What does the Devil Tarot Card really mean?

The Devil card is the 15th major arcana card in most traditional tarot decks. The first 21 of the 78 tarot cards are called major arcana cards and represent the Fool’s journey in other words us on our life journey!

The Devil card, like the Death card, is one of the most misunderstood cards in tarot. I believe this is because many of us have strong feelings and associations with what the Devil and/or Death represents.

Some common misconceptions about the Devil card is that it represents something evil, sinister or just plain bad luck! Some common associations with the Devil card are addictions, shadow self, excess, corruption. Whew – you can see why this card may be misunderstood from time to time.

What we’d be missing if you didn’t look a little closer is that the Devil card actually represents a precursor to making positive life changes. It’s a tough love wake up call! What it’s really saying to us is that we must become aware of ourselves and how we may be sabotaging our own growth. It asks us to look at what we rely on to escape or avoid our challenges, what do we do or consume in excess and begs the question – why?

When pulled in an upright position, the Devil card is asking us to think about what it is that is holding us back from being the best that we can be. Is it a toxic relationship that we feel is holding us back? Maybe its our tendency to scroll our days away on social media, comparing our behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reels. The Devil card comes to us to shake our shoulders with a force and asks us to wake up to what is keeping us trapped or stalled.

When pulled in a reverse position, the Devil card comes to say that you are on the brink of expansion and breaking through your limiting beliefs and behaviours. It’s a heads up that you are about to tackle your Shadow side (the parts of yourself that you’ve rejected, feel ashamed or embarrassed about) once and for all! What’s made you feel so powerless? The Devil reverse provides support to you as you face your inner fears and battle your inner demons. You are on the brink of a breakthrough. Keep going!