Major Arcana · XV
The Devil tarot card meaning
The Devil is the card of what holds you, often more by habit than by force. Name the hold honestly, and notice where the chain is loose.
| Group | Major Arcana |
|---|---|
| Number | XV (15) |
| Astrology | Capricorn |
| Numerology | Number 6 |
| Yes or no | No |
Keywords
Upright: Attachment, Temptation, Habits, Feeling trapped
Reversed: Breaking free, Release, Facing the hold
What the card shows
A horned figure with bat wings squats on a black block, one hand raised and the other holding a torch downward. An upside-down pentagram sits above his brow. A naked man and woman with small horns and tails are chained to the block, but the chains are loose enough to lift off.
The Devil upright
The Devil is the card of what holds you, often more by habit than by force. It comes up when something has more grip on your life than you would like: a phone you cannot put down, a debt that keeps growing, a job that pays well but leaves you empty, a relationship built on jealousy or need. Its Golden Dawn sign is Capricorn, the sign of ambition and material things, which shows how easily security and status can become a chain. The card is not a judgement. Look closely at the image: the chains are loose. The first step is to see the hold clearly and admit it honestly. What are you holding on to, and what would you gain by letting go?
The Devil reversed
Reversed, the Devil shows the start of release. You are seeing a pattern for what it is and beginning to loosen its grip. Breaking free is rarely a straight line, and slipping back into the old habit once or twice is a normal part of change. The card can also show a hidden hold being faced for the first time. Be patient with yourself, and ask family, friends or a professional for support where you need it.
In love and relationships
In love, the Devil shows strong physical attraction, and also bonds that are hard to leave: obsession, jealousy, control, or staying out of fear. Singles may be drawn to someone exciting but unhealthy. If you asked how someone feels, it shows intense desire, sometimes with possessiveness. Ask whether this bond gives you freedom or takes it away.
In career and study
At work, the Devil can show a job that drains your time, energy or values but that you stay in for the money or out of fear. It can also show overwork or office politics. Ask what keeps you there and whether that reason still holds. One small step toward something better can loosen the hold.
In money matters
With money, the Devil warns of spending habits, debt, gambling, or a money worry that runs in circles. Look honestly at what you owe and at what pulls you to spend. Seek proper help if a debt feels out of control.
The card’s advice
Name the hold honestly, and notice where the chain is loose.
Yes or no
The Devil is commonly read as a “No”. A habit or an attachment is keeping things stuck, so the answer is no until that changes.
The Devil is the card of Capricorn in the Western tarot tradition. Tarot for Capricorn
These meanings follow the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck. A card is always read with its position in the spread and the cards around it, so treat them as starting points, not fixed answers.
Questions about The Devil
Is The Devil a yes or no card?
The Devil is commonly read as a “No”. A habit or an attachment is keeping things stuck, so the answer is no until that changes.
What does The Devil mean in love?
In love, the Devil shows strong physical attraction, and also bonds that are hard to leave: obsession, jealousy, control, or staying out of fear. Singles may be drawn to someone exciting but unhealthy. If you asked how someone feels, it shows intense desire, sometimes with possessiveness. Ask whether this bond gives you freedom or takes it away.
What does The Devil reversed mean?
Reversed, the Devil shows the start of release. You are seeing a pattern for what it is and beginning to loosen its grip. Breaking free is rarely a straight line, and slipping back into the old habit once or twice is a normal part of change. The card can also show a hidden hold being faced for the first time. Be patient with yourself, and ask family, friends or a professional for support where you need it.
Which planet or sign is linked with The Devil?
In the Golden Dawn system, which most modern decks follow, The Devil is linked with Capricorn.