Major Arcana cards：XV The Devil

Card Interpretation

On the card, the Devil looks down at the slaves chained before him and sneers triumphantly. Though bound by iron chains, the slaves could free themselves if they helped one another. Yet their eyes have been clouded by the Devil’s temptations, and they submit to his control willingly. Look closely—they have already grown horns and tails just like the Devil’s. For all his terrifying ferocity, the Devil has a voice as sweet as honey. He lures people into becoming his slaves with promises of wealth and so-called security. Under his thrall, people lose the ability to communicate with one another; their hearts are consumed entirely by raw, unbridled desire. In their single-minded pursuit of money, they reject all other life goals, growing selfish and greedy. But when life draws to a close, these material possessions will cease to hold any meaning at all.

The Devil represents a false belief—that material wealth equals everything. External distractions allow impulse to override reason; one’s spiritual needs fade away, and one becomes unwilling to take responsibility for their actions, for they can always blame the Devil for their faults. This can also be seen as career success, provided that wealth is your ultimate goal.

In both symbolism and meaning, the Devil (a Major Arcana card) echoes the 6th card—the Lovers—except the angel has been replaced by the Devil, and romantic love has devolved into mutual indulgence in desire. Adam and Eve, intoxicated by their cravings, can no longer hear the angels’ blessings; only the Devil’s infernal curses ring in their ears. The original romance and warmth have turned into mutual bondage, like the collars around their necks, chaining them fast at the Devil’s feet. Adam gazes at Eve as he did before, but Eve hangs her head, staring helplessly at the iron collar around her neck. The original cycle of materiality, spirituality, and morality has been overturned, leaving nothing but obsession with material things and desire. The once-flowing dialogue between sensibility and rationality has been severed, transformed into a chain that binds them both.

Upright Position

When drawn upright, the card signifies: Entrapment, depravity, illness, malice, submission, being a prisoner of desire, irresistible temptation, a decadent lifestyle, living in debt, hidden secrets, and a clandestine love affair. You will achieve considerable fame and fortune in your career—work is your be-all and end-all, and wealth is your sole objective.

Emotionally, you and your partner have begun to restrict each other, yet neither of you wishes to improve the relationship. Instead, you resign yourselves to enduring the entanglement and resentment between you.

Reversed Position

When drawn reversed, the card signifies: Breaking free from restraint, resolving troubles, recovering from illness, letting go of the past, a pause, separation, resisting temptation, abandoning selfish desires, the moment of parting, and a love-hate relationship. In your career, reason begins to prevail over desire, and you find a goal truly worth striving for. Emotionally, you start to attempt open communication with your partner, which strengthens your bond.