15 The Devil
In the traditional deck...
The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the illusions that keep us trapped in destructive patterns. This card depicts figures chained to the Devil, but their chains are loose—symbolizing that our limitations are often self-imposed and maintained by our own beliefs and fears. The Devil embodies our shadow side, addictions, toxic relationships, and the material obsessions that prevent spiritual growth. This card highlights how we become enslaved by our own negative thoughts, destructive habits, or unhealthy attachments that we believe we cannot escape. However, The Devil also represents the power of awareness—once we recognize these patterns and illusions for what they are, we can choose to break free. The card reminds us that what feels like external bondage is often our own creation and therefore within our power to change.
In the Shakespeare deck...
Iago whispering poison into Othello's ear perfectly captures The Devil's insidious power to manipulate through our own inner weaknesses and fears. Iago doesn't force Othello to become jealous—instead, he skillfully plants seeds of doubt that grow into consuming obsession because they feed on Othello's existing insecurities about his race, age, and worthiness of Desdemona's love. Like The Devil, Iago presents himself as a trusted advisor while systematically destroying his victim through psychological manipulation. He understands that the most effective chains are those we forge ourselves from our own fears and self-doubt. Iago's whispered suggestions become Othello's inner demons, showing how The Devil operates by amplifying our worst impulses and making destructive thoughts feel like our own. The tragedy lies in Othello's inability to see that his mental chains are self-imposed and that the "evidence" of Desdemona's betrayal is merely illusion.
Interpretation...
When The Devil appears, you may be trapped in destructive patterns, toxic relationships, or limiting beliefs that feel impossible to escape. Like Othello consumed by jealousy fed by Iago's manipulation, you might be allowing negative thoughts or external influences to chain you to behaviors that harm yourself and others. This card warns against the seductive power of blame, victim mentality, or addictive patterns that promise relief but deliver only deeper bondage. The Devil reminds you that awareness is the first step toward freedom—most of your chains are psychological and maintained by your own beliefs about what's possible. The card challenges you to examine what or whom you've given power over your thoughts and actions, and to recognize that you have more freedom than you realize.
Advice...
Recognize that most of your limitations are self-imposed and changeable
Examine which negative thoughts or influences you're allowing to control you
Question whether your fears and insecurities are based on reality or illusion
Take responsibility for your choices rather than blaming external circumstances
Identify toxic relationships or patterns that keep you trapped in negativity
Remember that awareness of your chains is the first step toward breaking them
Don't let others plant seeds of doubt that grow into destructive obsessions