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The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
The Devil: The Shadow of Attachment
Upright keywords
Bondage, addiction, materialism, negative patterns
Reversed keywords
Breaking free, liberation, releasing attachments
Symbolism
The Devil, often depicted as Baphomet, sits on a black pedestal to which two naked human figures are loosely chained. The chains around their necks are loose enough to escape, indicating their bondage is voluntary. The Devil’s inverted pentagram and torch represent the misuse of power and a focus on materialism.
The Devil upright meaning
Card number 15 represents bondage, addiction, and materialism. It points to the negative patterns, limiting beliefs, and unhealthy attachments that keep you feeling trapped. The Devil’s key lesson is one of awareness: he shows you the chains you have forged yourself through your choices and desires. Recognizing these self-imposed limitations is the first step to breaking free.
Confront what holds you back. The Devil points to attachments, addictions, or negative patterns that limit your freedom. Acknowledge these chains in order to break them.
The Devil reversed meaning
Reversed, The Devil signifies a moment of liberation. You are becoming aware of your chains and are in the process of breaking free from an addiction, a negative pattern, or a restrictive situation. It is a powerful card of reclaiming your independence and releasing yourself from the grip of your shadow self.
Breaking free from addiction or restriction. Releasing limiting beliefs and regaining control and independence. A moment of liberation.
The Devil in a reading
How the card reads in each position of a past, present and future spread.
Past position
Upright: A past attachment, addiction, or negative pattern has created the restrictions you may be feeling today. You are dealing with the consequences of a past indulgence.
Reversed: You have recently broken free from a past addiction or a restrictive situation, and you are now on the path to recovery.
Present position
Upright: You are currently feeling trapped by an unhealthy attachment, a bad habit, or a limiting belief. Acknowledge what holds you in bondage in order to find a way to break free.
Reversed: You are in the process of releasing a negative pattern or breaking free from an addiction. This is a moment of awareness and liberation.
Future position
Upright: Be careful of an upcoming temptation or a situation that could lead to a feeling of being trapped. You will be challenged to face your shadow side and avoid negative patterns.
Reversed: The future holds an opportunity to break free from your chains. You will soon have the awareness and strength to release a limiting belief or addiction.