Table of Contents
In Tarot, there are cards that clients consider “bad” or “dangerous.” The fifteenth arcana—the Devil—is among them. Indeed, the name of the card has a strongly negative connotation. Satan is often blamed for all troubles. However, if you approach the interpretation of this arcana correctly, you can channel its energy into a constructive direction. No wonder the Devil has another, less popular nickname—The Morning Star.
The arcana can also be found under other names: Temptation, Typhon, The Black Man, Shaitan. It is called the Fallen Angel and Abraxas. The card depicts Satan as a half-human, half-beast figure. He has horns, and a five-pointed star is placed above his head. In one hand, he holds a torch, and the other is raised upward. At the feet of Baphomet are the Lovers, chained to a pedestal. The shackles symbolize humanity’s dependence on material wealth. The fallen Adam and Eve have tails, emphasizing their animal nature. The background of the card is black, symbolizing suffering and warning of danger.
But not everything is so tragic. The shackles binding the young people hang loosely, meaning they do not strongly entrap the Lovers. If desired, they can be freed. The fire is directed downward: it does not threaten people yet. The meaning of The Devil in Tarot is ambiguous. Interpretations of this arcana are highly individual, as each person has their own Devil and their own vices. Satan symbolizes pride, cowardice, greed, and other sins. To avoid misinterpretation, it is important to know the main meanings of the card in upright and reversed positions, as well as its combinations with other arcana.
The Devil Tarot: combinations with other cards
Any Tarot card depends on its surrounding cards. In the case of The Devil, this influence is felt especially strongly. Cards associated with negativity amplify the negative energy. Combinations of The Devil with “bad” arcana portend troubles and bad weather. With more positive cards, the meanings are also not very bright, but they indicate that the troubles can still be resolved successfully.
The combinations of The Black Man with some Major Arcana are presented in the table:
-
The MagicianSelf-confidence, a desire to manipulate others to achieve one’s own goal.
-
The High PriestessTemptation. Possible turn to the occult.
-
The Emperor/The EmpressUnlawful ways of earning money. Bribery may occur.
-
The HierophantDesire to deceive others. False prophecies.
-
The LoversShort-term relationships. A union based on base instincts.
-
The ChariotThe need to choose a moral way to achieve the desired from a large list of options that promise trouble.
-
The HermitEgoism and isolation leading to complete loneliness.
-
The Hanged ManThe Hanged Man
-
TemperanceA step back in the fight against addiction.
-
JudgementThe desire to judge a close person.
-
The SunHope for an improvement in the situation.
-
The WorldThe opportunity to start life anew. Hope for the redemption of sins.
You should be cautious if The Devil Tarot appears in combination with Wands. This may indicate a bad trip, self-deception, jealousy, or a lack of personal opinion. Negative connotations are also associated with combinations of The Devil with Cups: from negative influences of others to destructive relationships.
Swords combined with The Fallen Angel promise sorrows and losses. The Five and the 15th arcana suggest possible betrayal, the Knight indicates injuries, and the Page and Ten point to the collapse of an initiated project. Pentacles in a spread with The Devil tend to be more positive. For example, the Seven foretells good news. However, there are also negative combinations. The Ace predicts deprivations, the Eight hints at intrigues, and the Nine signifies uncertainty.
Reversed The Devil in Tarot: main meanings
Interpreting cards in reversed position is always challenging. The Devil in this case represents extremes, so its interpretation is especially difficult and ambiguous. The fifteenth arcana in any position symbolizes vices. A reversed Shaitan can be understood as moral instability and a huge chasm. It indicates that a person does not want to fight dependence, even though they have the resources to do so.
On the other hand, the reversed Devil in Tarot is an opportunity to escape from this abyss. The querent has a chance to shed their shackles and become free. But this requires persistence and patience. In “The Complete Book of Reversed Tarot Cards,” Mary Greer interprets the reversed fifteenth arcana as the talent to enjoy life and discover new abilities within oneself.
The duality of the reversed number 15 arcana also affects other areas of life. For example, it can be interpreted as emotional or physical health issues, or complete recovery. In love, the reversed Devil promises dependence on a partner. It speaks of relationships built on blind passion. At the same time, the card serves as a warning: “Look at your partner from a different perspective. Now is the perfect time to make some changes in your life.”
The Devil Tarot: meaning in relationships
The 15th arcana in love matters truly has a devilish significance. Its appearance tells the querent: “You are playing with fire!” When casting a spread on relationships, the card warns of a lack of harmony in the union. The partners do not respect each other. They are united by passion, a desire to hurt, and submission to animal instincts. This is a fatal connection that will inevitably end tragically, bringing sorrow to one or both partners. Both lovers will regret these relationships for the rest of their lives.
- . Relationships with a tyrant will soon come to an end. The card indicates divorce or breakup.
- . The querent is in a relationship with an abuser. The latter enjoys hurting their partner; they find real pleasure in it.
- . The querent wants to get out of these relationships but cannot find the strength within themselves. There may be a magical love spell involved.
The card symbolizes a karmic connection. People cannot resist these relationships: it is not just fate, but a repayment for past mistakes. The partners have been together in their previous incarnations. In this life, they are destined to resolve unresolved issues. These may include love spells, unfulfilled promises, and other difficulties.
Reversed The Devil in relationships does not change the picture. It also describes fateful relationships based on humiliation. Additionally, in its reversed position, the card advises to look at your partner in a new way and finally to turn to willpower.
The Devil Tarot: description of a man
- . Dictatorial qualities;
- . Difficulties in resisting temptations;
- . Self-destructive tendencies – bad habits, insensitivity, aggressiveness;
- . Propensity for manipulation;
- . Selfishness;
- . Materialism;
- . Difficulty in maintaining self-control.
The man endowed with the energy of The Devil Tarot is constantly battling his inner demons. Continuous victories over his own fears make him stronger and more confident. However, The Devil is not at all ascetic. The man with the energy of The Devil believes that since life is only lived once, he must enjoy every moment of it. He is confident that he should get everything that is due to him. At the same time, such a person knows how to control his instincts and not cross the boundaries of reason. A man energized by The Devil is extremely attractive to women. He knows all the secrets of seduction.
If you are fortune-telling for a man and The Devil appears, you can expect to meet a partner obsessed with some mania. Such a person always feels strongly and passionately. He may also act as the seducer himself. The man is ready to tempt a woman into a dangerous love adventure.
The Devil Tarot: fortune-telling on feelings
The energy of The Devil arcana is more about sensuality than feelings. Such a person believes that life is only lived once, so there is no need to resist temptations. You should take what comes easily into your hands. The Devil is a passionate nature. He wants to take everything he is owed. The card often describes a person with some obsession. These can be bad habits, grudges, fixed ideas. To get what they desire, such a person may be willing to “sell their soul.” Feelings are always accompanied by an explosion of emotions. The individual reaches extremes: if love, then to the grave; if hatred, then burning; if jealousy, then madness.
The feelings of The Devil Tarot should be kept under control. Only then will a person be in harmony with themselves. If they lose their temper, they risk damaging not only their emotional health but also their physical health. It is advisable for individuals to clear their environment of aggressive and toxic people. Their active energy should be directed positively, for example, into sports. Taking walks in the fresh air can also help find harmony.
A “minus” state is characterized by insensitivity. Constantly wasting oneself on trivialities will eventually lead to apathy. A person who gives in to their instincts falls into a vicious circle. The outcome is self-destruction, leading to helplessness and disappointment.
The Devil Tarot: thoughts of a person
The person endowed with the energy of the fifteenth arcana is not devoid of materialism. Their thoughts are more earthly than spiritual. They think a lot about money, strive for profit, and seek pleasures accessible through wealth. They are not afraid of dubious ways to earn money. The main thing for them is the result, i.e., money.
In the thoughts of The Devil Tarot, obsession reigns. Such a person may constantly cherish one idea. They are willing to do anything to realize it. Strong feelings prevent the person from thinking rationally. This applies to various areas: work, finances, health, or love. If such a person falls in love, their feelings can be destructive.
The Devil person is a true seeker. To live in harmony, they must constantly tame their passions. It is important for them to seek the truth at all times. Without these pursuits, their life loses meaning.
The individual with the energy of the fifteenth arcana does not see the world in black and white. They are capable of looking deep into things. They are incredibly wise, which is noticed by others. Such a person knows how to accept themselves. They are balanced and can become a great mentor. Self-control is crucial for them. If they can keep their thoughts and instincts in check, they will live in harmony with themselves.
The Devil Tarot: card advice
The fifteenth arcana is one of the most contradictory. Mostly, querents and inexperienced tarot readers see only one side of it – the negative. And if The Devil appears in a reading as advice, difficulties are 100% guaranteed. It’s hard to imagine that The Devil could advise something good – something that would benefit the seeker. However, in reality, The Devil Tarot advice can be interpreted as a warning. The card recommends being vigilant in the face of temptations and not giving in to instincts. The arcana reminds us that the chains hang loosely. This means that the querent is not devoid of willpower. They have enough resources not to indulge their weaknesses.
- . The arcana number 15 advises to be a little selfish. For example, to understand how to benefit from the situation. But it is important to remember: The Devil does not recommend stepping over others. It only suggests taking some time to think about your mental health and not to waste your energy on others.
- . The arcana advises to remember the needs of your body. For example, if you really want to eat a piece of cake, you should do it. Extra pounds can be easily lost after a short workout.
- . The card advises to remember the needs of your body. For example, if you really want to eat a piece of cake, you should do it. Extra weight can be easily lost after a short workout.
- . The arcana advises to ground yourself. It is not necessary to be constantly engaged in spiritual pursuits. Sometimes it is good to remember something material. Do not think that money and other earthly pleasures will enslave you. The main thing is to remember self-control.
The Devil advises to always remember balance. For those who are easily tempted, it reminds them of the importance of self-control. Conversely, for those who give themselves to others, it suggests recalling healthy selfishness.
The Devil Tarot: description of a woman
The woman endowed with the energy of The Devil Tarot knows how to seduce. She is used to being the center of attention. It costs her nothing to drive any man crazy. She loves to tempt and achieves great success in this. Meeting a woman with the energy of The Devil is a real test for the opposite sex. She plays with men like toys. Few can resist temptation, so the lady usually emerges victorious from this battle. She is capable of destroying families if she so desires.
- . Шоу-бизнес;
- . Fashion industry;
- . Music;
- . Clothing design;
- . Entertainment industry, etc.
The Devil woman loves power. Therefore, it is not always easy to be near her. A man will find it difficult to live with such a dominant lady. She is egocentric and selfish. Her sexuality is highly developed. Intimacy in relationships is her top priority. In love, she values passion over trust. She does not mind being a mistress or another link in a love triangle. The Devil woman tends to lie. She believes that she can go to great lengths to achieve her own goals.
The Devil Tarot: fortune-telling on health
In a health reading, The Devil usually appears as a positive sign. It indicates that the querent is in excellent shape. Nothing serious threatens their health—at least for now. That is why The Devil Tarot on health often serves as a warning. It says: “Now is the time to think about your health.” The card urges a serious attitude toward harmful habits. However, The Devil does not always imply alcoholism or smoking. It can also refer to gambling addiction or promiscuity.
- . It is advisable to review your diet. Unhealthy food may undermine your health in the future.
- . Do not give in to your weaknesses. They could be detrimental to your health.
- . Psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc., are possible. It is the right time to consult a specialist.
- . There is a possibility that someone is trying to cast an evil eye on the querent.
In the reversed position, The Devil also advises to recall harmful habits. It suggests that the querent may need to adopt a healthy lifestyle not out of desire, but out of necessity—for example, due to poor health.
In the book “Tarot for Beginners” by Terry Silver and Teresa Francis-Chong, card number 15 recommends not to abuse your body or alter it with tattoos and piercings. Excessive changes like these can lead to self-destruction.
The Devil Tarot: spread for the future
People often feel frightened when The Devil arcana appears in a future spread. It’s hard to believe that this card can have a positive meaning. However, in reality, The Devil does not always indicate failures or death. More often, it serves as a warning and hints at some weaknesses of the querent.
The future significance of The Devil Tarot can be dual. On one hand, the arcana reminds of dependencies that hinder the querent from achieving their desires. There may be internal prohibitions that the person cannot overcome.
On the other hand, the Fallen Angel indicates that the querent has all the resources to resist temptation. They will be able to overcome difficulties and not succumb to their inner demons. The card also has another meaning for the future: powerful sexual energy may influence upcoming events.
In the world of Tarot, The Devil does not predict the outcome of an event. It only acts as a guiding energy. What will happen to the querent in the future depends entirely on them. The result will be influenced by their ability to fight temptations.
The Devil Tarot: spread for work
If the fifteenth arcana appears in a work spread, caution is advised. The card carries a negative connotation when it comes to career matters. It predicts that the querent will face a test of resilience. The person should be prepared for challenges: not everything will go as smoothly as planned. They may have to go against their principles. Therefore, it is important to ask oneself: “Is it worth the risk?”
- . The querent may be offered an illegal way to earn money. Politicians might engage in dirty tricks. Financial manipulations are possible. The card also indicates activities such as prostitution and occult practices.
- . The querent will forget their moral principles. They will start stepping over others to achieve their goals. The card speaks of workaholics who neglect their health and careerists whom others hinder from reaching higher positions.
- . Conflicts within the team are possible. The querent should be cautious, as someone is plotting intrigues against them. They are definitely being targeted to be harmed.
The reversed Devil Tarot in work matters appears as a more favorable sign. It indicates that all goals will be achieved if the querent puts in effort. Harmony will prevail within the team. There will be time to rest and recharge.
The Devil Tarot: description of appearance
The Major Arcana in the Tarot world helps describe a person’s appearance. This can assist in identifying how a potential partner might look. You can immediately recognize your soulmate in a crowd. The main features of The Devil Tarot’s appearance are presented in the table below:
-
AgeMost often, the arcana describes a person over 30 and under 40 years old. Sometimes, it may refer to an individual aged 45-50 years.
-
EyesThe color is usually dark gray or brown, with a dark iris. The Devil has a very piercing gaze that seems to look deep inside. It is hard to hide from such eyes. They, like an X-ray, reveal all the feelings of the interlocutor.
-
HairMost often, it refers to brunettes. Fire-red and dark chestnut hair with a slight graying are also possible.
-
BuildThe Devil has an excellent physique. He is tall, with well-developed muscles. He does not allow himself to gain extra weight. The Devil has strong arms.
The Devil Tarot’s appearance is seductive regardless of gender. Such a person always takes care of themselves. They are attractive to the opposite sex. The Devil-Man can easily seduce any lady. She will be struck by his piercing gaze, hooked nose, and well-groomed appearance. The Devil-Woman knows how to tempt men. She often breaks hearts; it’s her hobby. The Devil prefers clothing that helps her stand out from the crowd. It might be something provocative, like leather pants, mini dresses, or tight-fitting styles.
The Devil Tarot: personality characteristics
The personality associated with the fifteenth arcana is constantly engaged in a struggle with fears, instincts, and desires. If they completely abandon their weaknesses, they risk falling into apathy and emptiness. The Devil personality believes in hedonism. Such a person considers life to be for pleasures and often follows their instincts. They strive to receive everything that fate is willing to give.
On the other hand, abandoning the fight and blindly following desires is also not suitable for a personality energized by The Devil Tarot. The “positive” state of the arcana is characterized by a continuous search for truth. Without it, life loses its meaning. The Devil often spends time philosophizing. In other words, balance is key for such a person. Only then can they live in harmony with themselves.
The Devil is a winner. When they realize they have chosen the right path, they confidently move toward their goal. This gives them decisiveness. They are firm in their moral principles and do not allow others to manipulate them.
The “negative” state of The Devil is characterized by dependence on habits. Such a person often gets lost in their partner. They lack the strength to fight their inner tyrant and become a victim. On the other hand, The Devil Tarot personality is not devoid of dictatorial qualities. They enjoy controlling others. They tend to be aggressive and prone to self-destructive behavior. Such a person often swings from one extreme to another. Their mood can change quickly, and they easily fall into apathy. The Devil tends to step over others to achieve their goals. They need to find ways to satisfy their desires without harming those around them.
