The Devil can strike fear in those asking a simple question of the Tarot today, but it doesn't have to. The symbolism of the Devil card tells you everything you need to know about its inherent meaning. There is a definite sign of being trapped by something, as noted by the chains in the Lovers at the foot of the Devil's pedestal. The pedestal we know is very dark, so there is often a sense of secrecy in the situation at hand. That could be somebody keeping secrets from you, or you may be the secret keeper.

Very often the Devil card represents something or someone that is taboo or represents the underworld. In this sense, it represents our raw desires that are often seen as taboo by society: This is often sexual desires, kinks, drugs, addiction, or even unhealthy obsessions. But this card is not always so dark. Being trapped by the physical or material world can also be the meaning of this card. You may be feeling trapped by debt, obsessed with getting the latest gadget or sports car, or you may be influenced by somebody else that is.

The Devil shows us that being consumed and constrained by negative forces, and while it may not be going wrong now, it can lead to negative consequences. But what we know from the chained Lovers is that healthy romantic or platonic love can turn into unhealthy and codependent once we lose touch with our inner guidance. These lovers can free themselves from this trap at any time if they chose to move beyond what is holding them there.