The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
This card's theme is the Devil, with the main character being the Devil himself. What is the specific image and name associated with this deeply rooted term? In the West, the image of the Devil seems quite fixed, with a name, a history, and an origin, rather than being just a general term. There has been a certain tradition over time, and the depiction of this card is most valued for its adherence to tradition, as if changing the image of the Devil would be a noteworthy record. Thus, when it comes to the Devil, there is a particular emphasis on his identity and image.
The focus of the Devil card is the Devil, so let's first explore his appearance and identity. The Devil's appearance: The traditional Western image of the Devil has several characteristics: he has two horns, which are derived from the image of the horned god. Additionally, there are some unusual features - the main body is naked and covered with animal hair, with a pair of bat-like wings, and hands and feet depicted as the greedy and cruel talons of an eagle. In the mid-eighteenth century, the Devil in Tarot cards was portrayed in this manner, presenting the bestial nature of a beast.
Actually, the goat-headed appearance of the Western Devil originally came from important Egyptian gods, such as the main god Amun and the creator god Khnum, both of whom had the form of a goat-headed human. Due to becoming the religion opposed by Christianity, these gods of fertility from various places were all belittled. These gods, along with other horned gods from various regions, retained their faith and formed what is known as 'paganism', and these types of gods were collectively referred to as 'horned gods'. For Christianity, which is considered the 'orthodox' religion, these pagans are considered to be witchcraft and magic, and the horned god actually conflicts with their religious practices. Thus, the horned god was regarded as equivalent to the 'Devil', and the goat horns later became a symbol of the Devil.
'Pan', the god of the forest, is also a god with a goat-like appearance in Greek mythology. Pan is a creature with a head and body almost entirely in the form of a goat, with only the upper body and arms resembling a human, and is also one of the original images of the horned god. However, the overall image of the Devil is a blend of many other images. The one that is most similar to the Devil's appearance should be the Satyr. He is a 'forest god' in Greek mythology, also with a half-goat and half-human shape, with a human upper body and goat's hind legs, including genitals, tail, and animal hair on the legs and hooves. Satyr is a follower of Dionysus, the god of wine, and is also associated with drama and art. Of course, his most famous characteristic is his strong sexual desire.
From the image of the Devil, the goat head is a fixed and natural product, mostly a variation of the horned god, and the wings may have been added later to indicate a confrontation with God and angels. The reproductive power and celebration of life of the horned god are also the most contradictory to the belief in Jehovah that opposes materiality and advocates for a spiritual heaven.
So, is the Devil depicted in this card the famous 'Satan'? The Devil is, of course, the chief of devils, and the title of the chief of devils is Satan. Ancient nouns with similar pronunciations have been discussed, such as the 'storm god' Seth from Egyptian mythology, the Roman god of agriculture Saturn (corresponding to Cronus in Greek mythology), and the 'forest god' Satyr. Most of these names have the meaning of being opposed to the current orthodox god, and thus they were also used by Jehovah/Christianity as the title of the Devil. This name has already appeared in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Devil as Satan is not a self-proclaimed title, and it may also be a general term, in any case, it is a synonym for the Devil. There are also many devils, each with their own named titles.
Therefore, 'Satan' can be considered a 'title', and it is not limited to one person. Some 'great demons' are also named Satan, and Beelzebub is also a devil's name that has appeared in the Bible. As for the famous 'Lucifer' or 'Lucifuge', the original meaning is the morning star (which is Venus), and it is said to be the seraphim in heaven, with power, ability, and glory only second to God. The story of him becoming a fallen angel and then ruling hell as the demon king is very famous. The origins of many other names come from literary works or various writings that name the devil characters. Names we often hear, such as 'Mephisto' / 'Mephistopheles', come from 'Faust'. The 19th-century French occultist Eliphas Levi, who painted a devil image called 'The Baphomet of Mendes', made this devil's name Baphomet very famous. In fact, these names and titles each have their complex and different origins.
Levi's painting transformed the image of the Devil into one with high magical power and cultivation, with the same goat-like head, a pair of goat horns, and a chin like a goat's beard. What is different is that there is a torch between the two horns, the genitals are symbolized by a double snake staff, the lower body is covered with clothes and seems to be in a sitting position, looking like some kind of mysterious ritual. Later Tarot cards' depictions of the Devil were mostly modified according to the prototype drawn by Levi. The Waite Devil card also made changes based on this image, still using the goat head to symbolize lust, and the lower body is in the form of a beast with long hair.
The Devil usually has a pair of wings on his back, and the Waite card's Devil is no exception. This pair of wings is in the shape of a bat, showing a gray and dull color, and in the West, bat-like wings are used to represent falling into darkness. The body does not necessarily have to be painted in this image, any species as long as it has this kind of wings represents something related to the Devil. The lower body of this Devil is covered with long hair, representing the intensity of desire and the primal nature of a beast.
The Devil extends his right hand, and the palm lines on the hand are clearly visible. The two lines that intersect horizontally and vertically represent the meaning of misfortune and evil thoughts. The style of the fingers is a special gesture, indicating the doctrine of the Devil. This gesture is also very close to the gesture of the Pope, but what he shows is disaster and temptation, not blessings and guidance.
Between the two horns on his head, there is the symbol of an inverted pentagram, which is the symbol of the Devil. The original meaning of the pentagram is the balanced development of various elements, with the spiritual aspect growing accordingly. However, the inverted pentagram connects to things underground, with the tip of the shape drilling downwards, representing the meaning of falling, due to excessive materialization and falling into darkness, which is a downward energy. This card can thus connect the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, symbolizing the fifth element Major Arcana leading the four elements Minor Arcana with the pentagram. Another meaning of the number five is connected with the card number 15, which is the meaning of the inverted pentagram or a mysterious manipulator outside the pentagram.
Most devils also have their followers, usually two 'small demons' in front of the Devil. Since Papus, the imps have been changed to naked humans, one man and one woman entangled with each other. The Waite Devil card has inherited this, and in front of the Devil, there is a very obvious pair of men and women in the picture. We can easily think of the couple in the Lovers card, but their identity here is equivalent to 'small demons', so they also have tails, but no wings. This couple may be Adam and Eve, and their faces seem almost identical to them. And the overall shape of the two is closer to the aforementioned Satyr.
The Devil squats, his claws tightly gripping a long black cubic stone, which is the altar of the Devil. In front of the cubic stone is a large metal ring, and the ring is linked by two iron chains to two vassal slaves. These two chains are respectively placed around the necks of the man and the woman.
Because the man and the woman have already fallen, they have also grown horns on their heads and have sprouted evil tails, and they have already become the form of small demons. The tails of both men and women are raised upwards. The end of the woman's tail has the flame of the fruit of wisdom (like grapes), and the end of the man's tail also has the fruit of the tree of life, clearly showing the stage of falling after being tempted to eat the forbidden fruit. The Devil holds a torch in his left hand, which is the fire of desire. The torch droops down, and this fire almost touches the man's tail, causing him to burn and catch fire, and the fruit of the tail has formed into flames.
In the territory of this Devil, the expressions of the man and the woman are different from the man and the woman in the paradise under the jurisdiction of the angel, and the focus of their eyes is different from that in the 'Lovers' card. Here, the man looks at the lower body of the woman, and the woman looks blankly into the distance. Like the position in the Lovers card, the woman is on the left of the picture and the man is on the right. They are now controlled by the Devil, and they may have become the captives of the Devil because of their fall. This couple is united by the Devil as a witness, indicating that they are united because of desire. The love between the two is now controlled by the Devil, and the love is dark from now on.
The overall background presents a dark tone, and there is a feeling of the fire of desire. From the overall picture, vitality and vitality are still vigorous, and even the passion is even more intense. It's just that the spirit tends to the dark side, the energy focuses on a narrow place, or performs dramas that the world does not recognize.
The Horned Goat
The central figure resembles the mythical Baphomet or the Horned Goat, representing the darker forces of nature, primal instincts, and our base desires. This image is a reminder of humanity’s vulnerable nature to materialism, temptation, and bondage to one’s own vices.
The Inverted Pentagram
On the forehead of the Devil is an inverted pentagram, which traditionally symbolizes the descent into matter, or the material world taking precedence over the spirit. It can represent a distortion of values and an imbalance between the material and spiritual realms.
The Torch
The torch that the Devil holds burns downwards, emphasizing the descent of wisdom and enlightenment in the material realm. It suggests the misuse of power and knowledge for lower desires.
The Chains
The chained man and woman are symbolic of the chains that bind individuals through ignorance, materialism, and addiction. The fact that the chains are loose implies that the bondage is self-imposed and can be removed with self-awareness.
The Wings
The bat-like wings of the Devil symbolize the descent into the lower realms or the shadow side of our nature. They hint at the hidden aspects of our psyche, which we might be unaware of or choose to ignore.
The Raised Hand
The raised right hand of the Devil, in a gesture similar to that seen in The Magician card, implies that he has power and dominion in his realm. But unlike the Magician, whose power is derived from higher spiritual sources, the Devil’s power is based on materialism and lower desires.
Keywords
Temptation, Bondage, Materialism, Obsession, Ignorance
General Overview
The Devil card in the tarot is often met with trepidation, but it is important to note that its energy is neutral, serving as a mirror to our deeper desires and fears. Symbolizing the chains that bind us, it reflects the earthly ties or self-imposed limitations that prevent spiritual growth. Whether it’s an addiction, an unhealthy relationship, or a material obsession, the Devil highlights the areas of our lives where we feel entrapped.
This card does not necessarily indicate external forces at play but often speaks to our inner demons—the unaddressed fears, desires, or obsessions that control our actions. By confronting these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of what holds us back and can work towards liberation.
Within this card also lies a lesson on human nature’s duality. While it reminds us of our base instincts and tendencies towards excess, it also prompts the question of balance: How can we manage our desires in a way that serves our higher self?
Character
Personality of the Individual
The individual has a rather intense personality, often making mistakes due to impulsiveness. When encountering unfavorable situations, they may exhibit violent tendencies and are willing to resort to any means to achieve their goals.
Work Philosophy
Desires success at work and is willing to employ unethical methods. They are adept at setting others up or using them for their own benefit, with a mindset that if they can't have something, no one else should either.
Emotional Outlook
Lacks trust in relationships, often viewing them as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Even within a romantic relationship, they struggle to feel love but cannot be without it.
Financial Perspective
Places great importance on money and is willing to sacrifice other things for it. They work hard to save but fail to allocate their funds appropriately.
How to Deal with the Individual
It's best to keep a respectful distance from such a person. Offending them could lead to severe consequences. Being too close to them might result in being used or betrayed.
Representative Figures
Violent criminals, arsonists, practitioners of dark arts, drug dealers, and selfish individuals.
Work
Work Situation
The current work situation is severely disrupted, with most circumstances beyond your control. It's impossible to prevent such issues in advance, and it might even cost you your job.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
Even if the situation cannot be resolved, never resort to improper methods. While it may seem beneficial in the short term, it can lead to serious side effects.
Workplace Relationships
Everyone in this workplace is engaged in scheming and cannot be trusted, even when working together. Be cautious to avoid being set up and don't expect to make good friends.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Dealing with a selfish and terrifying boss, the best you can do is to meet their demands within the bounds of legality. If possible, it's better to escape their control.
Job Prospects
The future of this job is bleak with no promising developments. It's advisable to leave this place as soon as possible and not to harbor any illusions about it.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
Currently, you are in a low point of your career fortune. Any job you find will just be an escape from one hell to another. If possible, take a break instead of seeking employment.
Love
Love Situation
The relationship between the two has reached a dead end. Continuing is pointless and might only cause further harm to both parties. It's better to part ways sooner rather than later.
Possibility of New Romance
There is no possibility of a new romance at the moment. Even if someone expresses interest in you, they are likely to have ulterior motives. Avoid inviting trouble at this time.
View on This Relationship
This relationship brings more pain than joy. There might be a desire to control the partner, but it feels unsatisfactory, sometimes leading to anger.
Sexual Attraction
Sexual attraction is all that remains in this relationship, serving as an outlet for desires and emotions. However, it no longer brings warmth to the relationship.
How to Resolve Arguments
The issue is no longer something that can be resolved by the two of you. Forcing communication at this point will only lead to more intense arguments. It's best not to meet to avoid violent incidents.
Possibility of a Breakup
Essentially, the two of you have already separated. Discussing it or not is just a formality. Find a good time to talk about it; it needs to be addressed.
Possibility of Reconciliation
There is no chance of reconciliation in this relationship. Wanting to be with this person again would only bring more suffering. Leaving them quickly will help you see the truth.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Your interpersonal relationships are not good. Others are unwilling to associate with you. If you don't change your temper and the habit of blaming others, this situation will continue.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
This misunderstanding arises from both parties' insistence on their own views. Even if you apologize proactively, it may not be accepted, and it could last for a long time.
Family
Family Situation
There might be domestic violence or significant threats. Family members cannot trust each other and might be avoiding the issue.
Relationship with Elders
In the eyes of elders, you are a disobedient child. You also dislike the way elders manage you, leading to frequent conflicts and poor relationships.
Relationship with Peers
Among peers, everyone is calculating each other. There is little emotional connection beyond the exchange of interests, and self-interest always comes first in matters.
Relationship with Juniors
You often want to use juniors to do things for you or as a tool to satisfy your desires and vanity. They also feel that they are always being controlled by you.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your current learning situation is not good, mainly because you want to take shortcuts and be lazy, while also wanting to perform well in all aspects, which is impossible.
Learning Methods
You must take things step by step, solving one problem at a time. Don't be too greedy. Perhaps after a while, your studies will gradually get back on track.
Relationship with Teachers
Facing a fierce and unreasonable teacher, it's hard to break free from their control. You can only focus on doing your tasks well and not worry too much about the rest.
Relationship with Classmates
Your relationship with classmates is not very good, partly because of your temperament, which makes you seem unapproachable. They won't help you with your studies either.
Finance
Financial Situation
The current situation appears fine on the surface, but it hides many problems that cannot be solved in the short term. Handle it with great care.
Investment Situation
If your current investments are profitable, it's best to convert them all into cash quickly, as this is only a fleeting success on the surface. Do not invest new funds.
Purchasing Strategy
At this time, pay attention to the integrity of the other party. Do not be deceived by sweet talk. If you accidentally buy counterfeit or stolen goods, it will bring more problems.
Keywords
Release, Liberation, Breaking Chains, Overcoming Temptation, Personal Growth
General Overview
When The Devil card appears reversed, it signifies a breaking free from bonds and limitations that once held you captive. This position indicates a period of enlightenment where one recognizes the chains, be they physical, emotional, or mental, and actively seeks liberation. The reversed Devil heralds the shedding of old patterns, behaviors, or relationships that have been limiting or toxic.
This card suggests a triumph over internal demons, be it temptations, addictions, or negative thought patterns. There’s a newfound clarity, allowing one to discern what’s truly valuable in life. This is a time of personal growth, empowerment, and the reclaiming of one’s autonomy.
The journey towards liberation is seldom straightforward. This card also serves as a reminder that true freedom comes from continuous self-awareness, effort, and vigilance. Overcoming past bindings is a commendable first step, but one must remain cautious of falling into new traps or old patterns.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A person with a weak will, easily tempted by others, events, or things to change their ideas, and may even become obsessed with alcohol, sex, or drugs.
Work Philosophy
Prioritizes personal interests over everything else, willing to compromise reputation for money or promotion, likely to form cliques, and sometimes unwilling to take responsibility for decisions made.
Emotional Outlook
Easily attracted by appearance or the other person's wealth, but not genuinely fond of them, may be unfaithful if a wealthier partner comes along.
Financial Perspective
Values material enjoyment more than money itself, willing to spend a lot on luxury brands, and may even engage in illegal activities for profit.
How to Deal with the Individual
Such individuals are easily tempted by benefits and are likely to betray others for their own interests, so it's best not to trust them too much and always be prepared.
Representative Figures
Superstitious people, clients of prostitutes, sex workers, addicts, gamblers, gangsters.
Work
Work Situation
You are blinded by greed, neglecting proper means and ethical boundaries, which may bring short-term benefits but long-term harm.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
You must resist improper temptations to avoid closing off your options, and follow proper procedures to ensure your safety in critical moments.
Workplace Relationships
Various interest groups are formed at work, with intense factional struggles. Even if you want to remain neutral, you may be drawn into the conflict.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Currently completely controlled by this boss, since it's impossible to break free, you should obediently follow orders and avoid having different opinions.
Job Prospects
This job is all show with no substance. No matter how glamorous it appears, it won't have any good prospects; it's best to leave this place as soon as possible.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
Never take a job out of desperation for money. If there are no good opportunities, wait patiently and be careful not to fall for job scams.
Love
Love Situation
There are too many complicated emotional entanglements between the two, with experiences of deception and intense arguments. Perhaps they are together for benefits rather than love.
Possibility of New Romance
There will be temptations in love, but not from someone who will genuinely love you. They may want to use or control you, so be cautious.
View on This Relationship
This relationship brings a lot of constraints and limits, causing you to lose yourself for the other person. Wanting to escape but unable to let go makes it a painful relationship.
Sexual Attraction
There is a strong sexual attraction in this relationship, which is the main reason the two are still together. However, this attraction feels more like a shackle.
How to Resolve Arguments
Neither can see the truth, so talking is futile. Return to the origin of your love and reconsider what your relationship truly is.
Possibility of a Breakup
Breaking up now won't be immediate. It might be best to cool off for a while and wait for emotions to subside before discussing it.
Possibility of Reconciliation
If the two only want to control each other without sincerity, even if they get back together, they won't be happy. Seeing the true nature of your relationship will stop you from wanting to reconcile every day.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You often want to control others, but the more you do so, the more they will avoid you. Try to be more open-minded and interact freely for lasting friendships.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Sometimes misunderstandings are caused by third parties. If you can find this key third party, you may be able to solve this long-standing issue.
Family
Family Situation
Family members are unhappy over money, even leading to serious disputes. If the focus remains on benefits, family bonds cannot be maintained.
Relationship with Elders
Elders want to control you, but you always want to break free from their control. Focusing only on the conflict will lead to a deadlock in the relationship.
Relationship with Peers
Basically, peers have some interest-based connections, but they also want to control each other. When there is a conflict of interest, they can easily turn against each other.
Relationship with Juniors
You often want to meet the various needs of juniors, but they seem to always push their luck, leaving you exhausted and spending a lot of time and money.
Academics
Academic Situation
You are distracted by things outside of studying, not putting enough effort into your studies. You should focus on your studies and not think about play or romance every day.
Learning Methods
Many things cannot be forced. If you encounter an unsolvable problem, put it aside first and do what you can. After completing that, come back to solve it.
Relationship with Teachers
Don't have excessive expectations for this teacher. If you don't perform well, you will be punished. Never try to test the limits of a teacher's patience.
Relationship with Classmates
Many friends who only lead you to play will negatively affect your grades. You should distance yourself from them to avoid being dragged down by their influence.
Finance
Financial Situation
The current situation is facing a significant crisis. One mistake could leave you with nothing. Remember to use proper means to thoroughly solve your problems.
Investment Situation
You have been deceived by attractive rhetoric and fallen into an investment trap. The sooner you get out, the less your losses. If it's too late, you may lose everything.
Purchasing Strategy
It's not advisable to make purchases at this time to avoid impulsively buying things you don't need. Also, be mindful of your financial situation to avoid overspending.