Devil Tarot Card Meanings

Major Arcana Tarot

Devil Tarot Card Meanings

Upright Card Meaning

If you feel a shiver down your spine looking at the looming figure of The Devil, you are not alone. This card represents your id, or your shadow self. It can stand for violence, materialism, or sexuality.
None of these things are inherently bad. Sexuality is a natural urge for most humans, and even violence in the service of a righteous cause can sometimes be necessary. However, this card suggests that you are captive to your worst urges. Your obsessions and addictions control you, you are ruled by your desires. A little bit of hedonism and passion is necessary to feel human, but if you do not master your desires you will never achieve true happiness.
Perhaps you are feeling shame because you know that giving into temptation is wrong, but shame is just another link in the chain binding you to The Devil. You must completely break the cycle in order to be free.
The Devil also represents the forces of predestination and restriction. Sometimes, we must simply accept bad situations that we cannot control in order to continue living. However, do you truly have as little control as you think or is there more you could be doing?

Major Arcana Tarot

Devil Tarot Card Meanings

Reversed Card Meaning

The Devil reversed means you are on your way to redemption. Freedom is within reach, as long as you continue to work on controlling the things you can influence and looking at your situation with a clear eye.
Perhaps the appearance of this card in a reading can signify that you are moving away from a person that has been a bad influence on you. The people with the most honeyed words can lead us down the most dangerous roads, and it is wonderful that you have recognized that. Or, you have decided to stop being your own worst enemy and choose better guides than your own worst influences.
If you are going through an especially dark time, you may feel confused that The Devil Reversed means liberation. However, our darkest moments are often the most pivotal ones on our way towards true liberation. Keep going down the path you are on and with perseverance you will find the freedom that you seek. Courage!