The Devil’s torch may burn, but it can also illuminate what’s been hiding in the dark and reveal what’s throwing you off balance. When The Devil appears, he can be magnetic and alluring, drawing us in with promises of all the good things in life. Half man, half beast, with the head of a horned goat (the symbol of the astrological sign Capricorn), he’s all about deception and illusion. The Devil wants you to believe that money can buy everything including friends, love, happiness, and more. He lacks morals and standards and encourages you to do the same.
No one likes to confront The Devil. He can be dark, controlling, and manipulative. He represents our shadow self, our saboteur. Do you know that inner voice that pipes up and shares its unsolicited negative thoughts right before you’re about to make a big leap forward? That’s him!
A Message for Each of Us
True story: Each December, I pull a card to set the tone for the new year—I don’t question it. When The Devil came up reversed, the voice in my head went negative and I thought “no one wants this.” My inner voice urged me to put it back and try again. Against my better judgment, I reshuffled and set an intention. Round 2: the same card—reversed and all!!
And here we are. I believe there’s a message here for each of us. The Devil reversed kicks off our year—and the good news is that he’s NOT upright.
In tarot, card reversals usually indicate one of three things:
- The card needs some extra attention
- The meaning of the card needs to be flipped on its head
- The card takes on its shadow meaning
The Devil Reversed
To what are you paying attention? The Devil reversed is a return to you. You’re taking the necessary steps to release yourself from a restricted situation. You’re beginning to think for yourself again and decide your own path. Maybe you’ve just come out of a life-changing experience, been deeply affected by someone or something, and are looking at your life in a very different way.
How can you successfully flip this card’s meaning? Overcoming addiction. Release from restrictions. Liberation. Freedom. Independence. You were trapped/stuck and now you’re ready to move on. Walk out of the darkness. An ending to a dark phase of your life.
The Devil is the shadow. Its power is fading. It calls you to challenge any fear, anger, or sadness you’ve been carrying. Expose them to the sunlight. Remember your strengths, skills, and talents.
This is the real you.
To learn more about the symbolism of The Devil check out this short video:
While I’m not usually one to recommend a show on TV, I still cannot get the story of The Shrink Next Door out of my head (you can find it on Apple TV). It’s one season, eight episodes, and it’s inspired by a true story. Have you seen it? Let me know if you see echoes of our friend, The Devil, in the story. Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell disappear into their roles. I found it riveting.
New Year, Blank Canvas, Fresh Start!
Ways to live the path of the Devil reversed include:
- Become an independent thinker
- Make an effort to change a situation to accommodate your needs
- Be aware
- Choose a lighter path (both illumination and weight)
- Practice unlimited thinking
- Feel hopeful
- Think positively
- Envision your successful future self
Remember, your power is in the present, not the past. Happy New Year, you Lucky Devil!
Ever upward,
