15
The Devil
Major Arcana
Keywords
shadow selfattachmentaddictionmaterialism
Reversed Keywords
releasebreaking freereclaiming power
Card Imagery
A horned, bat-winged figure crouches on a dark pedestal. Two naked figures — one male, one female — are chained loosely to the pedestal, with small horns and tails suggesting they've begun to take on the devil's nature. The chains are loose enough to remove, suggesting the bondage is voluntary.
Upright Meaning
The Devil represents bondage to material desires, unhealthy attachments, and the shadow self. It asks you to examine where you feel trapped — often the chains are looser than they appear, and freedom is a choice.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Devil signals breaking free from what has held you back. You're releasing unhealthy patterns, reclaiming your power, and seeing through illusions that once controlled you.