Card 7: Potential Long-Term Future: The Devil

This is one of the most foreboding cards in the Tarot deck, and not just because it is called “The Devil.” To really understand this card, it’s essential to look at the symbolism behind it.

First and foremost, The Devil is a card of self-undoing. At best, it represents unhealthy relationships and alliances, and, at worst – and quite frequently – it speaks to various types of addictions to which we become “enslaved.” Other themes of this card include obsession, control, abuse and manipulation of various kinds.

One of the most telling things about this card is the imagery of the two figures shown on the card: while each figure has chains around their neck, each also appears quite comfortable with their situation – almost as if they’re resigned to it. Another clue is that the chains are loose-fitting, and could easily be slipped off by either party – yet they decide to remain in their present situation, largely by choice.

What The Devil card is mostly, is a wake-up call. Watters says the card “is a huge warning, and is flagging up that there is something horribly wrong.” She goes on to say, “any questions about pursuing a love interest when the Devil is present simply have to be negated. The Devil warns us that we are playing with fire, inviting situations which will be trouble and which could destroy us. We must question our motivation or the motives of another, and accept that things are not what they seem…in a situation where there is still a choice, the message of The Devil card is to get out and don’t look back. If someone is hell-bent on any course of action symbolized by The Devil, it will come with a heavy price tag.”

Admittedly, these are strong words, which, at first reading, almost sound a bit overdramatic. But in light of your previous history and the cautions suggested by the other cards, they appear to be worth taking under consideration.

This card appears in the “long term future” position, which is meant to symbolize a time line of roughly a year and beyond. What this suggests is that if you did indeed pursue a relationship based on existing criterion, you may be faced with these types of issues in the long-run.