Tarot: The Devil

Main Association: Materialism

Quick Reference: Materialism, persistence, hidden desires, deception, bondage, addiction, sexuality, greed, envy, obsession, breaking out, ignorance, hopelessness

Element/Sign: Earth
Planet: Saturn
Zodiac: Capricorn
Chakra: Root
Day: Sunday
Archangel: Cassiel, Metatron, Samael, Anael
Qabalistic Correspondences: Knees, bones
Color: Grey, dark brown, black, indigo
Crystal: Malachite, black onyx, black garnet, jet, obsidian, tourmaline, turquoise
Metal: Lead
Body: Skeleton, skin, teeth, knees, genitals, substance abuse, chain smoking, negative self image, hemorrhoids
Exercise: Bodybuilding which increases bone density
Stance: Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
Affirmation: Just for today, I choose to turn a deaf ear to my sense of entitlement.

The Devil card depicts the devil as Baphomet, or the Horned Goat of Mendes, or the ancient goat-god Dionysius, shown sitting in his throne while watching over a male and female captive. Baphomet originally represented the balance between good and evil, male and female, and human and animal; however, more recently, this figure has been linked to the occult and has become a scapegoat for all things considered ‘evil’.

The Devil is a passionate, hedonistic, and lust filled card indicating great sex but where there is something amiss. The relationship may be bordering on the side of obsession or it has become angst ridden. You might also be involved with someone who is not fully available to you, yet you keep going back for more. It represents being seduced by the material world and physical pleasures. Also living in fear, domination and bondage, being caged by an overabundance of luxury, discretion should be used in personal and business matters.

The Devil card represents your shadow (or darker) side and the negative forces that constrain you and hold you back from being the best version of yourself. You may be at the effect of negative habits, dependencies, behaviors, thought patterns, relationships, and addictions. You have found yourself trapped between the short-term pleasure you receive and the longer-term pain you experience. Just as the Lovers card speaks to duality and choice, so too does the Devil; however, with the Devil, you are choosing the path of instant gratification, even if it is at the expense of your long-term well-being.

The reversed Devil may also be a sign you are hiding your deepest, darkest self from others, keeping it a secret. You may have thoughts, fantasies, addictions, or habits that you don’t want others to know because you feel embarrassed or ashamed. But sometimes, holding onto the secrets can contribute to a growing level of guilt, and you may feel a sense of relief if you can share your darker self with at least one trusted individual. There is also a need to accept who you are and forgive yourself for the thoughts you have. Of course, if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, please seek professional help immediately.