The Devil Tarot Card Meaning: Ultimate Guide

What does the Devil tarot card mean?

The Devil tarot card represents temptation, bondage, and the darker side of desire. It reflects the illusions we willingly accept—attachments, addictions, or fears that keep us chained even when freedom is possible.

Upright, it reflects entrapment, obsession, and unhealthy attachments. Reversed, it signals release, awakening, or ongoing denial.

At its core, the Devil asks: are you bound by illusion, or ready to reclaim your power and break free?

What is the symbolism of the Devil?

The Devil’s imagery reveals control, temptation, and shadow energy:

• The Horned Figure – Represents primal instincts, indulgence, and unchecked desire.
• The Chains Around the Figures – Symbolize bondage, yet the chains are loose—freedom is possible if chosen.
• The Torch Pointed Downward – Suggests energy turned toward materialism and indulgence instead of spiritual growth.
• The Inverted Pentagram – Represents spirit overshadowed by base instincts.
• The Dark Setting – Highlights illusion, fear, and shadow energies dominating awareness.

Esoterically, the Devil is ruled by Capricorn and associated with the Hebrew letter Ayin (the Eye)—the gaze that sees through deception but also risks obsession.

What does the Devil mean upright?

When upright, the Devil reveals temptation, obsession, and the illusions that bind us.

Upright Meanings

• Entrapment in unhealthy relationships, addictions, or cycles
• Obsession or temptation overpowering reason
• Power struggles and control issues
• Fear and denial preventing freedom
• The shadow self dominating choices

The message: the chains are not locked—freedom is possible when illusions are faced.

What does the upright Devil mean in love?

In love readings, the upright Devil often represents passion mixed with toxicity.

• Singles: Attraction may be magnetic but based on lust, obsession, or unhealthy patterns.
• Couples: Relationships may be marked by jealousy, control, or co-dependence.

The lesson: love thrives on freedom—beware of bonds forged from fear or desire alone.

What does the upright Devil mean in career?

In career readings, the upright Devil reflects power struggles and unhealthy attachments.

• Obsession with status, control, or material success
• Feeling trapped in a toxic work environment
• Workaholism or unhealthy pursuit of recognition

The guidance: examine whether ambition is serving or enslaving you.

What does the upright Devil mean in finances?

Financially, the upright Devil signals entrapment or greed.

• Debt or unhealthy financial cycles
• Obsession with wealth or possessions
• Fear-driven choices tied to scarcity

The advice: money is a tool, not a master—release fear and reclaim control.

What does the upright Devil mean in health?

In health readings, the upright Devil highlights imbalance or destructive habits.

• Addictions or unhealthy behaviors harming wellness
• Stress and fear weighing on the body
• Patterns of denial blocking healing

The message: reclaim control—health improves when destructive cycles are broken.

What does the upright Devil mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the upright Devil warns of illusion and denial.

• Obsession with external power or appearances
• Avoidance of shadow work
• Fear or ego overshadowing spiritual growth

This card reminds you that true freedom begins with honesty—face the shadow to reclaim the light.

What does the Devil mean reversed?

Reversed, the Devil signals the possibility of release or continued denial.

Reversed Meanings

• Breaking free from toxic patterns or relationships
• Awareness of illusions and the courage to break chains
• Resistance to control or manipulation
• Lingering denial—clinging to unhealthy attachments despite awareness
• Fear giving way to empowerment

The reminder: release is possible—the key to freedom is already in your hands.

What does the reversed Devil mean in love?

In love readings, the reversed Devil reflects release or continued struggle.

• Singles: Liberation from toxic cycles in past relationships.
• Couples: Breaking free from jealousy, control, or co-dependence—or resisting necessary change.

The message: healing requires honesty—let go of bonds built on fear.

What does the reversed Devil mean in career?

In career readings, the reversed Devil shows liberation from toxic cycles.

• Breaking free from unhealthy work patterns
• Escaping manipulative environments
• Resisting greed-driven choices

The guidance: reclaim your power—freedom allows space for authentic success.

What does the reversed Devil mean in finances?

Financially, the reversed Devil reflects release from entrapment.

• Overcoming debt or scarcity fears
• Learning healthier money habits
• Breaking free from greed or obsession

The advice: financial freedom is possible—discipline and honesty break old chains.

What does the reversed Devil mean in health?

In health readings, the reversed Devil signals progress or denial.

• Release from addictions or destructive habits
• Renewed commitment to balance and well-being
• Resistance to necessary change prolonging illness

The message: true healing begins when you let go of fear-driven cycles.

What does the reversed Devil mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the reversed Devil represents liberation from illusion.

• Shadow work releasing fear and ego
• Reclaiming spiritual sovereignty
• Awareness of illusions lifting you toward truth

The lesson: freedom comes when you face the shadow directly and choose authenticity.

Astrology and Numerology of the Devil

• Element: Earth – grounding, structure, and attachment
• Astrology: Capricorn – ambition, control, and endurance
• Numerology: The number 15 reduces to 6, linking the Devil to the Lovers—revealing the shadow side of connection and choice

Card combinations with the Devil

• Devil + Lovers: Passionate but possibly toxic attraction
• Devil + Tower: Breaking free through sudden upheaval
• Devil + Star: Hope and healing after toxic cycles
• Devil + Magician: Manipulation or misuse of power

Shadow side of the Devil

The shadow side of this card includes:

• Addiction and obsession
• Manipulation and control
• Fear overshadowing truth
• Illusion mistaken for reality

The Devil’s shadow warns: what binds you is an illusion—you already hold the key to release.

Story example: A real-life tarot reading

A querent asks why they feel trapped in their career. The Devil appears upright, signaling unhealthy attachment—perhaps workaholism, fear of failure, or toxic dynamics at the office. It warns that these cycles are draining their energy and freedom.

If reversed, it would suggest they are beginning to see these illusions for what they are, and the opportunity to break free is at hand.

Is the Devil a yes or no card?

• Upright: No – illusions, fear, or unhealthy attachments block progress.
• Reversed: Yes – release and liberation are possible if you choose honesty.

Frequently asked questions about the Devil

1. Is the Devil a negative card? Yes, but with purpose. It exposes illusions and attachments, showing you where you are bound so you can free yourself.

2. Can the Devil represent a person? Yes. It may represent someone controlling, manipulative, or charming but toxic.

3. What element is associated with the Devil? Earth—symbolizing attachment, materialism, and grounding.

4. What zodiac influence is tied to this card? Capricorn, emphasizing ambition, control, and responsibility.

5. How should I interpret this card in a reading? Upright reflects bondage, obsession, or illusion. Reversed suggests liberation or lingering denial.

Final thoughts on the Devil tarot card

The Devil tarot card represents temptation, illusion, and unhealthy attachment. Upright, it reveals bondage to fear, desire, or destructive cycles. Reversed, it signals the potential for release, freedom, and awakening.

Ultimately, the Devil teaches that the chains that bind you are not locked—you can walk free the moment you choose truth over illusion.