LEARN TO DO YOUR OWN TAROT READINGSThe Devil - Card 15 in The Major Arcana
A monstrous, horned figure with bat-like wings sits, or rather perches, on a type of black throne. The Devil figure has goat-like haunches and claws for feet. Chained to a ring in his throne are a female and male figure, both naked. They each appear to have a tail. The Devil has a pentacle above his forehead.
Although in The Bible the Devil is a fallen angel, in mediaeval plays he was always portrayed as a terrifying beast. The actor playing the Devil wore a costume of horns, hairy shanks and either hooves or bird-claw feet. Occasionally the bat-wings were also worn.
The Rider Waite Devil is very similar to the 18th century Marseille deck in that he sits on a throne and has the same slanted eyes, wings and claws. He holds a blazing torch rather than the traditional pitchfork.
The small naked figures represent two demons under the Devil's control. The chains (probably representing the weight of sin) were a well worn convention in mediaeval drama.
This card in a reading:
Upright: The Devil card can indicate that the querent might be in an unhealthy relationship or situation. This may relate to romance or to work. The likelihood is that these facts are unknown to the querent. This card is a warning that matters must be looked into.
Reversed: Evil, weakness, blindness.
Summary: Ignorance is not bliss.
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