The Devil Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed, Love & Yes or No

Upright meaning

Keywords: Obsession · Temptation · Bondage · Desire · Addiction

Two figures stand chained beneath the Devil, but the chains are loose. They could slip free any time they chose. This card speaks of attachments we create ourselves, and of temptations and desires that are hard to let go of. Noticing what's holding you is the first step to breaking free.

Love

This is a relationship with strong attraction, and some obsession mixed in. You're pulled in physically and emotionally, but it's worth asking whether this is healthy love. Watch out for jealousy or possessiveness creeping in.

Relationships

You two feel bound to each other. The pull is hard to resist, but check whether discomfort or dependence is hiding underneath it.

Career & study

You may be holding on to a job that doesn't suit you because of the money or the perks. Be careful not to make a risky choice just for a quick gain.

Money

Your appetite for material things is running high. Money may come your way, but you're also prone to overspending, gambling-style investments or debt right now, so take extra care.

Mind & wellbeing

It's easy to slip into habits you've been wanting to quit. If something has a grip on you, like drinking, gaming or late-night snacking, pick just one and start cutting back.

As a person

Someone magnetic who is open about what they want. They have a real pull on people, but they can also try to bend others to their will.

As someone's feelings

They're strongly drawn to you. That said, their feelings are heavily mixed with physical attraction and a wish to possess you.

What to do

Write down honestly what's holding you back. The moment you see it clearly, the chains start to loosen.

Watch out for

Watch out for choices you'll regret later because of short-term pleasure or gain, and for any urge to control the other person.

Reversed meaning

Keywords: Release · Breaking free · Realisation · Recovery

The chains are coming off and you're stepping free. This is a time of release from an obsession, a bad habit or an unhealthy relationship that's been weighing on you.

Love

You're breaking away from a relationship you were fixated on, or cutting an unhealthy pattern within one. It may feel empty at first, but your heart will soon feel much lighter.

Relationships

You both start to see what's been hurting the relationship and begin to change it. Whether you let each other go or rebuild things on new terms, you're heading in a healthy direction.

Career & study

A chance is coming to leave behind the conditions or environment that kept you stuck. Take time to rethink what you really want to do.

Money

A good time to clear debts or break bad spending habits. The restraint you start now will give you real breathing room later.

Mind & wellbeing

You're finding the strength to beat a habit you've wanted to quit. Build on it one small win at a time.

As a person

Someone who owns up to their weaknesses and is working to change.

As someone's feelings

They're letting go of the pressure or clinginess they felt in this relationship with you. They're looking for a healthier distance.

What to do

Change your surroundings first so you don't fall back into what you've chosen to leave behind. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it.

Watch out for

Getting complacent just because things have improved a little could pull you back into the same loop.

Symbols in the picture

Beneath a bat-winged devil, two people stand in chains. But the chains are loose. This card is about noticing what's holding you back.

• Loose Chains. Chains hang around the two figures' necks, but they're loose enough to slip off. Attachments and habits you're holding onto yourself. It asks you to look at what you could walk away from but haven't.
  Reversed: Now you're realizing on your own that the chain around your neck is looser than you thought. Don't wait for someone to free you. Start by slipping off the lightest link yourself.
• Two Figures with Horns and Tails. The figures have small horns on their heads and tails on their bodies. What you start to look like after staying with a craving too long. It asks you to check in on bad habits that have come to feel normal.
  Reversed: Those little horns start to look less like someone else's story and more like your own reflection. Pick out one behavior so familiar you never noticed it was a habit.
• Inverted Pentagram. Above the devil's brow is a star with its point facing down. Material things and desires ranking above the spirit. It asks whether money or pleasure is pulling you along.
  Reversed: The pull of money and pleasure isn't as strong as it used to be. Instead, check whether you've been getting needlessly touchy over small losses.
• Lowered Torch. The torch in the devil's left hand points downward. A force that stokes desire, like setting the man's tail alight. It asks you to step away from people or places that feed your impulses.
  Reversed: The torch that lit the tail has lost its strength, so impulses don't flare up like they used to. It's a perfect time to put some distance between you and the people or places that kept egging you on.
• Half-Sized Pedestal. The devil sits on a small square pedestal. A reality boxed in by narrow limits, a place tied only to material things. It reminds you that wider choices are out there.
  Reversed: You start to notice that the devil's square pedestal is smaller than it looked. Instead of the answer you always pick, write down one option you've never tried.