Discover the Meaning of The Devil Tarot Card

The true meaning of The Devil tarot card may not be what you expect. There are many different possible interpretations of this card, including distinct meanings when you draw The Devil upright or upside down. If you’re only just beginning your tarot card journey and see The Devil appear in a spread or reading, what might this card be trying to communicate with you?

We’ll take an in-depth and complete look at The Devil tarot card so that you can fully understand its messages. This particular card in the Major Arcana may hold unexpected or unconventional meanings for you. Let’s dive in.

The Devil Tarot Card: An Overview

The meaning of The Devil tarot card is unique in that it features more positive meanings when the card is drawn in a reversed or upside-down position. When found upright, The Devil can indicate excess indulgence, obsession, addiction, and general powerlessness in your life. In contrast, the reversed meaning of The Devil tarot card speaks to regaining power and control as well as working toward a balanced, healthier life.

While rare, certain tarot cards have negative qualities when found upright, with the reversed meaning indicating positivity. The Devil is one such card. The 15th card in the Major Arcana, The Devil, represents the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It also represents the planet Saturn. It is a weighty card and not one to be taken lightly when found in a spread.

While the upright position of The Devil can indicate mischievousness and play, this position is often considered a negative sign. The reversed position of The Devil represents an understanding of mistakes and a desire to correct them. 

But what mistakes and themes are held within this tarot card? Let’s discuss The Devil in greater detail.

Meaning of The Devil Tarot Card in a Reading

If you’re new to tarot cards, it’s important to keep in mind that the order of your cards within a spread matters. The meaning of The Devil will still apply to your life and whatever question you ask of your deck. But remember that its placement alongside other tarot cards may affect how you interpret it.

With all of this said, here’s what The Devil means in a tarot card reading, both upright and reversed.

The Devil Upright Meaning

Have you overindulged lately so much that you feel powerless to change your behavior? The Devil upright indicates themes such as this. While your life may currently seem like fun and games, many consider The Devil a card of warning or foreboding. Should your life continue down this path, certain aspects of it may grow out of your control.

The Devil in the upright position speaks of addiction in many forms. This could be an addiction to substances. But it tends to refer to an addiction to material wealth, power, and other greed. The Devil says there can indeed be too much of a good thing. The upright position of this card confirms you may have an excess of something in your life.

Feelings of obsession, possessiveness, and selfishness are important to connect to The Devil upright. It can be difficult to recognize when and where you might be overindulging, especially if such overindulgence makes you happy in a superficial way. Drawing The Devil upright in a reading is meant to be a sign that change is needed in your life. 

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s never too late to change. The Devil upright may feel intense or chastising. But it is a card designed to show you the importance of accountability for yourself and your actions. Regardless of your question, The Devil upright asks you to identify where you’ve been taking things too far– whether it be in love, personally, or professionally.

The Devil Reversed Meaning

Should you draw The Devil in a reversed or upside-down position, this card holds meanings of relief and a clear path forward. While themes of powerlessness and out-of-control behaviors pervade the upright meaning of The Devil, the reversed interpretation is all about regaining control and power over your own life and actions.

Perhaps you have recently identified areas in your life that require more control or attention. Maybe you’ve grown tired of your unhealthy patterns, default behaviors, or addictive and material lifestyle. Seeing The Devil reversed in a tarot reading means you’re on the right path away from some of these negative habits or actions.

While this card is a welcome sign, it’s important to remember that work will still need doing. The Devil represents feelings of entrapment and listlessness, of neglect and refusal to see change. When reversed, this card is meant to reassure you that you’re making the right choice to change. But the change must still come from you and you alone!

Advice From The Devil Tarot Card

Ultimately, The Devil is all about identifying lost power and how one might regain such power. While it can be difficult to recognize a lack of control in one’s life, The Devil asks that certain habits, behaviors, or situations be addressed so that self-control and personal power can be regained. It may not be easy, but now is the time to make these impactful changes!