The Devil card in the Tarot is often associated with temptation, addiction, and materialism. The Devil as feelings can represent intense passion, but also unhealthy attachments and power struggles. As the card corresponding with Capricorn, it also embodies ambition, discipline and earthly desires.
Go to the Higher Self Love Tarot Ritual
Jump to the Devil Card-Inspired Tarot Spread for Liberation from a Toxic Relationship
The Devil as Feelings of a Love Interest (Upright)
When The Devil appears upright in a reading about a love interest’s feelings, it suggests a powerful attraction and intense desire. This person may feel a strong physical or sexual pull towards you, perhaps even to the point of obsession. Their feelings are likely rooted in primal instincts and carnal desires rather than emotional connection.
However, these feelings may not be entirely healthy. The Devil can indicate possessiveness, jealousy, or a desire to control. Your love interest might view the relationship as a conquest or a way to fulfil their own needs without considering yours. They may struggle with commitment issues or have difficulty expressing their emotions in a balanced way.
The Devil as Feelings when Reversed or Ill-dignified
When reversed, The Devil can signify a release from unhealthy attachments or breaking free from toxic patterns. In terms of a love interest’s feelings, this could mean they are becoming aware of their own destructive behaviours or dependencies within the relationship. They may be actively working to overcome jealousy, possessiveness, or addictive tendencies.
Alternatively, the reversed Devil might indicate that their intense feelings are waning. They could be losing interest or realising that the relationship is not as fulfilling as they initially thought. This shift in perspective might lead to a more balanced approach to the relationship or a desire to end it altogether.
The Devil When You Are Single and Looking
For singles, The Devil card serves as a warning to be cautious in your search for love. It suggests that you may be prone to falling into unhealthy patterns or attracting partners who are not emotionally available. This card encourages you to examine your own desires and motivations. Are you seeking a relationship for the right reasons, or are you driven by a need for external validation or fear of being alone?
The Devil also reminds you to be aware of potential red flags in potential partners. Look out for signs of controlling behaviour, addiction, or emotional manipulation. Instead of rushing into a relationship based on physical attraction or superficial qualities, take the time to develop a deeper emotional connection and ensure your values align.
The Devil As Your Attachment Style in the Relationship
When The Devil represents your attachment style, it suggests you may have an anxious or preoccupied attachment pattern. This can manifest as:
- Fear of abandonment
- A constant need for reassurance
- Tendency to become overly dependent on your partner
- Difficulty trusting and feeling secure in the relationship
You might find yourself becoming possessive or jealous, constantly seeking validation from your partner. This attachment style often stems from childhood experiences and can lead to tumultuous relationships if not addressed.
The Devil As the Attachment Style of Your Love Interest
If The Devil represents your love interest’s attachment style, it could indicate they have an avoidant attachment pattern. This might manifest as:
- Difficulty committing to the relationship
- Emotional distance or unavailability
- Fear of intimacy or vulnerability
- Tendency to prioritise independence over connection
Your partner may struggle with opening up emotionally or may seem to pull away when the relationship becomes too close. This can create a push-pull dynamic in the relationship, leading to frustration and insecurity.
The Devil As the Energetic Connection
When The Devil appears as the energetic connection in a relationship, it suggests a powerful, often karmic bond. There may be a strong sexual or physical attraction that keeps you drawn to each other, even if the relationship is not entirely healthy. This connection can feel intoxicating and addictive, making it difficult to see the relationship objectively or to leave even when it’s not serving your highest good.
This energy can also indicate shared shadows or unresolved issues that you’re working through together. While this can lead to growth if approached consciously, it can also result in destructive patterns if not addressed.
The Devil As the Potential Outcome
As a potential outcome, The Devil warns of the dangers of giving in to temptation or allowing unhealthy patterns to continue. If current behaviours persist, the relationship may become increasingly toxic or codependent. There’s a risk of losing individual identity or becoming trapped in a cycle of manipulation and control.
However, this outcome is not set in stone. The Devil also offers the opportunity for transformation. By recognising and confronting your shadows, both individually and as a couple, you can break free from destructive patterns and create a healthier, more balanced relationship.
The Devil in a Relationship Breakdown
In the context of a relationship breakdown, The Devil can represent the toxic elements that led to the dissolution of the partnership. It might indicate issues such as:
- Infidelity or betrayal
- Addiction or substance abuse
- Emotional or physical abuse
- Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
- Codependency or loss of individual identity
This card suggests that the breakdown may be necessary for both parties to break free from unhealthy attachments and patterns. It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, allowing each person to reclaim their power and independence.
Higher Self Tarot Ritual to Release Negativity & Realign
Materials needed:
- The Devil Tarot card
- A black candle
- A white candle
- A piece of paper and a pen
- A fireproof bowl
Steps:
- Create sacred space in your usual way
- Light the black candle, representing the shadows and negative patterns you wish to release.
- Place The Devil card in front of the black candle.
- On the piece of paper, write down any unhealthy relationship patterns, fears, or limiting beliefs you want to let go of.
- Meditate on these patterns, acknowledging their presence without judgment.
- When ready, safely burn the paper in the fireproof bowl, visualising these patterns transforming into smoke and dissipating.
- Extinguish the black candle, symbolising the release of these negative energies.
- Light the white candle, representing your Higher Self and new beginnings.
- Turn the Devil card face down and visualise it transforming, releasing its chains. Then, in your mind’s eye, see your Higher Self revealing your highest potential in love. Spend a few minutes imagining a new, healthy love relationship where you are free to be true to yourself.
- Close the ritual by expressing gratitude and affirming your openness to a healthy partnership.
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
The Toxic Relationship Liberation Tarot Spread
- Current Situation for You: This position reveals the present state of your involvement in the toxic relationship, highlighting your emotional state and immediate challenges.
- Current Situation for Your Partner: This card represents your partner’s perspective and their current stance within the relationship dynamic.
- Root Cause of Your Behavior: This position uncovers the underlying fears, insecurities, or past experiences driving your actions in the relationship.
- Root Cause of Your Partner’s Behavior: This card illuminates the core reasons behind your partner’s toxic behaviours or patterns.
- What’s Holding You Back: This position exposes the self-imposed limitations or external factors preventing you from breaking free of the unhealthy dynamic.
- Your Partner’s Obstacles: This card reveals what’s keeping your partner trapped in negative patterns or preventing them from changing.
- Your Path to Liberation: This position offers guidance on steps you can take to reclaim your power and break free from the toxic relationship.
- Potential for Your Partner’s Growth: This card suggests possible avenues for your partner’s personal development if they choose to pursue change.
- The Relationship’s Potential for Transformation: This position indicates whether the relationship can evolve into a healthier dynamic, and what that might look like.
- Your Potential Outcome if You Choose to Leave: This card provides insight into what your future might hold if you decide to end the relationship.
- Lessons to Be Learned: This position highlights the personal growth opportunities and wisdom to be gained from this challenging experience.
- Guidance for Moving Forward: This final card offers advice on how to proceed, whether that involves healing within the relationship or finding the strength to move on.
This Tarot spread encourages reflection on personal responsibility, growth opportunities, and the possibility of transformation, either within the relationship or by choosing to leave.
Love Tarot Card Meanings + Rituals Index