The Devil from the Visconti-Sforza Tarot
With the current emphasis on Capricorn, I thought it timely to look at the Tarot card associated with this sign: the Devil. This card is about bondage (to a person or situation). When you pull it, it’s a red flag that you are holding yourself back through your fears/bad habits/addictions.
The association with Capricorn has to do with this sign’s tendency to control. Questions to ask when you see the Devil card:
- Have I given away my authority?
- Am I limiting myself with fears/self-destructive behavior?
- Is what I want truly good for me?
Ironically (considering Capricorn’s disciplined nature) this card is also about seduction (the unhealthy kind). Being drawn in by the deception of overindulgence in any of the crazy pleasurable, earthy stuff (overeating, overspending, destructive sex). When you see the Devil, what feels good is probably hurting you. It’s not just lust, it’s corrosive. This reminds us that Capricorn can be seduced by status, appearance and power.
The great thing about this card? You can release yourself at any time. If you want to.
Does this card also mean that there may be something you truly desire, but which you tell yourself would be an ‘overindulgence’? In other words, you may like to think that something would be bad for you, but you should really let yourself be free and go for it.
It would depend on the surrounding cards, but I’d be inclined to say no. Whatever this card refers to is probably unhealthy for you.
“Have I given away my authority? Am I limiting myself with fears/self-destructive behavior?” YEP!! “You can release yourself at any time. If you want to.”
Ahhh the million dollar question… HOW?!?! I’m not asking for an answer; however, this is exactly the type of question we would ask for ourselves in a reading.
“How do I let go (of the fear) and move forward in life?” “What is preventing this?” “How do I overcome the inertia of doing (and following through) the things I KNOW need to be done?”. These are our questions!
Great post as usual!
I realize the time is NOW for me
Thanks.
Yep, the “how” is a very good question.
Would you interpret this card reversed as the act of release from these things?
Yes. The reversed Devil means you’ve found a way to unchain yourself.
I am a sun sign Capricorn, and I have never liked seeing the Devil card in a spread. Death? The Tower? I might not feel exulted, but I know I can handle whatever changes might come my way. Perhaps the Devil disturbs me because it points out that I’m not as “in control” as I would like to think?
Possibly. This card does seem to dwell on Capricorn’s shadow side. Capricorn is not a sign that’s comfortable diving into the shadows (unlike Scorpio, for example).
To me this card represents bliss and the transcending of all limitations. I definitely see how that can go awry and I feel that when you say, “you can release yourself at any time” people seem to be inclined to focus too much on the former rather than this absolutely true and profound latter.
Interesting interpretation, but I can’t say I agree with it.
I have been wanting to comment on this post for some time. Thank you for posting it since I have had several readings done – by myself and by another experienced reader and the Devil card has come up several times in the past month as my Significator. I have been paying very close attention this card because I know its about obsession/drawing into/being attracted to something that may look great but is actually very sabotaging. A quote from your post that is most helpful:
“When you pull it, it’s a red flag that you are holding yourself back through your fears/bad habits/addictions. ~snip~
Have I given away my authority?
Am I limiting myself with fears/self-destructive behavior?
Is what I want truly good for me?”
This is exactly what I think its about; being chained to “the devil I know” versus to be released to “the devil I don’t know”, particularly “Is what I want truly good for me?” Your post has given me a chance to truly examine this aspect of energy I choose to clothe myself in at this time, and a new perspective on how this card can be very useful instead of fear producing. EFT and Yoga are practices I am doing now to help me detach and unblock this fear/control/self destructive/self sabotaging energy so as I forge ahead – it will be interesting how this card will transform itself in my life. Thank you!
You’re welcome!