The Devil

The Devil

Keywords: Bondage, Temptation, Shadow Self, Addiction, Powerlessness

Astrology: Capricorn, Pluto, Saturn

Element: Earth / Darkness

Hebrew Letter: Samekh

Esoteric Meaning: Fate, Karmic Constraint

Personality State

The Devil embodies someone gripped by inner shadows, compulsions, and dependencies. This person may struggle with temptation, self‑control, or surrender to lower impulses. There’s a sense of being bound—whether by desire, fear, or unseen forces.

On a Deeper Level

Spiritually, the Devil reveals the hidden chains we place on ourselves. It points to illusions of power and control, unexamined attachments, and the refusal to confront our shadow. Transformation comes when we recognize our bondage and choose to reclaim our freedom.

Professional Situation

In work contexts, The Devil warns of toxic environments, exploitation, overwork, or being trapped in a job you dislike. It might indicate manipulation, power struggles, or unethical practices. This card calls for awareness of hidden people or patterns undermining your mission.

Financial and Housing Condition

Financially, it suggests excessive spending, debt, materialism, or leveraging resources imprudently. You may be chained to obligations or overextended. In housing, it can indicate unhealthy living situations, dependency, or lack of autonomy in your space.

Personal Relationships

The Devil in love often signals co‑dependency, control, obsession, or toxic patterns masked as passion. It warns of losing yourself to relationships that demand too much or bind you. Recognize where freedom is sacrificed for fear or attachment.

Health Condition

Health meanings include addiction, compulsive habits, or psychological burdens. It suggests areas where self‐control is lost—overeating, substance dependence, stress, or mental health struggles. Healing begins with confronting, not avoiding, these shadows.

Reversed Card Meaning

Reversed, The Devil signals release from bondage, breaking chains, and reclaiming freedom. Patterns that once controlled you are weakening, and you gain the power to choose differently. It’s a call to step out of the darkness into self‑awareness.

Manifestation in Combinations

  • With The Tower: sudden collapse of illusions or toxic structures.
  • With Death: deep transformation by confronting shadow.
  • With The Lovers: moral or ethical choice over temptation.
  • With Strength: overcoming impulses through inner courage.
  • With The Moon: illusions, deception, hidden fears magnified.

Archetypal Correspondences

Myth & Symbolism: Fallen angel, Baphomet, Pan, Typhon Astrology: Capricorn, Pluto, Saturn Element: Earth / Shadow Hebrew Letter: Samekh Symbols: Chains, inverted pentagram, horned figure, fire, darkness Number: XV (15)

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