Uprightattachment, temptation, addiction, materialism, shadow self
Reversedrelease, breaking free, regaining control, awareness
Upright meaning
The Devil stands for attachment, temptation and the patterns that hold us back, such as unhealthy habits, materialism or fear. The loose chains show that the bondage is often self-imposed and can be undone once it is seen clearly.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the Devil suggests breaking free from what binds, regaining control or becoming aware of a harmful pattern. It can mark the beginning of release.
What the card shows
A horned figure with bat wings sits on a pedestal. A naked man and woman, with small horns and tails, stand chained to it, though the chains around their necks are loose.
As your card of the day
Notice what has a hold on you, whether a habit, a fear or a pattern. Awareness is the first step to freedom. The chains are looser than they seem.
“I am free to choose what I hold on to.”
Notice one habit that drains you and skip it today.
Questions
What does The Devil mean in tarot?
The Devil stands for attachment, temptation and the patterns that hold us back, such as unhealthy habits, materialism or fear. The loose chains show that the bondage is often self-imposed and can be undone once it is seen clearly.
What does The Devil reversed mean?
Reversed, the Devil suggests breaking free from what binds, regaining control or becoming aware of a harmful pattern. It can mark the beginning of release.
Is The Devil a yes or no card?
No. Watch out for traps and unhealthy attachments.
Card pictures: the 1909 deck by Pamela Colman Smith (public domain). Meanings based on A. E. Waite's The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1910), rewritten in modern language. For inspiration and reflection only.