Major Arcana · Card XV
The Devil
About The Devil
The Devil sits upon a half-cube, representing incomplete knowledge and the material world's illusions. Two human figures stand chained before him, but the chains around their necks are loose enough to remove — they remain bound by choice, not force. The Devil's inverted torch suggests the perversion of spiritual energy into material obsession.
The Devil Upright Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
The Devil represents your shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, and the chains you have placed upon yourself. This card reveals the bondage of materialism, unhealthy relationships, or addictive behaviors that keep you trapped. Importantly, The Devil reminds you that these chains are often self-imposed — you have the power to free yourself whenever you choose.
\u2665Love & Relationships
In love, The Devil indicates unhealthy attachment, codependency, jealousy, or a relationship based primarily on physical attraction rather than genuine emotional connection. Examine whether your relationship empowers both partners or keeps one or both feeling trapped.
\u2606Career & Finances
For career, The Devil warns of feeling trapped in a soul-crushing job, workplace toxicity, or trading your values for financial security. You may be chained to a career path that no longer serves your growth but feels too comfortable or lucrative to leave.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
In health, The Devil strongly warns of addictive behaviors: substance abuse, binge eating, excessive screen time, or any habit that controls you rather than you controlling it. Seek professional help if addictions are affecting your wellbeing.
The Devil Reversed Meaning
\u2726 General Meaning
The Devil reversed represents releasing limiting beliefs, detachment, freedom, and breaking free from bondage. You are reclaiming your power and removing the chains that have held you back. This is a powerful card of liberation and personal empowerment.
\u2665Love & Relationships
Reversed in love, The Devil indicates breaking free from toxic relationships, overcoming jealousy, or releasing unhealthy attachment patterns. You are choosing freedom and self-respect over the familiarity of dysfunction.
\u2606Career & Finances
In career reversed, this card signals breaking free from professional bondage — leaving a toxic job, overcoming workaholism, or refusing to compromise your values for money.
\u271AHealth & Wellbeing
For health reversed, The Devil represents overcoming addictions, breaking free from unhealthy habits, and reclaiming control over your physical and mental wellbeing.
Symbolism of The Devil
The inverted pentagram on The Devil's forehead represents the perversion of spiritual power for material ends. The loose chains on the human figures demonstrate that bondage is self-imposed and freedom is always available. The half-cube throne represents the limitation of viewing only the material half of reality. The bat wings suggest creatures of the night — hidden aspects of the self that operate in darkness.
Key Advice From The Devil
“Examine the chains in your life. What habits, beliefs, relationships, or patterns are keeping you trapped? Remember that true power lies in the recognition that these bonds are self-imposed. You can remove them at any time — the only thing holding you back is the belief that you cannot.”
See The Devil in Action
Pull The Devil in one of our free interactive tarot readings and discover what it means in the context of your personal question.