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XV. The Devil

Materialism, Temptation and the Illusion of Bondage

The Devil Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Devil is a card that arouses fear, but its message is more psychological than demonic. It shows a horned figure (often Baphomet or Pan) sitting on a stone block. At his feet stand two naked figures - a woman and a man (resembling the Lovers), bound with chains. But if you look closely, you will see that the chains are loose. They could throw them off at any moment, yet they do not.

This is the key to understanding this card: voluntary bondage. The Devil symbolises our addictions, obsessions, materialism and the animal instincts that have taken control of us. He represents the "Shadow" in the Jungian sense - those parts of our personality that we do not accept and push down into the subconscious.

The torch in the Devil's hand is burning, but it points downwards - this symbolises the destructive power of fire rather than its enlightening power (as with the Hermit). The card speaks of a fascination with the material, of sex without love, of power and money that become ends in themselves.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, the Devil warns against losing your freedom. It may mean a toxic relationship, an addiction, workaholism or a situation in which you feel trapped, although in fact you hold the key to the way out. It is also a card of great charisma, magnetism and sexuality, which can be used both creatively and destructively.

Upright
  • Addiction, compulsion, obsession
  • Materialism, greed, lust for power
  • Sexuality, passion, magnetism
  • Toxic relationships and manipulation
  • A feeling of being trapped and powerless
  • The dark side of the personality (the Shadow)
  • The illusion of having no choice
Reversed
  • Breaking free from addictions
  • Cutting toxic ties
  • Regaining control over your life
  • Breaking through illusion and fear
  • Spiritual awakening
  • Cutting yourself off from the past
  • Getting out of "hell" on your own terms

Card Attributes

Number: XV (Fifteen)
Archetype: The Tempter, the Shadow, the Beast
Element: Earth (matter, the body, money)
Keywords: Bondage, temptation, matter, sex, ego, obsession.
Astrology: Capricorn (the sign of ambition, matter and earthly structures)
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