attachment, temptation, bondage
The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
What The Devil means upright and reversed, with readings for love, money and career.
The picture and its symbols
The Devil shows a devil perched above two chained figures. It is number 15 of the Major Arcana, the part of the Fool's journey about moving past the old toward a larger completion. Look closely and the chains hang loose around their necks: they could lift them off. This card describes believing you are bound, not being bound.
Upright meaning
attachment, temptation, bondage. You are tied to a desire or a bad habit. Notice what is holding you.
- Love
- There is a strong pull, but it may be obsession or an unhealthy relationship.
- Money
- Beware the lure of gambling-style investments, debt and overspending.
- Career
- Money or conditions are keeping you tied to work you do not want.
- Yes or no
- No
- Advice
- A Major Arcana card points to a larger current that effort alone does not control. Put your energy into aligning with it rather than resisting.
Reversed meaning
release, breaking free, awareness. You are beginning to break free from what bound you.
- Love
- You find the courage to cut off a harmful relationship.
- Money
- You clear debt or break a bad spending habit.
- Career
- A chance comes to leave an oppressive environment.
- Yes or no
- Yes
- Advice
- A reversed Major Arcana card signals that you are pushing against a larger current. Before forcing things, ask what you need to let go of.
Timing
Because this is a Major Arcana card, do not hurry the timing: wait for things to ripen. Readers usually think in terms of a season.
The question this card asks
What do you know is bad for you and still cannot give up?
Draw the cards yourself
For entertainment and self-reflection only. Do not use a reading to make health, legal or financial decisions.