The Devil trump of the Rider Waite deck and other similar decks based on reveals a large Pan-like creature with red eyes and clawed feet looming over a naked man and woman. The torso and arms of this creature are human while the head appears to be a cross between a large goat-like creature. The head sprouts large horns with an upside down pentagram affixed between them. Donkey ears suggest obstinacy or stubbornness. The creature also sprouts bat wings of the same brown color as the body. This creature has his right hand raised while his lowered left hand holds a torch. The raised right hand with open fingers suggests that all you see is not all there is to know. On the palm is the symbol of the planet Saturn, the planet of limitation and inertia. The black background indicates ignorance or limitation. Who can go forward in complete darkness?

This formidable trans-species with no genitals perches upon a block that houses chains that are loosely draped over the heads of a naked man and woman, held seemingly in bondage. Both humans have small horns and tails, the negative aspects of themselves. The man’s tail appears to be on fire from the lit torch of the devilish creature but the woman’s tail appears to become a basket of fruit.

The chains, while heavy and loose, suggest that these humans cannot be fully coerced to the devils’ bidding but are free to choose otherwise at any time. Both reflect our nature in the mirror of creation. I see it as our conflicting or contrasting natures.

Karmically it is said that humans are on this earth plane to work out past debts through the world of illusion since this world or dimension is the plane of maximum karmic opportunity. Are God and the devil true opposites? As long as one is afraid of the devil and in the devil’s ultimate reality, one becomes confused and distorts reality or the true nature of man, the soul.

The devil is numbered 15 in the Major Arcana and numerologically is the multiple of the Lovers card number 6. The Lovers card appears more benign suggesting that marriage is the ultimate human relationship. The devil is the ultimate symbol of sex and the division of the sexes.

In a reading the devil stands for the unconscious propagation of fears, hidden desires, and ignorance. The querent is challenged to overcome a particular fear or compulsion by seeing it as a distorted image or mask hiding a deeper aspect of the personality. This card indicates the correct solution to the problem. Take a look at the surrounding cards to give more insight into these issues. Remove the chains and walk away from whatever challenges you may be experiencing

Reversed:
Reevaluate your beliefs about what is important and what is of real value.
Consider what it is that is holding you back from having the experiences and things you want, both in a relationship and spiritually.
Perhaps it is time to contemplate why you feel stifled or limited. Family patterning, low self-esteem and many other limitations have to be recognized before they can be healed and lifted.

The Robin Wood Devil card has a softer image that does not include the scary devil. A woman and man seemed trapped, along with a trunk full of jewels in a dark cave or hallway. The man sees the natural world at the end of the long dark hallway. Chains appear in the background but are not tied to anything. Such an image would narrow the meaning to the material or world of seeming illusion that we live in and are attracted to.

How Many Major Arcana Does It Take to Screw In A Lightbulb?

The Fool – already has begun before anyone is ready.

The Magician – places light bulbs on the table and explains what they do.

The High Priestess – sits back knowing it should be done and starts giving orders.

The Empress – makes sure that all is safe and no one gets hurt.

The Emperor – tells everyone how he thinks it should be done and how to do it.

The Hierophant – offers advice on the missing parts after checking with the High Priestess

The Lovers – explain how to turn up the amps.

The Chariot - charges in and starts doing it no matter what anyone says.

Strength – gently places what’s needed into the Chariot’s hands.

The Hermit – suggests that placing a candle by the lamp is best.

Wheel of Fortune – laughs and reminds everyone that the light bulb will need changing in the future.

Justice – decides whose turn it is to change the light and decides if the work is evenly distributed.

The Hanged Man – looks at the whole situation from a different perspective.

Death – mentions that all of this was meant to happen and how it will end.

Temperance – tells Death to chill.

The Devil – tries to blame the Hanged Man for the light going out and creates bad feelings.

The Tower – starts tearing out the original light parts so that he can create a different look.

The Star – is amazed and looks forward to having the light working again.

The Moon – constantly offers conflicting advice, confusing everyone until he wanders off.

The Sun – wants to redecorate the entire room around a much brighter light.

Judgement – examines the light and wonders if it can be recycled.

The World – suggests that any problems with the light are temporary and asks everyone to focus on the bigger picture.