The Devil

Greed, deception, bondage, hint, temptation, indulgence, bottomless pit, materialism, enslavement by desire

Upright: People, events, or circumstances appear enticing or beautiful, leading to actions based on this allure.

Reversed: Despite appearances, one resists the temptation and acts rationally, breaking free from illusion or allure.

Corresponding Sign/Planet: Capricorn; Element: Earth

Corresponding Deity: Pan, God of Wild Animals and Forests

Hebrew Letter: The sixteenth letter, Ayin

Tree of Life Path: The sixteenth path, between Hod (Splendor) and Tiphereth (Beauty)

Chakras: Root Chakra, representing basic instincts

Card Elements: Devil, chains, trees, inverted pentagram, wings, flames, tails of man and woman

The Devil card mirrors The Lovers in symbolism—yet here, the angel has become a devil, and sacred love becomes entangled desire. It symbolizes the seductive power of indulgence and illusion. Though not inherently evil, the Devil reveals the shadow side of pleasure and materialism, where joy becomes tainted by control, dependency, or obsession. This card serves as a mirror for one's inner chains—whether to people, habits, or beliefs—and a warning that unchecked desire defiles true vitality. It especially resonates in the arts, where uninhibited passion can both create and destroy.

Restrained, uneasy, groveling, decadent life, concealing the truth, stubborn, self-projection, attachment, admiration, belief, loyalty, support, addiction, obsessed, restriction, bondage, lust, material desire, entrapment, temptation, negativity, over-dependence

Love & Marriage: Emotional entrapment, dependence on the other, intense sexual attraction, deception, and a lack of authentic emotional expression. Love becomes controlling or obsessive.

Career & Studies: Work feels restrictive or overwhelming, with an obsessive drive for success or money. Dishonesty or deception may be present. Studies lack passion and become obligation-driven.

Interpersonal Relationships & Wealth: Toxic friendships or social dependency, manipulation by others, dishonest financial dealings, debt, or being trapped in unethical money-making schemes.

Others: Suppressed emotions, secret actions, and an overall sense of being trapped by external conditions or one’s own compulsions.

Break free from bad temptations, cut off relations with fair-weather friends, abandon desires, break free from bondage, regain freedom, lift burdens, able to express one's will, release, explore thoughts, a moment of wisdom, reflect on the darkness within, justice, objectivity, independence, awakening, inner strength

Love & Marriage: Liberation from controlling or toxic love. Breakup may bring clarity. Letting go of lust or obsession opens the path to healthier connection and renewed emotional freedom.

Career & Studies: Freeing oneself from a suffocating job or toxic work environment. Bottlenecks are lifted. Creativity may return. The burden of expectations begins to ease.

Interpersonal Relationships & Wealth: End of toxic friendships. Honest communication returns. Financially, old constraints fall away, debts are resolved, or unhealthy patterns are broken.

Others: Regain your voice and freedom. Make authentic choices. This is a time of spiritual renewal through honesty and inner reflection.