The Devil is the 15th Major Arcana
The Devil is a complex card to read and accept. By itself, it doesn’t represent evil, spells, or witchcraft, and definitely not the devil in any sense. Its meaning is entirely about free will, and its message changes depending on its position in the spread.
Card Correspondences:
Kabbalistically, it is associated with the planet Saturn, but also with Mars, the letter Samekh, and the number 60.
Esoterically, it’s linked to the astrological sign of Capricorn, the element Fire, and the season of summer.
In numerology, it represents the number 15 and 6 (15=1+5=6), where the number 6 corresponds to the Lovers card, but here, the lovers are shown chained, slaves to the material, tied to the sensual side of their nature.
Visual description of the card:
The Devil is depicted in the card as a satyr, a creature that’s half man, half goat, dancing to the tune of a strange device held in their left hand.
In many myths, the goat was considered an impure and lustful animal. However, the goat also symbolizes the scapegoat, the person or thing onto which people project the darker side of themselves to feel better about themselves.
In this way, the Devil becomes the scapegoat we blame for our life problems.
The dark cave with no doors implies that the Devil resides in the deepest recesses of the unconscious, and can only be broken through by tackling the mental walls, the layers that make up our psyche.
In their right hand, the Devil holds two chains, each one tied to a collar around the necks of two naked human figures—a man and a woman, both with small horns resembling those of the satyr.
The chains around their necks are loose, and their hands are not bound. They can free themselves at any time if they choose. This symbolizes that the apparent slavery imposed by the Devil is ultimately a matter of choice.
We are slaves to our own perceptions and decisions, and we all carry a shadow side, both consciously and unconsciously, that we must confront in order to break free from the things that harm our lives.
The Devil Upright:
General Meaning:
This card represents suffering, masochism, addiction, sensual passion, materialism, the desire to have over being, base instincts, and passions.
It indicates confrontations, struggles, or conflicts, and a sense of misery, as well as various forms of addiction.
The Devil primarily shows that you’re in a situation of submission that you believe is caused by factors beyond your control, shifting the blame to external forces to avoid taking personal responsibility.
The Devil shows that you can free yourself from these chains whenever you choose, just as the figures on the card have loose chains around their necks and their hands are not bound—they can set themselves free if they want to.
There’s an element of scapegoating associated with this card; that’s the key message—you’re looking to blame something outside of yourself.
The Devil represents your darkest inner self—your base passions, instincts, fears, and destructive, harmful behaviors toward yourself.
This “inner devil” only has as much power as you give it, and you can break free from its influence at any time if you so choose.
To do this, you need to conquer your fears, take responsibility, and do some deep self-reflection. Ask yourself, what part of your life is so dominated or controlled?
Though this card may seem hopeless, it’s not entirely negative; it tells you that there’s always a way out, even if you can’t see it right now. That way out is within you, and only there.
It can indicate real addictions, like substance abuse or alcoholism, but also addictions to certain behaviors, people, situations, or environments.
Lastly, the Devil card shows a strong attachment to the material and suggests you may be obsessed with a particular idea or issue in your life, making it feel like you can’t move forward.
Desiring material things isn’t bad in itself, but obsession—focusing entirely on HAVING instead of BEING—is.
If the Devil appears to represent a person, it tells us they have a strong personality, are controlling and dominant, passionate, and sensually expressive, with little to no scruples in getting what they want. Money is their goal and their guide; they have a significant attachment to material things, as well as a lot of ambition.
If this card shows up as the final outcome to something, it means you will achieve the result you want, but it’s important to evaluate whether the means by which you’re obtaining it are the right ones.
In terms of defining a situation, the Devil tells us there’s a lot of emotional tension—struggles, conflicts, and a desire for control. There’s passion, interests at stake, and manipulation. Sensual desire could be strongly present, depending on the context. The ends justify the means.
Love:
Regarding love, the Devil tells us that while the relationship or romantic situation is marked by passion, lust, and physical sensuality, the emotional content is lacking. The feelings are superficial—physical rather than emotional.
There may be dominance by one person over the other, competition, vanity, and constant emotional instability, fights, and arguments.
It’s good if you’re curious about how much passion exists in the relationship, as the romantic desire is intense, but in a general love reading, this card carries many negative nuances.
Work:
Regarding work, the card is favorable as it shows intensity, commitment, and passion in what you’re doing. It can indicate cleverness in achieving something or handling business.
As for a partner, for example, it shows that they’re good at what they do, with clever methods for getting results, but unreliable or controlling, depending on the other cards in the reading. Surprising and good job opportunities may arise.
It suggests that mixing work with love or having sensual relationships at work won’t yield good results. It can indicate dissatisfaction with your current job, but reminds you to evaluate the positives and remember that improving the situation depends in part on you. Your attitude, effort, and determination are crucial.
Money:
In terms of money and finances, the Devil is a positive card. It indicates a good time for investments of all kinds, negotiating contracts, agreements, deals, laws, and labor conditions, BUT, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
The cleverness with which you handle money matters can lead to success or failure, especially if there’s deception or hidden agendas involved. Saving up a bit during this time is important. Don’t spend excessively or focus all your energy on money.
Health:
Regarding health, this card is also favorable, showing regeneration, a positive attitude, healing, and recovery from illnesses, ailments, or post-surgery.
You should pay attention to your reproductive system, avoid promiscuity, and make sure your relationships are safe. Stress and work fatigue also need to be managed.
Spirituality:
In the spiritual realm, it suggests that keeping a positive mindset is essential at this time. Positive affirmations are important and will benefit you. Take a look at who surrounds you.
Are you surrounded by positive, optimistic people, or are you in the company of overly critical ones? Do you feel dominated? Evaluate your environment and take action. Life is short—you shouldn’t let anyone force you to live it in a way that isn’t true to who you are.
The Devil Reversed:
General Meaning:
We can divide this explanation into two parts: on the one hand, it’s very positive on a personal, emotional, and internal level.
The reversal of the Devil is liberating, showing freedom, breaking out of molds, positive energy being released, and renewed strength in almost all areas—although not so much in love.
Everything that was suffocating and controlling you is now being reversed, after deep reflection and exhaustion, and you’ve decided to take charge of your own life.
You’re breaking free from what binds, dominates, and controls you—whether that’s a romantic, social, family relationship, work environment, or career.
The strong materialism marked by the Devil now shifts to a more Buddhist-like detachment, where you put things into perspective and give everything its proper value. Material possessions and money don’t lose their importance, but they no longer dictate or control your life.
You’re in the process of connecting emotionally with both yourself and others. In this case, being takes precedence over having.
The other part of the reading is negative because all the advantages the Devil provided in its upright position—cleverness, ingenuity, and a sense of opportunity—are now lost.
Love:
In terms of love, this card is not as positive. Romantic passion is fading, and significant romantic disappointments could occur. This card can be associated with loneliness imposed by others or by circumstances, rather than by your own choice.
There are serious re-evaluations happening in the relationship, along with fear of pain, failure, and solitude.
On the positive side, it could signal the end of ongoing arguments and hostility, which is good, and that the interest may now be deeper than just physical passion or desire.
You’ll need to check the context of the other cards to see whether the Devil in love manifests its negative or positive aspects.
Work:
Regarding work, the Devil reveals its more negative side. It advises against trying anything new, as now is not a good time for job changes or taking risks.
There may be tensions at work, mainly due to poor communication and underlying envy, both from others toward you and from you toward those who have or earn more or hold a higher position.
Don’t rush into anything; think before you act and especially before you speak. It’s not a good time to start new partnerships or sign contracts. There could be some risk of job loss.
Money and finances:
The reversal of the Devil may suggest scams or fraud, so it’s not a good idea to invest, lend money, or take out a loan right now. When it comes to money matters, you’ll need to be cautious and even skeptical, including of those closest to you.
While the situation may be uncomfortable or financially tight, it’s not a cause for panic—just be careful not to make things worse.
If you’re asking, “Should I invest in this? Is it a good idea to buy that? Is this a good deal to be part of?” The clear answer is NO.
Health:
In terms of health, this card indicates possible deterioration or relapses, and a risk of disorders of a sensual nature, including venereal diseases. On the positive side, spiritually, you’ll feel liberated, which will significantly reduce stress and fatigue.
If you’ve been dealing with depression, things will improve, even if love, money, or work aren’t looking great. Feeling free and becoming a new version of yourself will make all the difference, and you’ll find positive emotional growth.
Spirituality:
With the Devil reversed, maintaining a positive attitude and mindset remains crucial. Especially if you’re struggling to keep a good outlook, consider who you surround yourself with and who your friends are.
This card reminds you that, no matter how things may seem on the surface, you’re not truly trapped. Use the freedom you have.
