Devil as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Devil, it means that you’re confronting your shadows, acknowledging the chains that bind you, and hoping to understand or overcome dependencies, materialism, or the darker aspects of your situation. This card signifies a desire to face and conquer the aspects of your life that have held you back, suggesting a readiness to delve into and resolve these challenges. It encourages you to recognize the power within yourself to break free from these bonds, highlighting the importance of personal strength and determination in overcoming obstacles that limit your growth and happiness.

The Devil as fears can represent the fear of being trapped, the anxiety of succumbing to temptation, or the dread of not being able to break free from unhealthy patterns or relationships. This reflects deep-seated worries about being ensnared in situations or behaviors that diminish your sense of autonomy and well-being. It serves as a call to examine the choices and influences in your life critically, urging you to take action to liberate yourself from the destructive cycles that prevent you from living fully and authentically.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Devil in the hopes and fears position means there’s a concern about the relationship being bound by unhealthy dependencies, control, or desires that may not be conducive to mutual growth. This card warns of the potential for power imbalances and the need to address any dynamics that hinder rather than enhance the partnership. It encourages a reevaluation of the relationship’s foundations, advocating for honesty, open communication, and a mutual commitment to nurturing a healthier, more balanced connection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Devil in the hopes and fears position means there’s a fear that the connection was based on dependency or negative patterns that are difficult to break free from. This indicates an awareness of the toxic elements within the past relationship and a concern about their lingering effects on your emotional well-being. It underscores the necessity of confronting and healing from these past influences, allowing you to move forward with clarity and strength.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Devil in the hopes and fears position means there’s a worry about the influence of negative behaviors, dependencies, or the impact of materialism on the relationship. This card highlights concerns about how these factors may be eroding the trust and integrity of your connection, suggesting the need for boundaries and open dialogue to address and resolve these issues. It prompts a reflection on the values and dynamics that define the relationship, encouraging efforts to foster a bond based on mutual respect and understanding.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Devil in the hopes and fears position means there’s a concern about being too tied to material success, experiencing unethical practices, or feeling trapped in a situation that doesn’t align with your true values. This reflects apprehension about compromising your integrity or losing sight of what’s genuinely important in the pursuit of financial or professional achievements. It calls for a reassessment of your career path and financial goals, urging you to consider how they align with your personal ethics and long-term fulfillment, and to make choices that honor your deepest truths and aspirations.

Reversed Devil as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Devil reversed, it means that you’re seeking liberation from past chains, hoping to break free from limitations or negative patterns, and aspiring to reclaim power over your life. This card indicates a critical turning point where you recognize the need to release yourself from behaviors, relationships, or situations that have been holding you back. It encourages you to embrace this moment of awakening, highlighting the importance of self-empowerment and the courage to pursue a path that aligns more closely with your true self.

The Devil reversed as fears can represent the dread of facing the void left by breaking free from addictions, dependencies, or toxic situations, fearing the change that comes with liberation. This reflects apprehension about the unknown and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life without the familiar crutches or constraints. It serves as a reminder that while the journey towards freedom can be daunting, the space it creates offers invaluable opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Devil reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a hope to overcome unhealthy aspects of the relationship, yet a fear of what change might mean for the bond you share. This card suggests a desire for a more authentic and healthy connection, acknowledging that addressing and releasing negative patterns requires bravery and honesty. It underlines the need for mutual effort and open communication, emphasizing that true love thrives in an environment of respect and freedom.

If you are asking about an ex, the Devil reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a desire to move past the negative aspects of the relationship, fearing the difficulty of fully letting go and the journey of healing that follows. This indicates a readiness to confront and heal from the past, yet apprehension about the emotional work required to truly free oneself from lingering attachments. It encourages a compassionate approach to self-healing, affirming that letting go is a vital step towards personal liberation and future happiness.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Devil reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a wish to resolve or move beyond controlling or dependent dynamics, yet a fear of how the relationship might change as a result. This card points to a longing for healthier interactions, but concerns about the implications of setting boundaries or challenging existing patterns. It suggests that true relationships are built on respect and autonomy, urging you to prioritize healthy dynamics that support individual and mutual growth.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Devil reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s an aspiration to break free from unethical practices or unfulfilling jobs, fearing the instability or uncertainty that may accompany such a significant change. This reflects a deep desire for work that is meaningful and aligned with your values, coupled with concerns about the risks involved in making a substantial career shift. It calls for trust in your abilities and the pursuit of authenticity in your professional life, reassuring you that integrity and fulfillment are worth the uncertainties of transition.

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.