The Devil, 15/XV
‘Satan’ is the Hebrew word for opposition.
The Lesson - Acceptance
'Boat of Hymer' by H Fuseu, 1790.
The Lesson is Acceptance: Despite all the Fool has learned, she still has to fight her own demons and deal with the darker side of herself, her shadow side.
The Devil coincides with the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which governs the skeleton, knee tendons, upper teeth, nerves, hair, and skin conditions.
Number Associations: 15, 6 (15 = 1 + 5 = 6)
Physical Body Associations: Sleleton, knee tendons, upper teeth, nerves, hair and conditions of the skin.
Upright Devil's Energy Wellness Advice
The Devil is another card that is often misjudged. He actually represents the animal side of our nature, the lustful, wild and instinctual part of self, which is fine provided there are limitations, desires don’t run rampant and our consciences prevent us from landing in dysfunctional situations or mindsets. We are opposed by our own poor attitudes, negative self-image and bad relationships.
In fact, you may be involved in self-doubt, pessimism, excessive dependency, unnecessary guilt, materialism, selfishness, lust, addictions (mental and physical), perversions, cruelty, abuse or violence. Yours may be a situation of little joy or contentment.
In the Rider-Waite deck, two naked and chained people stand in front of the Devil who sits on his throne. Mind you, their chains are loose. They could walk away anytime and yet they stay. This is the danger.
A sexual component wreaking havoc on your life, perhaps a nonsexual relationship to which you are bound and unhappy.
You may find yourself having to choose between two paths that you feel are of equal worth, such as happiness and money, false security and true independence.
Creative energy is wasted or drained either from greed or oppression.
Are you feeling trapped and unable to free yourself from a situation of your own making?
Whatever has you enslaved, whether it is food, drugs, alcohol, money, another person, a career or a group you belong to, your own misguided desires may be keeping you in turmoil.
You may have thought and planned on making changes, but have not yet acted. If you do not choose soon, you may suffer greatly for it later.
Reversed Devil's Energy Wellness Advice
When the Devil is reversed, it is important to look at the surrounding cards to see what they are showing you. Things are either getting better, the chains are dropping and you feel a sense of liberation or they are getting worse as a result of not being able to see your way out.
Either hang-ups and inhibitions or engaging in escapist behaviors has you caught in a web.
Self-loathing is one of the worst things you can do to yourself. If you have a desire to be accepted and keep the peace at any price, ask yourself what price you are paying. Visit 'Dealing With Negativity'.
Self-opposition is slow suicide. Don’t let past issues impede your progress! You do have the strength to change. It is in you!
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