Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

The Devil Tarot Card Takes Us On A Journey Through Our Shadow Side

The Devil tarot card is like a dark knight, leading us to confront our deepest fears and desires. It's not the most comfortable journey, but it's one that paves the way for growth, transformation, and self-acceptance.

There's no denying that the Devil tarot card can stir up quite a storm of anxiety. Its ominous name and somber image may seem daunting at first glance. But this card offers a transformative lens for examining personal shadows and offers a stepping stone towards liberation. It is the proverbial thorn in the side that pushes us to rise above our self-imposed limitations.

In the tarot's sacred art, lies a card that plays its part,
"The Devil Tarot Card," they say, "A symbol dark to light the way."

Fear not the horns or chains you see, they are but mirrors of the "me,"
A shadow side that seeks the light, to turn our wrongs into the right.

The Devil, no, he's not to blame, just a guide in life's strange game,
A wake-up call, a stark invite, to face our fears and take flight.

For in the heart's courageous leap, are secrets we're destined to keep,
Lessons learned and love reclaimed, the Devil card is not so famed.

It teaches us to break the ties, to rise, to fall, to harmonize,
So take a breath and look inside, with the Devil tarot as your guide.

In every dark, a light awaits, in every love, a fear abates,
The Devil card, misunderstood, is but a journey to the good.

Key Aspects About The Devil Tarot Card.

Symbolism: The Devil tarot card usually features the Devil himself, often depicted as a satyr-like creature that's half human, half animal. The card traditionally shows the Devil holding a torch while two chained figures, often a man and a woman, are trapped below him. This image represents themes of bondage, addiction, materialism, negativity, and being trapped.

Main Themes: The Devil card's main themes include enslavement to physical or material desires, ignorance, hopelessness, restriction, and self-destructive behavior. It symbolizes a situation where you feel trapped or bound, often because of your own negative habits or attachments.

Meaning in Readings: In a reading, if the Devil card appears, it is often a sign to take a hard look at your life and identify anything that you have become too attached to. It could be a destructive habit, an obsession, or a toxic relationship. It suggests you may be giving up your personal power to these substances, people, or situations. It is a call for self-examination and the release of negative energy. However, it's important to note that The Devil card isn't always a negative card. It can also symbolize our primal instincts and the raw, natural desires that drive us. It could encourage you to take a walk on the wild side, explore your desires and break free from social norms and expectations.

Numerology: The Devil is the 15th card of the Tarot, and the number 15 can be reduced to the number 6 (1+5) in numerology, which symbolizes balance, harmony, and cooperation. However, in the case of the Devil card, it suggests an imbalance or excessive focus on material or sensual pleasures, which can lead to a lack of harmony and cooperation.

Astrology: In astrology, the Devil card is associated with the sign Capricorn. Capricorn, an Earth sign, is practical, disciplined, and ambitious, but it can also be pessimistic and holding back due to its focus on structure and tradition. This connection suggests the struggle to break free from societal or self-imposed constraints and to follow one's own path.

Archetype: The Devil card represents the archetype of the Shadow Self, the part of ourselves that we deny or ignore because it does not align with our idealized self-image. It often reflects our base desires and drives that are viewed as socially inappropriate or unacceptable, but it can also be a powerful source of transformative energy if we confront and integrate these aspects of our personality.

Finding More Meaning In The Devil Tarot Card

Symbolic Meanings

When we think about the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith depiction of the Devil tarot card, images of a horned beast, shackled figures, and an ominous backdrop often spring to mind. The card's rather eerie aesthetic does more than just keep you on your toes – it offers rich symbolism that dives deep into the human psyche. The chains signify the self-imposed bindings and habits that often restrict us, while the Devil is the embodiment of our suppressed desires and fears.

However, don't take my word as gospel. The tarot is like a chameleon, changing colors across different traditions. In the Thoth Tarot, the Devil takes the form of Pan, the Greek god of nature, spontaneity, and primal desire, reinforcing the theme of unchecked impulses and instincts. On the other hand, in the Tarot Of Marseille, the Devil is a more cartoonish figure, inviting the notion of misguided actions and life's ironies.

The Devil's Numerology in the Tarot

Let's not overlook the Devil's number – 15. In numerology, 15 boils down to 6 (1+5), a number resonating with harmony, love, and the balance of opposites. Seems a bit wonky, right? A love-dovey number for a card that's a bit on the sinister side? But that's the thing about the Devil card – it's about finding balance amid temptation, achieving harmony by recognizing and addressing our shadows.

Upright and Reversed Meanings

In its upright position, the Devil tarot card serves as a wake-up call. It's like a chill running down your spine, forcing you to address your shadow side, addiction, and unhealthy attachments. It's the catalyst that incites you to break free from your self-imposed chains.

But when the Devil rears its head in a reversed position, it's a sign of liberation, a proverbial pat on the back for breaking free from your shackles and embracing personal transformation. It's the dawn after the dark night of the soul, a symbol of self-awareness and rebirth.

The Devil Tarot Card in Real Life

Applying the Devil tarot card to real-life scenarios can be a bit of a rollercoaster. In terms of career, the Devil can represent feeling chained to a job or struggling with workaholic tendencies. Love-wise, it might denote an obsessive relationship, or a situation where passion overrules reason. In the realm of personal development, it often symbolizes a necessary confrontation with your shadow self to achieve growth.

Tracing the Devil’s Footsteps: The Historical Context

The origins of the Devil tarot card can be traced back to the 15th century, where it often signified mischief and misfortune. However, as the tarot has evolved, so too has the Devil's symbolism. Rather than being a harbinger of doom, the Devil tarot card has come to represent the shadows within us that need acknowledgement and integration for personal growth and self-discovery.

FAQs about the Tarot's Devil Card

Meanings For Each Element Of The Devil Tarot Card