward affair. While some readings may lean towards a “No”, the reality is more complex. As discussed in our article titled Is Yes and No Tarot Reading Accurate? Unveiling the Truth, tarot readings, by nature, resist simple answers. For a deeper dive into this intriguing topic, feel free to explore the full article.
