The Symbolism of the Devil Tarot Card
This card is represented by a figure with two naked demons chained to his throne; he appears to be a devil or some other form of higher demon. One is male, the other is female. The devil is both winged and horned and appears very bestial in nature. In his left hand is a flaming torch, which is pointing downward. On his forehead is an inverted pentagram.
This inverted pentagram doesn’t necessarily represent evil so much as it represents the completion of a cycle. First, the pentagram is upright (as on the Magician card), then inverted (as on this card). Eventually, it will be upright again, symbolizing a completed journey.
The Devil bears the number “15,” and is the captor of the Fool after his encounter with Temperance.
The General Interpretation of the Devil Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a necessary confrontation with all that you consider shameful. It is about freeing yourself from the chains that bind. This is a card of self-bondage, usually to an idea or belief which is unhealthy for you and those around you. This idea or belief is something that you cling to, even knowing the damage it might do.
These bonds represented by this card are freely worn, and can be easily cast off, if you so choose. This can be seen in the fact that the two demons, though chained to the chair of the devil, could remove their chains, for their hands are not bound. Fear is the most likely cause of their refusal to do so.
The Fool learns that he must free himself before he is forever trapped. He can do this by gaining knowledge and gathering his courage. For it is only in the exercise of his own abilities that he can gain his freedom.
The Inner Meaning of the Devil in Tarot
The Devil is the image of bondage to the most basic and instinctual part of human nature. He is the subject of both fear and fascination, for he is the uncivilized part that exists within all of us. He is raw sexual desire, the satisfaction of base instincts, and the strongest part of compulsion.
And yet, the devil seen on this card is not evil. He may be untamed and wild, and he is certainly amoral to a certain extent. But he is not evil. It is we who create the problem though fear and fascination. This card implies blocks and inhibitions, like the chains that seem to bond the demons at his feet; these can and must be cast off.
The Fool begins to understand that he must face and accept his baser instincts and desires, and the shame that he might feel in having these desires. If he cannot do this, he remains a prisoner of his own fear and fascination.
The Fool encounters the Devil after he meets Temperance, on the path to his meeting with the Tower.
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