Card of the Week: The Devil
“An over-indulgence of anything, even something as pure as water, can intoxicate.”
-Criss Jami
The Devil card is usually portrayed as a beast with horns, a pitchfork, and a tail. Similar to the Lovers card where two humans stand in front of an angel, the Devil card depicts two humans standing in front of a beast. Another difference is these people are actually chained to the beast, while in the Lovers card, these two people are choosing to stand under this angel and next to each other. There are no chains; if they wanted to leave they absolutely could.
The Lovers card is the 6th card and the Devil is the 15th card whose digits break down into a 6 (1 + 5 = 6). The definitions of both cards are quite similar; the only difference is the Devil card speaks to a pentacle, sword, or wand that one should leave behind. This can be an addiction, a person, or a mindset; whatever it is, more harm than good is being done to you with it in your life.
There are many different depictions of the Devil card which speaks to the fact that the devil looks different to everyone. However, one thing all of our depictions have in common is we know we don’t want to be in this devil energy for too long.
This card speaks to overindulgence, ego, greed, selfishness, and lack of accountability. When and if this card comes out in your spread, take some time to think about the things you attach yourself to. Do they reflect badly on you? If so, how can you release these attachments?
Upright
Past: In the past, you were very connected to the material world, maybe a little too much. You were overindulging in things like sex, drugs, money, and people, which blurred your vision on your spiritual journey. Because the card came out in the past position, it indicates that you have moved out of this energy or at least made the decision to. You could be in the current process of getting your life back on track. You are equally prioritizing your material and spiritual worlds. You have or are attempting to remove those chains and take back your freedom, like in the Lovers card.
Present: With the Devil card in this position, there is almost an immediate need for you to evaluate your relationship with the material world. You could be stressed about money or a job that you desperately want. There is something or someone that you want to obtain in the material world, so much so that you might be willing to do anything to get it.
The Devil card also speaks to insecurities that we might struggle with. This could be your looks, personality, or social status. It is important to find the source of this lack mentality and try to eradicate it.
Future: It is important to note that the chains around the people in this card are loose. This implies that they can take them off whenever they choose to.
This is important to remember when the Devil card comes out in the future position. Soon you will have to face your 3D self and actions. Soon you will be shown some unhealthy patterns present in your life, or you will be partaking in certain unhealthy activities. Regardless, this is not just a one-time occurrence. Whatever you are doing is rooted in something much deeper and until you go to the source, the problem will show itself in many different ways.
You could also be feeling trapped and overwhelmed, almost like you have no way out of a situation. Remember the loose chains; you absolutely have a way out. You just have to take back your power. Taking back control of your life is the theme of this card in the future position
Reversed
*Disclaimer: Reading tarot cards in reverse is totally up to the reader. There are many who choose not to. There is no right way to do it; go with your intuition. For some readers a reversed means that the energy of that card cannot manifest into reality due to a block. So if you are someone who chooses to not read reversed cards, you may skip this part, however if you are that reader, keep reading!
Remember to always be authentic with your spiritual practices.*
The Devil card reversed speaks to breaking free and having a major awakening. It’s almost like the glass-shattering sound in movies to show that the main character had an “aha?” moment. Life is making sense again because you realized how your thoughts and actions played a role in you feeling constrained and trapped. You are no longer in this confused or victim-like mindset. If you have been struggling with addiction and this card comes out reversed, this shows that you have seen the light and changed your course of action. You should be very proud and feel quite accomplished. As we know, it is not always an easy feat to hold ourselves accountable and make the necessary changes.
Advice
You are being advised to confront your “demons.” Whatever fears, insecurities or self-limiting beliefs you have need to be dealt with. Watch how life begins to make more sense and flow smoother when you let go of the things holding you back. You are not your worldly possessions or your relationships. You are whole all on your own.
If you are feeling stressed or burnt-out, it’s time to take a step back and remember why you are really here and the power you really possess. Simply put, stop playing with yourself and get serious.
Work Cited
Alexander, Skye, and Mary Shannon. The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need. 1st ed., vol. 1, Avon, Adams Media, 2019. 1 vols.
Symone Smith, @aquaa_CUNT