The Devil’s card is one of the major arcana cards and probably one of the most misinterpreted cards in the tarot deck. Symbolized by a demonic figure with a goat’s head which is placed on a pedestal, and two chained and naked people beside it, it stirs up emotions and visions. Nevertheless, the meaning is much deeper as compared to what is visually portrayed by the given text. To understand the meaning of the Devil card, it’s necessary to analyze the symbolism of this card, the meanings of different positions in the reading, and the psychological and spiritual implications of this card.

Beginners friendly online tarot card reading course at International School of Astrology by Acharya Neeru Garg Ma’am is a wonderful course to join.

Meaning of The Devil Card as a Symbol in Tarot Card Reading

Imagery

The Devil card, traditionally the 15th Major Arcana, is rich in symbolic elements:

1. The Devil Figure: This is usually portrayed by a figure like Baphomet or another figure which symbolizes the negative aspects of the human personality including the vices of addiction, materialism, and slavery. The goat headed person represents the primal and the sinful aspect of man.
2. The Chains: The chains that are present with the human figures are not very tight and that depicts that it is a chosen bondage. This suggest that there is the ability in people to emancipate themselves from their constraints and restraints.
3. The Inverted Pentagram: Located on the Devil’s forehead, it is closely related to evil and turning everything around in the spiritual sense.
4. The Human Figures: They are naked which means that they are defenceless and open to the Devil’s temptation. However, they don’t look like they are trying to escape or fight for change, which contributes to the motifs of docility and not wanting to change the current state of affairs.

Color

The Devil card is again rather dark and subdued which is quite appropriate for the topic of ignorance and the unconscious. The blackness of the surrounding environment symbolizes the unknown and the aspects of one’s character one would like to conceal.

Interpretations in Readings

When the Devil card appears in a reading, it often points to issues of:

1. Addiction and Bondage: It can suggest that the querent is in a position that they do not want to be in, whether it be in a relationship or a job that they do not like. This could be substance abuse, unhealthy relationships or destructive behaviors among others.
2. Materialism and Excess: The card can be attributed to an over concentration on the physical desires of life such as money, food, or shallow things. It is a message of how these things are not important when it comes to the spiritual development of a person’s character.
3. Illusions and Deception: In appearance the Devil can indicate that the querent is possibly fooling himself/herself or being fooled by somebody else. It promotes the process of looking inward to reveal the truths that could be bitter yet important for change.
4. Fear and Insecurity: It suggests the doubts and phobias that are preventing the querent from moving forward. These may be illogical or founded on prior events, but the recognition of these is the first step to overcoming them.

Psychological and Spiritual Perspectives

Temptation and Choice

The Devil also has a meaning of temptation and the decisions we make in our life. It also acts as a message that despite the fact that there may be external vices and challenges, one is capable of making the right decision. The chains on the card are rather blurry, which means that it is possible to free oneself from constraints which one has set up himself or herself.

Spiritual Awakening

On the spiritual level the Devil card may indicate some spiritual crisis or a time of spiritual purification, ‘the dark night of the soul’. This is a stage that one has to face the evil and come out a better person. It is a challenge to step into the most hidden parts of the self, to discover the unpleasant aspects of one’s personality and, finally, gain freedom and spiritual development.

Common Misconceptions

1. Evil and Malice: It is believed that the Devil card means evil or wickedness in some readings. Actually, it is much closer to the depiction of people’s fears and desires, their vices and failures that are so relevant to everyone.
2. Negative Outcome: One of the misconceptions is that the card will always give a wrong decision. Although it underlines the problems, it also shows the opportunities for development and freedom that the problems mentioned can bring when solved.
3. Literal Interpretation: Some people can interpret the Devil card literally to mean that it is about real life devils or evil spirits. However, the card is mainly esoteric and its themes are more related to the psychological and spiritual planes.

Practical Advice

Self-Reflection

This card is quite provocative and during a reading it is a clear call to introspect. Think of facets of your life that you may think are being constrained by circumstances out of your control. Think of aspects of your life such as behaviors, people or attitudes that may be limiting your productivity.

Seeking Help

If the card shows a situation related to addiction or self-destructing behavior, it is a message that one should get professional help. This could entail discussing with a friend, a councillor or even join a support group. This is vital because it is the first step of identifying that one needs help to overcome such issues.

Setting Boundaries

The concept of the Devil card is that one has to set proper boundaries, which is essential when exposed to the influences in question. In any aspect of life ranging from interpersonal relations to job or even day to day activities one needs to draw a line that will ensure that one’s wellbeing is not compromised.

Embracing Change

The Devil card is about change and liberation from the restraints that one has put themselves under. This could mean making a drastic decision that will affect your situation-like a decision to quit a relationship, a job or change ones lifestyle. It is always a challenge to undergo change but it results in the positive transformation and emancipation of an individual.

Conclusion

The Devil card in tarot also has a very sinister look but that is because it holds a lot of wisdom about the world and people. It invites the audience to face one’s imperfect and uglier side, one’s own cage, and to fight for freedom and self-improvement. Thus, the Devil card can be seen as a way to gain insight into one’s personality, and to subdue what may at first seem like negative aspects of one’s character.

Beginners friendly online numerology course and tarot course at International School of Astrology by Acharya Neeru Garg Ma’am are wonderful courses to join.