The Devil

What the card shows

A horned, bat-winged figure perches on a dark pedestal, an inverted pentagram above his head and a torch in his hand. Two chained figures with small horns and tails stand below him, yet the chains around their necks are loose enough to lift off, the whole card's secret.

As card 15 of the Major Arcana, it belongs to the final leg of the Fool's Journey, where the traveler faces shadow, upheaval and hope before reaching wholeness.

At a glance

The Devil upright

Something has a grip on you, whether it is a habit, a craving or a dynamic you keep returning to. Name it and the chain loosens.

Upright keywords

• Attachment
• Temptation
• Bad habits
• Restriction

The Devil reversed

You are waking up to what has been holding you back. The chains were looser than they looked; time to step out.

Reversed keywords

• Release
• Breaking free
• Reclaiming power

In love

Intense attraction that may border on obsession or control. Enjoy the chemistry, but stay honest about whether it is healthy.

Career & money

Golden handcuffs alert. Ask whether money, status or fear is keeping you in a place you have outgrown.

Yes or no?

The Devil usually answers no, or at least "not like this." Reversed, the no softens into "not yet", so ask again once the situation has genuinely shifted.

Themes

• attachment
• temptation
• bad habits
• restriction
• major arcana

Explore related cards