C
CosmicTools

The Devil

Major Arcana
The Devil
The Devil

Cosmic Tools

Click card to flip

Quick Info

Element
Spirit
Domain
Life Lessons & Karma
Number
15

Keywords & Themes

bondageaddictionsexualitymaterialismshadow self

Card Description

The Devil sits above two naked humans in chains. However, the chains are loose, suggesting that bondage is often of our own making.

↑

Upright Meaning

The Devil represents bondage, addiction, materialism, negative patterns, and the shadow self that needs integration.

↓

Reversed Meaning

Reversed indicates release from bondage, breaking free from limiting beliefs, or detachment from material things.

Guidance & Advice

Recognize what chains you. Freedom comes from acknowledging and integrating your shadow.

Questions for Reflection

  • ✦What patterns keep me trapped?
  • ✦Where am I giving away my power?
  • ✦What shadow aspects need integration?

Related Cards

Death
Death

Cosmic Tools

Death

Temperance
Temperance

Cosmic Tools

Temperance

The Tower
The Tower

Cosmic Tools

The Tower

The Star
The Star

Cosmic Tools

The Star

Ready for a Reading?

Now that you understand The Devil, try our interactive spreads to see how it connects with other cards in a reading.

Try Three-Card SpreadDraw Daily Card

Understanding The Devil in Tarot Readings

The Devil is a Major Arcana card, representing bondage, addiction, sexuality. When this card appears in a reading, it often signals significant life themes and spiritual lessons.

The Devil in Different Positions

The meaning of The Devil can shift depending on its position in a spread. In past positions, it may indicate bondage that has already influenced your journey. In present positions, it suggests current energies around addiction. In future positions, it points toward upcoming opportunities or challenges related to sexuality.

Combining The Devil with Other Cards

When The Devil appears alongside other Major Arcana cards, its energy is amplified. Pay attention to surrounding cards to understand the full message.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do online tarot readings work?

Our tarot readings use a digital shuffling algorithm to randomly select cards, similar to shuffling a physical deck. The interpretations are based on traditional tarot meanings combined with the position in your chosen spread.

Can I save my tarot reading?

Yes, you can save your reading to revisit later. We also provide a print-friendly version of your reading for your records.

What is the difference between upright and reversed tarot cards?

When a tarot card appears upright, it expresses its core meaning directly. Reversed cards (appearing upside-down) often indicate blocked energy, internalized aspects, or the shadow side of the card's meaning. Some readers don't use reversals, while others find them essential for nuanced readings.

How many cards are in a tarot deck?

A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards representing major life themes and spiritual lessons, and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) representing everyday experiences and challenges.

What do the four tarot suits represent?

Wands represent fire energy, creativity, and action. Cups represent water energy, emotions, and relationships. Swords represent air energy, thoughts, and communication. Pentacles represent earth energy, material matters, and physical experiences.

Can tarot cards predict the future?

Tarot cards don't predict a fixed future but reveal current energies, patterns, and potential outcomes based on your present path. They serve as a tool for self-reflection and guidance, helping you make more informed decisions about your life direction.

What does The Devil mean in a tarot reading?

The Devil represents bondage, addiction, sexuality. When upright, it signifies The Devil represents bondage, addiction, materialism, negative patterns, and the shadow self that needs integration.... When reversed, it may indicate Reversed indicates release from bondage, breaking free from limiting beliefs, or detachment from mat...

Is The Devil a positive or negative card?

The Devil is a Major Arcana card carrying significant meaning. Like all tarot cards, it contains both light and shadow aspects. Its meaning depends on the question asked, surrounding cards, and whether it appears upright or reversed.

What should I do when The Devil appears in my reading?

Recognize what chains you. Freedom comes from acknowledging and integrating your shadow.