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In a tarot reading, the Devil card often evokes fear and negative connotations, but it also holds significant symbolism and meaning. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of the Devil tarot card and its interpretation.
The Devil tarot card represents our dark side, our shadow self, and our primal desires. It is a symbol of the power of addiction, materialism, and temptation. The card urges us to examine our inner demons, our unhealthy attachments, and our self-destructive tendencies.

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The Devil card typically depicts a horned devil figure, often portrayed as a combination of human and animal parts, standing on a pedestal. In most decks, there are two figures chained to the pedestal, representing the chains of materialism and addiction.
Meaning of the Devil Upright
When The Devil appears in an upright position in a tarot reading, it often signifies a warning to the querent. It suggests that they may be caught in a cycle of addiction, materialism, or other destructive behaviors. The card is a reminder to examine their beliefs and habits and to identify any areas of their life that are out of balance.
Additional applications of The Devil upright include the following:
- The Devil in an upright position may also indicate a lack of self-control or a feeling of being trapped in a situation.
- The card advises the querent to be mindful of their actions, choices, and motivations.
- On a positive note, The Devil tarot card in an upright position can represent liberation from unhealthy attachments and beliefs.
- It encourages the querent to confront their shadow self and to embrace their primal desires in a healthy and constructive way.
Meaning of the Devil Reversed
When The Devil appears in a reversed position in a tarot reading, it suggests that the querent is breaking free from the chains of addiction, materialism, or other negative patterns. The card signifies a release from self-destructive behaviors and a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment.
Here are a few additional explanations for The Devil reversed:
- The Devil in a reversed position may also indicate a willingness to confront one’s fears and to embrace change.
- The card advises the querent to let go of limiting beliefs and to trust their inner wisdom.
- On the negative side, The Devil tarot card in a reversed position can represent a lack of self-awareness or a tendency to blame others for one’s problems.
- It may also suggest a need to break free from toxic relationships or situations.
Meaning of the Devil Tarot Card for Love and Relationship
When the Devil tarot card appears in a love or relationship reading, it suggests that the querent may be trapped in a cycle of negative patterns or unhealthy attachments. Let us see more interpretations on the same.
- The Devil card advises the querent to examine their beliefs and motivations and to identify any areas of their relationship that are out of balance.
- The Devil in a love or relationship reading may also indicate a lack of trust or a feeling of being controlled or manipulated by one’s partner.
- The card advises the querent to set boundaries and to communicate their needs clearly.
- On a positive note, The Devil tarot card in a love or relationship reading can represent a deep connection and intense passion between partners.
- It encourages the querent to embrace their primal desires and to explore their sexuality in a healthy and respectful way.
Meaning of the Devil Tarot Card for Professional and Financial Matters
In a professional and financial reading, The Devil tarot card suggests that the querent may be caught in a cycle of unhealthy attachment to material possessions or money. Let us examine them in greater detail.
- The Devil tarot card warns that their actions may be driven by greed, fear, or insecurity, which may lead to bad decisions and negative consequences.
- The Devil in a professional and financial reading also indicates that the querent may be working in a toxic environment or under a boss or colleague who manipulates or controls them.
- The card advises the querent to examine their beliefs and motivations and to identify any areas of their work or finances that are out of balance.
- On a positive note, The Devil tarot card in a professional and financial reading can represent a chance to break free from the chains of materialism and addiction.
- It encourages the querent to focus on their values, passion, and purpose and to find a balance between their financial goals and their inner fulfillment.
Meaning of the Devil Tarot Card for Career
In a career reading, The Devil tarot card suggests that the querent may be stuck in a job or career that they don’t like or that doesn’t align with their values or passions. Let us take a closer look at it.
- The card advises the querent to examine their beliefs and motivations and to identify any areas of their career that are out of balance.
- The card advises the querent to set boundaries and to communicate their needs clearly.
- On a positive note, The Devil tarot card in a career reading can represent a chance to break free from limiting beliefs or negative patterns that hold the querent back from achieving their full potential.
- It encourages the querent to embrace their inner power and to pursue a career that aligns with their true purpose and passion.
Meaning of the Devil Tarot Card for Health
In a health reading, The Devil tarot card suggests that the querent may be struggling with addiction or other self-destructive behaviors that affect their physical or mental health. Let us explore.
- The Devil card advises the querent to examine their beliefs and motivations and to identify any areas of their life that are out of balance.
- The Devil in a health reading also indicates that the querent may be neglecting their physical or mental health due to their attachment to material possessions, work, or other external factors.
- The card advises the querent to prioritize their well-being and to seek help if needed.
- On a positive note, The Devil tarot card in a health reading can represent a chance to break free from unhealthy patterns and to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
- It encourages the querent to take care of themselves and to find a balance between their physical, mental, and emotional needs.
The Devil Tarot Card Combinations
Let us explore the Devil tarot card combinations and what they can reveal about different aspects of life.
The Devil and The Fool
When The Devil and The Fool appear together in a spread, it suggests that the querent may be trapped in a situation that they don’t fully understand or that they’re being influenced by someone or something that they’re unaware of. The combination urges the querent to be cautious and to examine their beliefs and motivations before taking any action.
The Devil and The Magician
The Devil and The Magician together indicate that the querent has the potential to manifest their desires and achieve their goals, but they may be held back by their attachment to material possessions or unhealthy habits. The combination encourages the querent to tap into their inner power and to find a balance between their ambition and their inner fulfillment.
The Devil and The High Priestess
When The Devil and The High Priestess appear together, it suggests that the querent may be struggling to connect with their intuition or higher self due to external distractions or negative influences. The combination encourages the querent to trust their inner voice and to look beyond materialism or superficial appearances.
The Devil and The Emperor
The Devil and The Emperor together suggest that the querent may be struggling with authority or control issues. The combination advises the querent to examine their beliefs and motivations and to find a balance between their personal power and their respect for authority.
The Devil and The Hierophant
When The Devil and The Hierophant appear together, it suggests that the querent may be struggling with conflicting beliefs or values that are causing inner turmoil. The combination encourages the querent to find a way to reconcile their spiritual or moral beliefs with their materialistic desires.
The Devil and The Lovers
The Devil and The Lovers together suggest that the querent may be facing a difficult choice between materialistic or physical desires and spiritual or emotional needs. The combination urges the querent to find a way to balance their inner fulfillment with their external goals.
The Devil and The Chariot
When The Devil and The Chariot appear together, it suggests that the querent may be facing challenges or obstacles that require them to tap into their inner strength and determination. The combination advises the querent to stay focused on their goals and to overcome any negative influences that may hold them back.
The Devil and The Tower
The Devil and The Tower together suggest that the querent may be facing a crisis or upheaval that’s caused by their attachment to material possessions or negative habits. The combination urges the querent to let go of anything that no longer serves them and to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Conclusion
The Devil tarot card is a powerful symbol of our primal desires, addiction, and materialism. It urges us to examine our inner demons and to confront our shadow self. The card reminds us that we are not perfect and that we must strive to find balance in our lives. Whether appearing in an upright or reversed position, The Devil urges us to examine our inner demons and to find balance and harmony in our lives.