The Devil card has evolved from a terrifying warning of hellfire to a sophisticated symbol of materialism and the shadow self. In the earliest tarot decks, the imagery was likely intended to instill fear of the afterlife. The Devil was the enemy of the soul, a literal monster waiting to punish sinners. In the Tarot de Marseille, *Le Diable* appeared as a grotesque hybrid creature—part human, part bat, part beast—often with a face on its stomach (a symbol of being ruled by lower appetites). Two small demons or humans with animal traits were tied to his pedestal, representing humanity enslaved by its passions.
The occult revival transformed the Devil from a Christian bogeyman into a Gnostic symbol. Arthur Edward Waite based his Devil on the famous drawing of *Baphomet* by Éliphas Lévi. The figure has the head of a goat, the wings of a bat, and raises a hand in a mock benediction (or the sign of the Black Magic). An inverted pentagram (spirit dominated by matter) is on his forehead. Crucially, Waite replaced the Marseille imps with the human figures of Adam and Eve from *The Lovers* card, now sporting horns and tails. The chains around their necks are loose enough to be removed. Waite’s message was psychological: the Devil is not an external force, but our own addiction to the material world. We are prisoners only because we refuse to take off the chains.
Crowley’s Thoth Devil is a radical rehabilitation of the archetype. He associated the card with the Hebrew letter *Ayin* (Eye) and the goat-god Pan. For Crowley, the Devil was not evil but represented the raw, creative sexual energy of the universe. He is the 'All-Begetter,' the force that drives life to reproduce and exist. The card depicts a smiling goat (Pan) standing before a phallic tree trunk which penetrates the heavens. Crowley saw this card as the secret of initiation—finding the light hidden in the darkness of the material world. It is the card of 'Divine Madness' and the breaking of taboos.
The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
The Devil represents the darker side of your nature—addiction, attachment, and sexuality. It suggests you are trapped by your own fears or desires.
Core Meanings
Upright
The Devil represents the darker side of your nature—addiction, attachment, and sexuality. It suggests you are trapped by your own fears or desires.
Reversed
Releasing limiting beliefs, exploring dark thoughts, detachment.
Shadow selfAttachmentAddictionRestrictionSexuality
Card Details
Element
Earth
Astrology
Capricorn
Number
15
Yes/No
No
Description
A horned satyr stands on a pedestal. Two humans are chained to it, but the chains are loose—they could leave if they wanted to.
Reading Positions
Past
You were trapped in a toxic situation, addiction, or unhealthy pattern. You gave your power away to fear or desire. This bondage taught you about your shadow side.
Present
You feel trapped, but the chains are loose. You are bound by your own fears, addictions, or limiting beliefs. It is time to face your shadow and reclaim your power. You have a choice.
Future
If you do not change course, you will remain enslaved to this pattern. However, awareness is the key to freedom. You will have the opportunity to break the chains if you are brave.
In Context
Celtic Cross
In "Obstacle," addiction or fear blocks you. In "Self," feeling trapped or obsessed. In "Outcome," continued bondage.
Three Card Spread
Represents the shadow. Past: Freedom. Present: Bondage. Future: Liberation (Tower).
Yes / No
In Yes/No, it is a "No"—you are not free to choose right now.
Love & Relationships
Toxic relationship, lust, obsession, co-dependency.
As Feelings
Not specified
Career & Finance
Feeling trapped in a job, golden handcuffs, unethical deals.
Spiritual & Manifestation
Twin Flame
Not specified
Manifestation
Shadow Work
This is THE shadow work card. What are you addicted to? (Substances, people, drama, negativity). Acknowledge your dark side without judgment. Whatever you suppress controls you.
Meditation
Visualize yourself chained to a stone block. The Devil looms over you. Look closely at the chains around your neck. They are large enough to slip over your head. Reach up and remove them. Walk away. You are free.
Archetypal Journey
The Hero's Path
The hero, now rebuilt, must face the shadow. The Devil represents the lingering attachments, addictions, and illusions of the material world. It is the confrontation with the parts of oneself that are still enslaved to fear, ego, or desire.
Numerology
15 (Fifteen). 1+5=6 (The Lovers). This is the shadow side of choice—bondage instead of union. It represents the entrapment in the material world and the illusion of separation.
Jungian Psychology: The Devil
Archetype
The Shadow
Shadow Aspect
The Devil is the primary card of the Jungian Shadow—the collection of primitive instincts, repressed desires, and 'dark' aspects of the self. The shadow of this card is total identification with these impulses (addiction, obsession, hedonism) or the projection of them onto others (scapegoating). When we deny our own capacity for darkness, we become enslaved by it. The chains in the card are loose, implying that the bondage is voluntary; the shadow keeps us trapped through our own refusal to face the truth. Psychologically, this manifests as patterns of self-sabotage, toxic relationships, and materialism. It is the voice of the ego that insists we are separate, superior, or entirely physical beings. The 'Devil' is not an external evil, but the parts of ourselves we have judged as unlovable and locked in the basement, where they grow feral and controlling.
Integration Advice
Integration of The Devil is the core of Shadow Work. You must recognize that your 'demons' are simply misdirected energy. Lust is the shadow of connection; greed is the shadow of security; anger is the shadow of self-protection. Actionable advice: Name your addiction. It might be a substance, or it might be approval, control, or outrage. Acknowledge it without shame. Ask yourself: 'What is this behavior trying to give me?' (e.g., comfort, safety). Find a healthier way to meet that need. Laugh at your devil; humor dissolves the seriousness of the ego. When you feel judgmental, ask: 'How is this trait also in me?'
Expert Insights & Specific Scenarios
devil tarot card obsession meaning
The Devil is the card of obsession. In love, it points to a connection that is intense, magnetic, but potentially unhealthy. It's the 'I can't quit you' energy. You may feel addicted to the person, bound by sexual chemistry or a trauma bond. It's not love; it's attachment. It suggests you are giving your power away to this person. The chains in the card are loose—you *can* leave, but you are choosing to stay because the obsession feels safer than the freedom of the unknown.
devil as sexual attraction feelings
As feelings, The Devil represents raw, primal lust. This person wants you bad. It's a very physical, earthy desire—they are obsessed with your body and the chemistry between you. It can indicate a relationship based primarily on sex or material enjoyment. While flattering, be careful: The Devil doesn't necessarily promise emotional intimacy or respect. It promises a good time and wild nights, but check if there's any substance beneath the desire before you get chained up.
devil advice for breaking bad habits
The Devil is the mirror of your addictions. His advice is to stop pretending you are helpless. You are not a victim of your habits; you are a volunteer. Identify the 'chains'—is it sugar, scrolling, a toxic ex, laziness? Acknowledge the pleasure you get from the bad habit (The Devil is seductive, after all), and then ask yourself if it's worth your freedom. The advice is to reclaim your power. Slip the loose chain off your neck and walk away. Liberation starts with awareness.
Historical Evolution & Symbolism
Evolution Timeline
- 115th Century (Visconti-Sforza): Likely depicted as a monstrous demon or a hell-mouth devouring souls, though many early cards are lost. It represented the Christian concept of sin and damnation.
- 21650s (Tarot de Marseille): 'Le Diable' is a grotesque chimera with bat wings, horns, and a face on its belly, standing on a pedestal to which two imps are tied, symbolizing animal servitude.
- 31909 (RWS): Waite depicts the Devil as Baphomet (based on Eliphas Levi's drawing), with an inverted pentagram. The chained figures are the lovers from card VI, showing that bondage to matter is a choice (the chains are loose).
- 41944 (Thoth): Crowley depicts the Devil as Pan, the All-Begetter. It is a goat with a third eye, representing creative energy, mirth, and the secret key to initiation (Ayin). No chains, just raw power.
Academic Citations
- Waite, A. E. (1911). *The Pictorial Key to the Tarot*. 'The Devil is... the Dweller on the Threshold... the fatality which is the fruit of unreason.'
- Levi, E. (1855). *Transcendental Magic*. 'The Baphomet of the Templars... the god of the old schools of magic... the pan-hyle.'
Notable Card Combinations
The LoversToxic relationship. Obsession. Lust without love. Karmic bondage.
The TowerBreaking free from addiction. The chains are shattered by force.
Eight of SwordsMental prison + physical prison. Totally stuck and feeling powerless.
The MoonDeception and fear. The dark night of the soul. Getting lost in the illusion.
StrengthTaming the beast within. Overcoming addiction with compassion and inner strength.