The Devil tarot card from the Simply Tarot deck

The Devil Tarot Card Meaning

The Possessor

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Addiction • Shame • Attachment

This card points to addictive and self- destructive behaviours. You are facing some aspect of yourself that may leave you feeling rather shameful. You can control these tendencies, avoid unnecessary temptations and make change for the better. If you do, you will be freed from the negative emotions you feel.

The Devil is an inward looking card. It points to those things the Subject might be ashamed of and would be reluctant to share with, or exhibit, to the outside world. The Devil can represent many different internal facets of behaviour, and they range widely with the hold they can have over the Subject. The most recognisable might be certain sexual fantasies and desires, different kinds of addictions and, of course, abuse. The Devil can also represent restrictive lifestyles, relationships, and issues with boundaries. Whatever it is, it brings about feelings of shame, fear and anxiety within the Subject.

It is time to deal with the situation rather than continue be controlled by it. If it is self-destructive or addictive behaviour, it is time to open up and be honest - seek support and guidance where appropriate. Likewise, if the Subject feels bound by a long held secret, maybe it is time to bring it into the open, so they can be free of the burden. The message in this card is to admit to these binds, and make effort to overcome them, in order to be able to move on to a lighter way of life.

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Love & Relationships

Desire feels consuming here — magnetic enough to blur the line between devotion and dependency. Shame, secrecy or emotional hunger may be tightening their grip beneath the surface. Love becomes dangerous when losing yourself starts feeling romantic.

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Material Life

Fear of scarcity tightens its hold here. Someone may feel trapped inside unhealthy dependence on money, status, work or material control, mistaking survival anxiety for genuine stability. Some forms of security cost too much when they require the soul to remain constantly afraid.

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Notes from the Artist

The Devil stands menacingly over the woman who is kneeling on the ground with her face in her hands. The Devil holds a pitchfork, he has horns on his head, his upper body shows his physical strength. The Devil's hand over her head suggests that he can manipulate her mind and the female is clearly distressed. She is surrounded by hell fire and appears to be trapped and doomed. However, she is not chained or bound, in any way, and could make a bid for freedom if she chose to.

It is clear that The Devil has some sort of hold over her.