In this post we will take a look at the 15th card in the tarot deck, the Devil, and what it means when you draw it. oh, and by the way, the astrological sign for this card is Capricorn.
The Devil in the Rider-Waite- Smith Tarot deck (which is what this is), reveals the chains that bind-but only if you believe them to be unbreakable.
A horned figure looms over a man and woman, both collared yet strangely unresisting, their chains loose enough to slip free. The Demon’s stare is hypnotic, his torch casting an eerie glow.
The message? Illusions of control, addiction, or fear may be holding you back, but the power to break free is already in your hands.
What are you truly bound by, and is it real…or just a trick of the mind?
Upright-
When The Devil appears upright in your reading it’s like the universe holding up a mirror and saying, “See this? This is what’s got you trapped.” Whether it’s a toxic habit, a draining relationship, or your own self-doubt wearing a clever disguise, this card reveals the chains you think you can’t break. but here’s the twist-those chains are loose, and the only thing keeping them in place is belief. So, are you going to keep playing along, or are you ready to call the Devil’s bluff?
Reversed-
The reversed version of this card has a bit more of a positive light. The Devil reversed is like slipping out of a trap that you didn’t even realize you set for yourself. Whether it’s a toxic habit, a suffocating mindset, or that one situation that you swore you had under control (but let’s be real, it had you) It’s the sudden awareness that the chains were loose the whole time, and now you have a choice: walk away, or stay out of sheer familiarity.
There can also be a sneaky warning involved here-just because you’re aware of the cage, doesn’t mean you won’t wander back in. There’s a rebellious edge to this as in you have a chance to break free from whatever’s been feeding on your energy, but only if you’re ready to stop feeding it.
Ancient Tidd-Bit
The Devil card has ancient roots of Pan, the Greek god of wilderness, pleasure, and chaos. Early Tarot decks portrayed The Devil with Pan-like features, symbolizing raw instinct and desire. The church later demonized Pan, reshaping this figure into something to be feared. But originally The Devil wasn’t about evil-it was about facing the untamed parts of yourself rather than running from them.
The Devil and Surrounding Cards-
Sometimes, The Devil isn’t the main event but a shadow lurking behind another card. For example, if it’s near The Lovers, it might hint at obsession rather than true connection. If it appears with The Magician, it could suggest manipulation or power being used for the wrong reasons. Even when it’s not the focus, The Devil often reveals what’s secretly holding things together-or quietly pulling them apart.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about this card, then watch this short, fun video that gives more info!
The Lovers is one of our favorites in the Major Arcana. Here’s a post about it if you feel like reading up on the card: Is It Love, Or A Lesson? The Lovers Card Exposed – Tarotloom.com
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Thanks for reading and join us next time with a post about The Tower! ✨