The Devil

The Devil card is the 15th card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck and is sometimes referred to as the Horned One as well. I personally prefer the Horn One, as it is a nod to the guardian of the forest, the Horned God, or Pan in Welsh mythology. It is often the primary symbol of the God in many pagan belief systems.

Typically depicted as a horned, goat-like figure, reminiscent of the mythological god Pan or the Christian interpretation of the devil. This figure represents primal instincts, base desires, and materialism. Two human figures, often a man and a woman, are shown chained to the pedestal on which the Horned One sits. This symbolizes oppression, addiction, and being trapped by desires or material concerns. Despite the chains, they are often depicted as loose, suggesting that escape is possible if they choose to free themselves. An inverted pentagram is often seen on the Devil’s forehead, symbolizing the inversion of spiritual values and a focus on the material world. Alternatively, there may be the figure of the Horned One upon an elevated grove in the woods, overlooking the animal kingdom. The Devil sometimes holds a torch, representing the illumination of base desires and passions.

When held upright, it can represent being trapped by materialism, addiction, or unhealthy relationships. It reflects a sense of powerlessness over one's circumstances or desires. It may Indicate a period of temptation, where one's baser instincts might lead them astray. This can pertain to overindulgence in food, lust, alcohol, or other vices. Also, a focus on material gains and the physical world, sometimes at the expense of spiritual and emotional well-being is present.

Alternatively, when represented by the Horned One, there are other meanings that it can hold:

The call of the wild, the forces of one's animal nature and instinct. Tensions between order and chaos. The rise of primal instincts such as nesting, nurturing, herding and protecting. Keep in mind that unless there is a negative interpretation being suggested by surrounding cards, the Horned One is a symbol of healthy, life enhancing wild nature. Don't always be alarmed when you see the Devil! It has a dual meaning within the Horned One as well!

In the reverse position, it can mean imbalance, the destructive upsetting force in the universe and panic. There could be an appetite with no conscience or evil, violence and oppression, again, depending on what other cards it may be drawn with in interpretation.

Key Traits: Nature, Call of the wild, animal impulse, materialism, temptation and indulgence, shadow self. (these sway between the Devil and the Horned One

Key Traits (reversed): Imbalance, destruction, violent forces, oppression, guilt as a weapon