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Major arcana · XV
The Devil: tarot card meaning
Keywords: Attachment, temptation, shadow. Chains that could be lifted off. The Devil shows what binds you so you can see it plainly.
Upright meaning
Chains that could be lifted off. The Devil shows what binds you so you can see it plainly.
Reversed meaning
Breaking free. You are recognising a pattern and loosening its hold.
Symbolism
A horned figure crouches over a chained man and woman whose chains are loose.
Its place in the Fool's journey
Habits, attachments and the things that bind us; the loose chains hint we can step free.
Questions to reflect on
- Where in my life does "attachment, temptation, shadow" feel true right now?
- What would the upright meaning ask me to do this week?
- If the card felt reversed, what is blocking or delaying it?
Draw it yourself
Draw a free one-card, three-card or Celtic Cross reading in the Tarot Room. Traditional pairings for this card: Tourmaline sphere, Musk incense and All crystals.
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The Devil: questions
What does The Devil mean upright?
Chains that could be lifted off. The Devil shows what binds you so you can see it plainly.
What does The Devil mean reversed?
Breaking free. You are recognising a pattern and loosening its hold.
Is The Devil a yes or no card?
Tarot isn't a yes/no oracle, but readers who use it that way usually read The Devil upright as 'not yet' or 'think again' and reversed as 'wait'. Treat it as a prompt for reflection.
What number is The Devil in the major arcana?
The Devil is card XV of the 22 major arcana. Habits, attachments and the things that bind us; the loose chains hint we can step free.