Welcome to another Tarot Tuesday!
If you are just joining me, let me explain the inspiration to begin these posts. In Texas, and all across the country, Taco Tuesday is a popular day when Tacos are usually 99 cents. So, I had the inspiration, or Angel nudge as I like to think of it, to create a Tarot Tuesday. Each Tuesday I will post a different Tarot card and give its meaning. I pray and ask for the right card that will bring a universal message.
I created a short video to demonstrate how I pull the card for the posts. If you’re interested, here’s a LINK.
Today’s card comes from the Major Arcana – The Devil.
While some may view this card as frightening, it is really a positive reminder that we are the ones who control our lives.
The keywords are: Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, and sexuality.
The Devil card can represent your shadow (or darker) side and the negative forces that constrain you and hold you back from being the best version of yourself. You may be at the effect of negative habits, dependencies, behaviors, thought patterns, relationships, and addictions. You may have found yourself trapped between the short-term pleasure you receive and the longer-term pain you experience. With the Devil, you may be choosing the path of instant gratification, even if it is at the expense of your long-term well-being. In effect, you have sold your soul to the devil!
The Devil card often appears when you have been tricked into thinking you have no control over your shadow self or these negative forces, and that you can never break free from their hold. You believe you need it and you must have it, even if it means going against what you know to be right to obtain it. Deep down, though, you know it’s to your detriment, and you are only doing yourself (and often others) a disservice when you cave in to these lower needs and desires. To break free of these negative patterns, you need to acknowledge the hold they have over you and the impact they are having on your life.
When the Devil shows up in a Tarot reading, see it as an opportunity to bring negative influences into your conscious awareness, so you can then take action to free yourself from their hold. Shine your light on the negative patterns that have been standing in your way for so long, and over time, you will loosen the grip they have on you. It may be a recurring pattern for you, and it will take a tremendous amount of willpower and strength to free yourself from their influence. But know this: it IS possible, and it is up to you to make it happen.
On the positive side, the Devil can also show a powerful attachment between two people, such as a mom and her newborn, or a new romance still in its ‘honeymoon phase’. Be careful, though, because, with the Devil card, this healthy attachment can turn into an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship if you lose connection with your inner guidance or don’t protect your personal boundaries.
The Devil can also represent sexuality and your wild side. You may be exploring bondage, fetishes and your deepest, darkest fantasies. If you can do this within a safe, sacred space, it can be a very enriching experience. However, it has the potential to turn into something that may be unsafe or detrimental to your well-being in the long-term, so again, set clear boundaries, choose your partners wisely and have your ‘safe words’ ready to go.
To me, this card is all about making choices. That is the beauty of life. We were given free-will and even though at times, it’s not easy, or comfortable, we are in control of those choices. Sure, we can be influenced by others, but deep inside, we always know the right choice for us. How do you view this card?
As always, thank you for joining me! See you next Tuesday for another inspiring message from the Universe via the Tarot Cards!
I use the Rider-Waite Radiance deck and BiddyTarot.com for interpretation
This card is very interesting, Jan. A walk on the darker side. I can see how overattachment would fit in here. Have you ever read The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. It is about a group of souls trying to escape Hell and “trying out” a taste of Heaven. Once character is a mother who has an unhealthy attachment to her son. She elected to stay in Hell rather than acknowledge the negative, clingy and needy aspects of her relationship.
I have read several C.S. Lewis books, but not that one, Robbie. Sounds like a great read! Sadly sometimes we do choose to stay in our unhealthy relationships. But, the bottom line is that the choice is always ours. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
My pleasure, Jan. The Great Divorce is my favourite of his books. VEry clever and though provoking.
Tarot cards are fascinating, aren’t they.
Yes, they are, Sandra! I’m always amazed at how accurate the weekly card is! Thanks for stopping by!
Fascinating as always, Jan! I love how your tarot readings fit so well into our world. I’m not quite sure what this card means for me personally, but I do feel it plays into what we’re going thru together, as a whole. We often need to be reminded that we do have control of our selves, our choices, and our actions.
Very true, Marlena. And one thing for sure, what is going on in the world is affecting us all. We’re in it together! Thanks so much for stopping by! Hugs!
At first glance at The Devil card I thought, ‘this can’t be good.’ After reading your post I understand that it’s actually a positive card. I recently made a few necessary changes in my life. It’s been hard, but I keep telling myself that it’s possible. 😀 xo
I have found that every Tarot Card can have both positive and negative aspects. But, this card, to me has always represented making choices and how we choose determines the next step for us. Thank you so much for stopping by. Never stop telling yourself that it’s possible! There is power in thoughts and in words!
I believe that too. <3
I like the idea that this card represents a number of alternatives from which to choose. I think we all need to know there are a number of options. Thanks, Jan
That is true, John. And we need to weigh our options carefully. Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting, Jan… So many choices before us every day. The decisions are ours to make!
All the time, Bette. Thank you for stopping by!
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I have been working on my self and the things that hold me back from my past. Change and forgiveness is hard but necessary to move forward. It’s so easy to fall back on comfortable and negative patterns. I feel like the world is going through the same painful process but many prefer to keep the comfort of what they know over letting and embracing the possibility of love and change.
It really does feel like the world is going through the painful process that you describe, Denise. We have so many choices put before us and each is enticing. It’s more important than ever to listen to your inner voice for guidance. Thank you so much for stopping by!
The card definitely fits the times. Lol! In my own life, I have recently started to distance myself from an online group of educators, not because they are bad people (they are awesome) but because their focus is (rightfully so) on the anxiety surrounding returning to school. Because of my own anxieties, I know that right now is not a good time for me to read the thoughts of others because it will only diminish my inner peace, and I am focusing on maintaining that as much as possible. So, I guess I can relate this card to my life in that way.:-)
You are so right, Yvette. Sometimes we have to distance ourselves from people who thrive on anxiety and especially empaths, which I know you totally are. I’ve had to distance myself from a dear friend for the same reason. My focus has to stay on the positive for my own well-being. Thank you so much for stopping by!
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I have to say that is a totally freaky card. I never would have guessed there were so many variables associated with it.
Lol, Mae. Doesn’t this card intrigue your fascination with monsters? 🙂 There is no bigger monster than the Devil. But, it’s not a horrible card. It reminds us we have choices and to make those choices wisely. Thank you for stopping by!
What a perfect card for the times in which we live. There’s little we trust any more. Media is controlled, WHO and others are compromised, and the list goes on. Through it all, as you have stated so beautifully, we are left with ourselves and the choices we make. I suspect many of us are rediscovering who we are at our core. We are seeing more clearly the attachments – to old stories, to unsupportive relationships, to destructive beliefs. As difficult as these last months have been, there are gifts waiting to be received. ♥
I totally agree, Gwen. There are so many choices placed before us and so little truth to guide us. More than ever, we must rely on our inner voice to help us make the right daily choices. Thank you so much for stopping by! Hugs!
What an interesting choice. And I like your interpretation, Jan. It seems that unless we deal honestly with our darker impulses, seek the truth, and make conscious choices, the devil rules. With the choices around this virus, the devil’s having a field day.
Yes, he is, Diana. And you are so right. We have to face the shadow self in order to grow more fully into our authentic self. Thank you for stopping by! Stay safe, and well!
He appears to be a Vulcan. Live long and prosper, Mister Devil.
Lol, Craig. Yes, he seems to be prospering quite well right now! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
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I never would have guessed there were so many nuances and meanings associated with this card. Fascinating. Thanks, Jan.
Thanks for stopping by, Staci. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.