Devil as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Devil, it means that you may have faced situations of bondage or excessive attachment, where control and manipulation played a significant role. During this time, it might have felt like you were trapped, unable to break free from unhealthy patterns and influences. This period required immense strength and willpower to navigate, pushing you to possibly reassess your values and the boundaries you set with those around you.

The Devil as the past can represent a time of indulgence, perhaps in behaviors or substances that were not healthy, leading to a cycle of dependency and loss of personal freedom. This card brings attention to a period where you might have been caught in a web of addictive behaviors, possibly losing sight of your true self in the process. It was a testing time, urging you to reflect deeply on your choices and encouraging you to break free from the chains that were holding you back.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Devil in the past position means there was a phase where the relationship may have been characterized by obsession, possessiveness, or unhealthy dynamics. This time was marked by a heavy energy where love might have been overshadowed by more destructive forces, perhaps involving jealousy or manipulation. It suggests a period where the relationship was more about possession than partnership, potentially straining the bonds and necessitating a hard look at the dynamics to find a healthier path forward.

If you are asking about an ex, the Devil in the past position means that the relationship had elements of manipulation or control, and it was a time when it felt like you were stuck in a pattern that was hard to break free from. This card indicates that you might have felt trapped, with toxic dynamics making it difficult to maintain a healthy and respectful relationship. It was a period characterized by a constant cycle of negativity, urging you to find the courage to break free and rediscover your sense of self.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Devil in the past position means there were times of unhealthy attachments, possibly manipulative dynamics, where freedom and individuality were suppressed. This time in your relationship might have felt suffocating, with control and possessive behaviors playing a big role. It was a period where you might have felt the need to protect your autonomy and to set firm boundaries to preserve your well-being.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Devil in the past position means there might have been phases of being stuck in a toxic environment, facing unethical practices, or getting caught in the trap of materialism. This card points to a time when you were perhaps too focused on material gains, potentially at the expense of your own values and ethics. It was a challenging time, pushing you to reevaluate what truly mattered and to perhaps take steps to free yourself from situations that were not serving your highest good.

Reversed Devil as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Devil reversed, it means that there was a realization of the chains that bound you and a strong desire or attempt to break free from limiting situations or habits. This time marked a significant shift, where you became more aware of the restrictions that were holding you back and actively sought ways to liberate yourself. It was a period of awakening and self-empowerment, where you took charge to redefine your boundaries and reclaim your freedom.

The Devil reversed as the past can represent a time of liberation from toxic patterns and gaining an understanding of one’s own inner demons and destructive tendencies. During this time, you delved deep within to confront and understand the darker aspects of yourself, seeking a path of healing and self-improvement. It was a moment of self-reflection and growth, where you actively worked on freeing yourself from destructive cycles and nurturing a healthier mindset.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Devil reversed in the past position means there was a period where both parties worked towards freeing themselves from unhealthy patterns and dynamics, striving for a healthier relationship. It indicates a time when you and your partner took a determined stand to work through difficulties, with a mutual understanding to foster a more loving and respectful bond. The efforts during this period were focused on breaking free from the chains of the past and fostering a relationship grounded in trust and mutual respect.

If you are asking about an ex, the Devil reversed in the past position means there was a break or separation that allowed for personal growth and breaking free from unhealthy attachments. This break provided a much-needed space for reflection and healing, allowing both parties to work on themselves independently. It was a time of liberation, where you found the strength to move past the unhealthy dynamics and to grow as an individual, seeking healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Devil reversed in the past position means there was a time when you both realized the unhealthy dynamics and took steps to change the nature of your relationship to something more positive. This period marked a turning point, where open communication and a mutual desire for a healthier relationship paved the way for positive change. It was a time of understanding and growth, where you both worked on breaking free from past hurt and fostering a relationship built on trust and respect.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Devil reversed in the past position means you might have taken the steps to free yourself from unhealthy work environments or toxic colleagues, working towards a more balanced and healthy work life. This phase in your career indicates a courageous move towards wellbeing, where you took charge of your professional life and made decisions that were aligned with your values and aspirations. It was a time of growth and empowerment, where you prioritized your peace of mind and pursued avenues that brought satisfaction and harmony in your work life.

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.