Devil as Intentions (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 Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Devil, that means this person intends on relentlessly pursuing you. The sparks that are flying between you two are insane. They are filled with desire for you. However, the Devil indicates that there is a darker, unhealthier side to all of this. It’s good to have an intense passion for one another, but it’s also important to know where to draw the line. Extremes are always a recipe for disaster.

The Devil as intentions means that they want to be in love, even if it means losing themselves. They want to be dependent on someone else. They intend on getting together, just for the sake of getting together. They have feelings for you, however, their feelings are so strong that they may end up being destructive. They have no sense of space and want to be as close to you as possible, and not just physically. Their self-identity may be in danger here.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Devil is a sign of them intending on using you as an outlet for their passion. They feel intense lust toward you, and they want to act on it. There is a selfish desire for gratification here. It’s okay to be hooking up with this person, but if you’re looking for a committed relationship, then now is the time to be clear about your intentions. The both of you may not be on the same page.

For existing relationships, the Devil represents an intention to bring the darker side of your relationship to light. The both of you have become codependent on each other and it’s negatively impacting your relationship. Your partner is addicted to you, so much so that they may feel afraid to speak up about what they really want, and vice versa. Communication between you two is hazy because you are afraid of setting the other off. It’s important to work together and overcome this codependency.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Devil shows that they intend on avoiding reconciliation. Your relationship was damaging to them. Like an intoxicating drug, your relationship had insane highs, but also very destructive lows, and your ex recognizes that. They’ve thought about coming back to you but they know that it will only cause more pain. They’ve ultimately decided that your relationship was bad for them and currently have no intentions of reconciling. 

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Devil means that this person’s intentions are to solve your relationship’s underlying issues. They are highly attracted to you, but they also recognize that this attraction is borderline unhealthy. Your relationship has many issues that are preventing them from wanting to commit to you further. In any case, it’s a good sign that they recognize this and want to address it. Be honest with your partner and work together to solve these issues. Once these issues are resolved, your relationship will be headed for a deeper commitment.

Reversed Devil as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Devil reversed, that means this person intends to move on from the past. They had a lot of personal baggage in the past, but now they’ve worked on it and are ready to let go. This positive change was something they’ve worked very hard for. They are ready to embrace their new selves and move on from the things that held them back.

The Devil reversed as intentions means that they are ready to let go of negativity. If they’re currently in a negative relationship, they’ve finally reached the point where they think enough’s enough. Their relationship was destructive and they don’t want to be a part of it any longer. If you’re the partner that’s been holding them back, then it may be painful to hear. But this is a good thing for them. This change is going to be for the better.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Devil reversed is a sign of them intending to break free from their old ways. They are ready to start fresh with you. Your relationship has started off on the right foot, which is perfect for your partner because they’re tired of their old ways. They want to embark on a fresh, new, and healthy relationship with you. Their negative habits are a thing of the past.

For existing relationships, the Devil reversed represents an intention to change. If you’ve both been taking steps to better your relationship, then this is a sign that positive changes are on the horizon. But, if your relationship has had a pattern of negativity and codependency, your partner has realized this and wants to break things off. Either way, change will be coming, and both outcomes are positive in the long run. Lean into this change because your partner intends on taking this as a learning experience to better themselves. You should take the chance to do the same.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Devil reversed shows that they intend on putting your past relationship behind them. They are moving on from the bad experiences in their life, and your relationship was one of those. Your chemistry together was explosive, but not in a good way. You were both hurt in the aftermath, and after a lot of thinking and healing, your ex is ready to move on. They are working on themselves and have set down the path to personal growth.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Devil reversed means that this person’s intentions are to assess your relationship and see where things can go. If you’ve both been working on your relationship for the better, then this is a sign that they want to take things further. On the other hand, if you’ve both been unhealthily reliant on each other, then this is a sign that your partner wants to break free from that — whether that means leaving the relationship behind or working together with you to break free, it’ll be up to the current status of your relationship.

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.