The Devil

Upright Meaning: Addiction, Materialism, and The Illusion of Entrapment The Devil represents the shadow side of the human experience. It signifies the things that bind us: addictions, unhealthy attachments, obsession, and the pursuit of material pleasure at the expense of spiritual freedom. Unlike The Tower, where the prison is destroyed from the outside, The Devil suggests a prison of your own making. It often points to feeling trapped in a situation (a job, a relationship, a habit) that you actually have the power to leave, but you stay because of fear or instant gratification. On Dream Decoder, link this to dreams of being tied up, paralyzed, seduced by a dark figure, or unable to scream; these are powerful metaphors for the parts of your life where you feel powerless or controlled by your impulses. Reversed Meaning: Breaking Free, Detachment, and Reclaiming Power Reversed, The Devil is a card of liberation. It indicates that the chains are falling off. You are finally seeing a toxic situation for what it is and finding the strength to walk away. It can signify overcoming an addiction, leaving an abusive relationship, or realizing that the fears holding you back were illusions all along. It represents the moment you choose freedom over comfort. Reflect on dreams of escaping a cage, fighting back against a demon, or walking out of a dark room into the light, as these mirror your subconscious reclaiming its agency. Symbolism and Imagery The card depicts the Baphomet (a winged, goat-headed satyr) perched on a black pedestal. He represents primal instincts and the dominance of the material world over the spiritual. On his forehead is an inverted pentagram, symbolizing dark magic or the ego ruling the soul. Chained to the pedestal are a man and a woman (echoing the lovers in card VI), but look closely: the chains around their necks are loose. They could slip them off at any time. They stay because they are mesmerized or addicted to the pleasure/security the Devil offers. The tails (grapes and fire) represent the dual nature of vice: pleasure and destruction. ## In a Tarot Reading: Practical Advice Love & Relationships: A red flag for codependency, obsession, or "trauma bonding." It suggests a relationship based on lust, control, or fear rather than mutual respect. It asks: Are you staying because you are loved, or because you are afraid to be alone? Career & Finances: Beware of "golden handcuffs"—a job you hate but stay in for the money. It can also warn of unethical business practices or being enslaved by debt and consumerism. Personal Growth: The call to do "Shadow Work." You must face your demons (addictions to phones, sugar, validation, etc.) to defeat them. Acknowledge where you are giving away your power. On Dream Decoder, start with 3 free dream interpretations or 1 daily tarot card to explore further. For more flexibility—unlimited dreams, full spreads, and custom insights—upgrade to premium. Draw a card or submit a dream to uncover your own connections!