The Devil

The things we feel bound to: habits, desires, money, fear. The chains in the picture are loose, which is the point: the hold is real but not unbreakable.

Upright

• attachment
• temptation
• habit
• materialism

The things we feel bound to: habits, desires, money, fear. The chains in the picture are loose, which is the point: the hold is real but not unbreakable.

Reversed

• release
• breaking free
• reclaiming power
• facing the shadow

Slipping free of a habit or a belief that has been holding you. Reversed, the card is a sign that release is possible, though it may take effort.

Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.

In the picture

A horned figure crouches on a pedestal above a naked man and woman who are loosely chained at the neck, with tails and a flame at their backs.

Astrology and numerology

The Devil is linked with Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign, and so with the element earth.

Its number reduces to 6, which numerology associates with care, responsibility, harmony. See every card that reduces to 6.

Yes or no

In yes or no tarot, The Devil counts as a no when upright, and as a yes when reversed. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.

Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.