Devil (XV), Tarot - Freedom from Temptation & Illusion

The Devil: Fifteenth Major Arcana - Interpret its symbolism, meanings and interpretations in love, money and work
By KarmaWeather - 29 March 2023
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Description & significance of the Devil Tarot Card

The Devil, represented by the number fifteen, is the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana of the tarot. This card symbolizes temptation, materialism and the struggle against our darker impulses. The Devil is often depicted as a menacing figure with horns and bat wings, holding a torch and chained to two figures, representing the entrapment of the material world and the illusion of power.

In light of its meaning, the Devil is a unique card that represents the importance of recognizing and confronting our shadow aspects and the potential pitfalls of excessive materialism. It encourages us to face our fears, to resist temptation and to break free from self-imposed limitations. The Devil invites us to explore the depths of our psyche, to embrace our inner darkness and to integrate our shadow aspects in order to achieve maturation and transformation. Its presence in a tarot reading can inspire self-reflection, liberation and the courage to face our darker impulses.

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Origins of the Devil Tarot Card

The Devil card finds its origins in the mid-15th century Italian tarot decks, like the Visconti-Sforza Tarot. Originally known as "Il Diavolo" or "The Devil," this card depicted a menacing, horned figure, often shown with chains or other symbols of bondage, representing temptation, materialism and the darker aspects of human nature.

With the growing association between tarot and the occult, the symbolism of the Devil card took on a more esoteric meaning. In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the Devil is portrayed as a powerful, horned figure, seated on a dark throne, with a man and a woman chained to his pedestal. This imagery highlights the Devil's role as a symbol of addiction, illusion and the power of material desires and fears to bind and control us. It serves as a reminder to confront our inner demons and break free from the chains that hold us back from achieving our highest potential.

Meaning of the Devil Tarot Card

  • General interpretation and life lessons

    The Devil, the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana, signifies temptation, materialism and the battle against our darker instincts. A potent card, it emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and confronting our shadow aspects and the potential dangers of excessive materialism. The Devil card urges us to face our fears, resist temptation and liberate ourselves from self-imposed limitations. It encourages us to delve into the depths of our psyche, embrace our inner darkness and integrate our shadow aspects to attain growth and transformation. In a tarot reading, its appearance can signify self-reflection, emancipation and the bravery to confront our darker urges.

  • Upright and reversed meanings

    In an upright position, the Devil card symbolizes temptation, attachment and the struggle to overcome our darker instincts. It represents the need for self-awareness, self-improvement and the importance of breaking free from harmful patterns. When reversed, the Devil card may indicate liberation, breaking free from chains, or the process of overcoming negative habits or beliefs, suggesting a newfound sense of control and personal power.

  • Spiritual, emotional and psychological dimensions

    Spiritually, the Devil card emphasizes the importance of confronting our darker aspects and integrating them into our spiritual journey. Emotionally, the card teaches us to resist temptation, to manage our desires and to develop self-awareness to achieve emotional balance. Psychologically, the Devil card underscores the value of understanding and integrating our shadow aspects, which can lead to transformation and a more balanced sense of self.

  • Numerological associations

    The Devil card is associated with the number 15, which in numerology represents change, transformation and the challenge of overcoming obstacles. The number 15 is often linked to the idea of breaking free from limitations and embracing new opportunities for growth. This connection accentuates the Devil card's emphasis on self-reflection, liberation and the courage to confront and overcome our darker impulses.

KarmaWeather Tarot - The Devil
The Devil © KarmaWeather by Konbi

Love according to the Devil Tarot Card

In the realm of love and relationships, the Devil card represents temptation, attachment and the potential for self-imposed limitations. This Major Arcana card emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-improvement and the ability to break free from unhealthy patterns in matters of the heart.

  • Interpretation for singles

    For single individuals, the Devil card suggests that recognizing and addressing any self-defeating behaviors or limiting beliefs may be necessary in order to attract a fulfilling romantic connection. It encourages singles to examine their own emotional landscape, to confront any fears or insecurities and to seek self-improvement in the pursuit of love. The Devil card also serves as a reminder that developing a strong sense of self-worth and autonomy can be vital in forming healthy, lasting relationships.

  • Interpretation for couples

    In the context of established relationships, the Devil card signifies the importance of addressing any unhealthy patterns or attachments that may be hindering the growth and harmony of the partnership. Couples are encouraged to confront any issues that may be causing imbalance or discord, to communicate openly and honestly and to work together to overcome any obstacles. The Devil card also serves as a reminder that fostering self-improvement and self-awareness within each partner can contribute to a more resilient, fulfilling relationship.

Money according to the Devil Tarot Card

In financial matters, the Devil card symbolizes temptation, materialism and the potential for growth through recognizing and overcoming unhealthy financial behaviors or dependencies. This Major Arcana card emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's financial choices, avoiding excessive materialism and breaking free from detrimental monetary habits.

The Devil card suggests that acknowledging temptations, resisting excessive materialism and overcoming unhealthy financial patterns may contribute to financial well-being. It encourages individuals to be conscious of their monetary decisions, avoid being overly focused on material possessions and strive to break free from negative financial behaviors. The Devil card also serves as a reminder that cultivating a balanced, mindful approach can be essential in establishing a stable financial future.

Career according to the Devil Tarot Card

In professional matters, the Devil card signifies temptation, entrapment and the potential for career growth through recognizing and overcoming unhealthy work habits or dependencies that may hinder progress. This Major Arcana card highlights the value of being aware of one's professional choices, avoiding becoming trapped in negative work patterns and breaking free from limiting beliefs or behaviors.

The Devil card implies that acknowledging temptations, resisting entrapment in negative work habits and overcoming limiting professional behaviors can be crucial in achieving career success. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their career choices, avoid becoming ensnared in detrimental patterns and actively work to break free from any constraints that may impede progress. The Devil card also serves as a reminder that adopting a balanced, self-aware approach can be advantageous in navigating the complex world of career development and advancement.

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Discover the symbolism, meanings and interpretations in love, money and work for the 22 major arcana cards of Tarot:

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