The Misunderstood Arcana
The fifteenth major arcana, often referred to as the ambivalent arcana, is known for its multifaceted and complex interpretations. Associated with the signs of Capricorn and Scorpio, it fundamentally expresses that good and evil exist only in the human mind. The Devil is a card that leaves no one indifferent, evidencing situations that entrap the querent in diverse areas such as love and work. However, the card suggests that these situations can be reversed as the person gains control over their base passions. It is the most misunderstood card in the tarot, particularly among the 22 major arcana, and its interpretation must be seen in conjunction with the cards that accompany it.
Interpretation of Elements in the Deck
The central element of this card is a devil with wings and a helmet wielding a sword in his left hand. This figure represents a wise angel who has fallen from grace and sows evil driven by interests and instincts. The helmet symbolizes his intention to obtain whatever he desires by force, essentially the belligerent symbol of someone who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The sword in his left hand represents power, while the moon he stands upon symbolizes the occult world, destiny, and the most basic instincts.
The two little devils chained to the pedestal of the fallen angel represent yin and yang, as well as the passions that imprison man and can reduce him to his most primitive state.
The Devil in Readings: A Sign of Bondage, Temptations, and the Search for Reason
The Devil is a complex card due to its nature. It is one of the most difficult cards to understand because it indicates multiple facets of the querent’s life that can largely be modified according to their will to resist worldly temptations, hence the phrase “the misunderstood arcana.” The card fundamentally possesses the ability to clearly indicate the situations that entrap the person while simultaneously highlighting the potential to alleviate them. This is symbolized by the little devils who, despite being chained by the neck, have their hands free, indicating that one can act to change their destiny.
In an inverted position, the Devil can take on a more positive meaning, indicating the overcoming of the wrong path and the recovery of a healthier life. In this sense, it is often associated with detachment in almost all aspects, as well as the reversal of suffocating situations. However, being ambivalent, it also presents negative aspects: in love, it is associated with disappointments; in work, with precautions; in finances, with distrust; in health, with relapses; and in spirituality, with the preservation of existing attitudes.
Represents: The lowest instincts, passions, difficulties in confrontations, power struggles, and misfortunes.
Esoterically, it is associated with Sagittarius. The 6 (15=1+5=6). It belongs to the element of Fire and the season of Summer.
In numerology, it represents the number 15: Discovering the hidden and removing the bad. Innocence and candor.
Meaning in Three Planes:
- Love Plane: His taste for the pleasures of life is such that he is capable of making rash decisions. Be cautious of any excesses and take time to rest occasionally.
- Money Plane: His urge to consume is very strong lately, despite a limited budget. If he doesn’t control his impulses, he risks falling into a complicated situation.
- Work Plane: Be wary of advice from colleagues who claim to be friends, as they may only seek to see you fail. Do not be influenced and stay focused on your responsibilities.
