The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
The Devil shows where you’re stuck - often by choice. This card reveals habits, temptations, or illusions that keep you chained. But the chains are loose. You can free yourself once you recognize what’s holding you back isn’t as powerful as it seems.
Physical Appearance
The Devil card shows a shadowy horned figure with bat-like wings, two chained figures, and symbols of excess and control. The imagery hints at obsession, addiction, and the illusion of powerlessness. It reminds you that what traps you often begins with a choice.
Also Known As: The Tempter, The Fiend.
Upright Meaning
Keywords: Bondage, Temptation, Control, Obsession
Upright, The Devil suggests being entangled in something that drains your freedom or clarity. It could be a toxic relationship, a self-destructive pattern, or a fixation you can't shake. This card urges you to get honest about what's holding you down and recognize that change begins with awareness.
- Love: This can point to unhealthy dynamics like jealousy, control, or emotional dependence. It asks you to notice where passion has crossed into possession. Singles may need to release baggage before love feels safe again.
- Career: Warns of burnout, overcommitment, or staying in a role out of fear. If you're sacrificing your well-being for status or money, it's time to reassess what success really means.
- Finance: Cautions against risky decisions or being controlled by material desires. Avoid impulsive spending or debt driven by insecurity. Freedom comes through mindful balance.
Yes or No: Upright, The Devil usually leans toward "No" - especially if the situation involves obsession, secrecy, or imbalance.
Reversed Meaning
Keywords: Release, Breakthrough, Clarity, Freedom
Reversed, The Devil signals a turning point. You're ready to let go of what once controlled you - whether it's a relationship, belief, or addiction. This card reflects a growing awareness and a chance to reclaim your power, one step at a time.
- Love: Suggests healing from toxic patterns or stepping away from people who drain you. Healthier emotional habits are forming, even if the process feels messy.
- Career: Shows progress in breaking free from limiting roles or environments. You may be choosing purpose over pressure, and that shift matters.
- Finance: Indicates improved control over spending and a new mindset around money. You're no longer ruled by fear or comparison.
Yes or No: Reversed, The Devil leans toward "Yes" - especially when you're committed to change and self-liberation.
Timeframes
The Devil is associated with the earth element and the season of winter. Change may happen gradually, over weeks or months, especially when emotional or material habits are involved. Look for breakthroughs after sustained effort.
The Devil as Feelings
Emotionally, The Devil is intense, conflicted, and magnetic. It can reflect obsession, fear of vulnerability, or desire that feels more like a pull than a choice. This person may feel overwhelmed or powerless - caught between attraction and anxiety.
- How Someone Feels About You: They may feel drawn to you in a way that is both exciting and unsettling. You represent something they can't easily control - which may stir up passion, fear, or confusion.
Personality Archetype: The Devil
The Devil can represent someone who uses charm, power, or manipulation to influence others. This person may not see themselves as harmful, but their patterns can be consuming. They might resist accountability or use emotional leverage to maintain control.
If you encounter someone like this, stay grounded. Set clear boundaries, don't trade your peace for their approval, and trust your gut. You can't fix them, but you can protect yourself from getting pulled into their chaos.
Worried About Drawing The Devil?
The Devil isn't a curse - it's a mirror. It shows you what you've been avoiding, denying, or giving too much power. When this card appears, you're being invited to break free. The first step is admitting you're ready.
"I let go of what no longer serves me and take back my power without fear."
Related Cards
The Devil shares energy with other cards that deal with transformation, truth, and power. These connections add depth and contrast:
- The Tower's chaos reflects a more explosive version of the Devil's slow trap, forcing change where you've been stuck too long.
- The Lovers' clarity reveals what healthy love looks like, offering contrast to the Devil's addictive or possessive attachments.
- Judgment's awakening offers freedom through truth, serving as a spiritual counterpart to the Devil's illusion of control.
- Death's transformation often follows the Devil, signaling it's time to fully release what no longer serves your growth.
Click any card above to explore how its message complements or contrasts with the Devil's theme of entrapment and liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Devil mean in love readings?
In love, The Devil reflects themes of control, obsession, or emotional entanglement. It calls for reflection and honest conversations about balance and freedom within the relationship.
Is The Devil a bad card in tarot?
Not inherently. The Devil can be a sign of awareness - showing you what needs to change. It becomes empowering when you recognize the message and take action to shift your path.
How should I approach The Devil in my reading?
Approach it with clarity and courage. Ask yourself what you’ve been avoiding and what patterns are ready to end. The Devil is your chance to take the wheel again.
Ready to Understand What The Devil Means for You?
If The Devil has shown up in your reading, it's trying to tell you something specific about your path. Find out what message it's delivering right now with a personalized tarot reading.
written by Greg Swanson
updated: 06/04/2025