Devil as a Man (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Devil is the card of addiction, sexual desire, codependency, and attachment issues. This card shows two people, a man and a woman, chained to the devil himself. Though it seems like they are being held against their will, look further and you will see that the chains around their neck are quite loose. They have the capability to free themselves if they wish. 

The Devil reminds us that while desire is good, taken to an extreme, it becomes deadly. Addictions (whether to drugs, sex, or love) kill loving relationships. Codependency is dangerous, and we must develop our own individuality in a relationship. The Devil also reminds us that the greatest chains are the ones we set upon ourselves. It is up to us if we want to make a change. Our greatest power is within us. 

Upright Devil as a Man

If the Devil appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is bound by material desires, potentially manipulative, or trapped in a cycle of obsession or addiction. His voice is likely to be deep and smooth, oozing confidence that can make you hang on his every word. The room might seem to get warmer when he enters, as if bringing in a heavy, electric energy that you can almost taste—heady and intoxicating.

For physical characteristics, the Devil as a man represents someone who is charismatic, with intense and captivating eyes, and an aura of allure and magnetism. His appearance is impeccably groomed, often in dark or rich colors that add to his mysterious allure. The scent around him could be strong and spicy, emanating masculinity, and even a simple handshake might reveal hands that are both firm and unsettlingly warm.

For emotional characteristics, the Devil as a man represents someone who is dominant, persuasive, and possibly harboring hidden agendas or obsessions. His laughter may be loud and a bit disconcerting, tinged with an undercurrent of something you can’t quite place—perhaps mockery or disdain. In conversation, he may engage in subtle psychological games, making you second-guess yourself or feel like you need to earn his approval.

Astrologically, the Devil as a man represents someone who is connected with Capricorn, exhibiting a strong drive for material success, ambition, and sometimes being overly controlling. This person may have a prominent Capricorn Sun, Moon, or Ascendant, but he could also have Saturn heavily aspected in his birth chart, strengthening the cold, calculating energies often associated with this planet. Planetary placements in the 10th House could also indicate his strong ambition and desire for control.

For careers, the Devil can represent a man who works as a CEO of a major corporation, a politician, or an influential salesperson. In his work environment, you’re likely to encounter a meticulously organized, opulent office that represents his material achievements, filled with luxurious and tactile items like leather and mahogany. When negotiating or selling, his words often come across as hypnotic, making you feel as though he’s offering something you’ve always wanted, even if you hadn’t realized it before.

The Devil as a man represents someone who makes you feel enthralled, tempted, but also possibly confined or manipulated. There’s a pull that is hard to resist, making your heartbeat accelerate as you’re drawn deeper into his web. Yet, part of you might feel boxed in, as if the walls are slowly closing, making the air around him feel dense and suffocating, despite its initial intoxicating aroma.

Reversed Devil as a Man

If the Devil reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is beginning to recognize their chains and seeking freedom from limiting beliefs or self-destructive habits. In conversation, his tone may waver, as though he’s choosing his words more carefully than before. His presence carries a lighter energy than it used to; it’s as if the room brightens a bit when he walks in, filled with a newfound hope that’s almost palpable.

For physical characteristics, the Devil reversed as a man represents someone who is showing signs of weariness or strain, with a desire for liberation evident in their eyes. His attire may have lost some of its previous luster, perhaps appearing more casual or disheveled, signaling a shift in priorities. The scent around him could be milder than before, or even absent, as if to indicate a removal of previous artificial layers.

For emotional characteristics, the Devil reversed as a man represents someone who is questioning their choices, seeking authenticity, and aiming to break free from emotional constraints. His voice may reveal newfound vulnerability, as he begins to share more openly about his own struggles and doubts. You might notice a sense of humility that wasn’t there before, softening his earlier dominance or arrogance.

Astrologically, the Devil reversed as a man represents someone who is challenging the strict structures and limitations often associated with Capricorn, seeking more spiritual or emotional fulfillment. He could be going through significant transits that aspect his natal Saturn or Capricorn placements, triggering a re-evaluation of life goals and values. Alternatively, this man may be experiencing the influence of more water or fire signs in his progressions or transits, helping him break free from Capricorn’s earthy constraints.

For careers, the Devil reversed can represent a man who works as a rehabilitation counselor, a motivational speaker on personal freedom, or someone transitioning out of a high-pressure job. His workspace might be undergoing transformation, with the previous trappings of luxury being replaced by items that offer more emotional or spiritual significance. In professional interactions, he might seem less intent on “winning” and more focused on achieving genuine understanding or harmony.

The Devil reversed as a man represents someone who makes you feel hopeful for change, understood in your own struggles, but also wary of potential relapses. In his presence, your shoulders may involuntarily relax, yet a part of you remains vigilant, aware of the challenging path that both of you are navigating. The atmosphere around him is tinged with cautious optimism, like the first rays of dawn breaking through a long, dark night.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Devil reveals the darker side of lust and desire. Chemistry can be a great thing, but taken to an extreme, can become an addiction. No matter how tempting, unhealthy behavioral patterns ultimately do not produce the results that we want. The Devil serves as a warning sign, urging us to identify and bring the issues out of the dark and into broad daylight. With honest communication, we can build a solid foundation for the future.  

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.