The Devil Tarot Card: Upright & Reversed Meaning Explained in a Reading

The Devil is a tarot card that can strike fear into us when it appears! But you don’t need to feel like your life has ended when it shows up.

Both the upright and reversed meaning of the Devil tarot card marks the beginning of the third and final story arc of the Fool’s Journey, and it’s by far the most confrontational. Here, we’re invited to face the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden away out of shame or fear. This card forces us to look at what we’re still chained down by, and where we have the power to break free, even if what lies ahead is unknown territory.

Symbolism of The Devil Tarot Card

In the Rider-Waite tarot, we see a literal interpretation of the Devil, with a satanic figure looming in the background. The position of his arms mirrors that of The Magician, reflecting the principle of "As Above, So Below". It's also interesting that when the Fool's Journey is laid out in rows, The Magician, Strength, and The Devil all begin a new line, suggesting a deeper connection between these cards.

The male and female figures stand naked with chains around their necks. These chains symbolise bondage, but they hang loosely enough that either figure could remove them. This suggests that while they feel trapped, their freedom is closer than they realise. The darkness of the card reinforces the sense of hopelessness and limitation that can accompany this experience.

I love the symbolism in the Robin Wood tarot, as it’s more accessible. The image is of two characters holding onto a treasure chest that is chained down. They’re in a tunnel, and the male figure is so close to getting out, but is stuck trying to drag this chest with him. Neither character recognises that if they let go of the chest, they’d both get to where they’d want to go. This shows us how easy it is to get trapped by what we deem precious because we’re unwilling to move on into the unknown future.

Upright Meaning of The Devil Tarot Card

The Devil appears because you're holding tightly to something that no longer serves you, and it may be keeping you tied to a version of yourself you've already outgrown.

This card suggests that you're caught in a prison of your own making. If you look closely at where you're gripping too tightly to a particular outcome or identity, you'll likely find the source of your discomfort.

Perhaps you're moving through a difficult period that's brought old wounds to the surface. In response, you may have slipped back into familiar coping mechanisms or patterns that once felt protective but now leave you feeling stuck.

The important thing to remember is that these old "treasures" (i.e. beliefs, expectations or coping mechanisms) once served a purpose. They helped you survive, but now they’re keeping you stuck. This card invites you to recognise what you’re so determined to drag with you and why you feel scared to leave it behind.

The Devil invites you to get curious about what you're carrying. What beliefs feel absolutely true right now? Are they facts, or are they stories built from past experiences? Once you recognise where these chains are, this card encourages you that you can actually feel free yourself from it. 

This card can also highlight the pressure to fit yourself into someone else's definition of success. You don't need to shrink yourself to fit inside a box that was never designed for you.

It's time to loosen your grip and see what becomes possible when you stop carrying what no longer belongs to you. And if that treasure is truly meant for you, it will return in a form that supports who you're becoming.

Reverse Meaning of The Devil Tarot Card

As always, pay attention to where reverse cards appear in your spread, as this will determine its meaning. Take the one that resonates and leave the rest.

An Obstacle on Your Path

The Devil appears here to show just how much these old patterns are blocking your progress. There may be pressure coming from society, family, or your own expectations, and it's important to separate what is actually true from what merely feels familiar. These chains can feel strangely comfortable because they keep you engaged in a struggle you already understand.But comfort isn't always freedom.

The Devil reminds you that continuing to repeat the same patterns may feel productive, but it's actually keeping you trapped in cycles that leave you exhausted and disconnected from yourself.

The Shadow Side

The Devil often represents the parts of yourself you've deemed unacceptable rising to the surface. There may be a lot of noise in your mind right now, and every thought seems convincing. But be careful of shiny treasure as it may be fool's gold.

These old stories once protected you, but continuing to believe them may keep you trapped in shame, self-doubt, or fear. The Devil reminds you that you are not your thoughts.

You have the right to your desires. You have the right to change your mind. And you have the right to move beyond what you've been taught to believe about yourself. It's time to look beyond the walls you've built and discover how much bigger you truly are.

Final Thoughts

The Devil isn't a card of punishment or evil. At its heart, it's a card about awareness.

It asks you to look honestly at thoughts or beliefs you've become attached to, and consider whether they're helping you move forward or keeping you stuck.

This can be uncomfortable work, which is why The Devil sits at the beginning of the most challenging section of the Fool's Journey. But it's also incredibly liberating. Because once you can see the chains, you can choose whether you want to keep wearing them.

The Devil reminds us that true freedom comes from holding all parts of ourselves, not just the shiny nice pieces. It’s time to release the stories that make you feel trapped, so you can inhabit a brighter and fuller part of yourself. 

Want more support with your tarot practice?

Free 5-Day Email Course

Join my Gentle Tarot Method Email Course: a free 5-day journey with daily prompts to help you build a slow, grounded tarot practice.

In-person Workshops Sheffield

Workshops for beginners and intermediate readers that cover the foundations of tarot with practical exercises to grow your practice.

Tickets from £15

Find Out More

The Complete Tarot Framework

A 6-Month course to help you intuitively understand any tarot card. Through a simple framework, you will build accurate interpretations specific to your life.

Coming April 2026

Find Out More