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Synopsis
Inhibitions, blocks and fears which,
once removed, release positive energy. General
Description
Of all the Tarot cards, the Devil
is the most difficult to comprehend (in keeping with his nature),
since he wears an individual face for each person. The experience
that he characterizes is marked by dependence, loss of will,
the failure of good intentions, as well as courses of action
that go against our convictions. The Devil corresponds to
the dark side of many Tarot cards: in contrast to the Magician
(I), he is the Black Magician. He is part of the dark side
of the High Priestess (II); the insincerity and worship of
materialism shown in the opposing principle of the Hierophant
(V); the side of the Lovers (VI) that has degenerated to a
power struggle or soulless lustfulness; and the corruptible
or self-righteous shadow of justice (XI). He embodies the
unbridled greed of Strength (VIII); intemperance in contrast
to proper Temperance (XIV). He is the ruler of wide portions
of the Moon (XVIII) landscape. The Devil naturally appears
to us in his most enticing form as the Tempter. The card shows
that we are playing with fire and have to be as careful as
hell (!) not to burn our fingers in the process. On a deeper
level it means that the background of the question brings
us into contact with our own shadow side.
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