XV. The Devil

Element: Earth (🜃)

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn (♑)

Hebrew Letter: Ayin (ע)

Kabbalistic Path: 26

Upright

Keywords: Desire; obsession; addiction; bondage; temptation; primal instincts

Events: A. Desire-related: Temptation, indulgence, and the darker side of human nature; overindulgence; addictive behavior; pursuit of fame, power, or status; attachment to material pleasures; loss of control over actions; excessive emotional dependence leading to personality changes; obsession and addictive behavior; desire to control others B. Bondage: Relationships bound by desire; being trapped by external circumstances; stuck in negative cycles; unable to break free from an oppressive situation

Personality: Driven by desire; hedonistic; addicted; ambitious; controlling; enjoys indulgence

Mental State: Empty; unsatisfied; feeling trapped; surrendering to temptation

Advice: Reflect on what you truly want; define your life goals and values; break free from negative patterns; avoid situations and relationships that trigger addictive behaviors; distance yourself from unhealthy environments

Card Imagery: A goat-headed, bat-winged devil stands on an altar, raising one hand toward the sky while holding a large, burning torch in the other, pointing downward. A circular ring in front of the altar extends two chains, binding the necks of a man and a woman.

Symbolism:

  • The Devil – Baphomet, one of the well-known demons in Christian tradition, commonly associated with Satan
  • Inverted Pentagram – A symbol representing darkness, evil, or negative forces in certain belief systems
  • Hand Gesture – Unlike the Hierophant’s gesture, the Devil's sign implies that there is nothing beyond the material world
  • Torch – Represents descending energy
  • Tail – Symbolizes primal instincts; the tail covering the private area suggests a lack of openness or hidden concerns
  • Grapevine Tail – Represents indulgence and revelry
  • Flaming Tail – Symbolizes ambition and desires driven by uncontrollable urges

Reversed

Keywords: Liberation; breaking free; independence

Events: Gradually freeing oneself from emotional burdens or negative environments; separation; leaving unhealthy relationships; quitting a toxic job; resigning; walking away from harmful influences

Personality: Seeks freedom; unwilling to be restrained

Mental State: Relief

Advice: Cultivate independence; conquer inner fears; share emotional burdens with trusted individuals who can provide support and understanding; remember that change is a gradual process—be patient

Card Imagery: The chains break apart, and the man and woman are freed from the Devil’s control.

Symbolism:

  • Broken Chains – Liberation from bondage and control

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