THE DEVIL—
THE CARD OF PENDING EVIL, Part 2 of 2

How we view the Devil will determine how we work with him. Is it all about what we do with our appointment with the shadow (Dark Night of the Soul)? Do we pull the covers over our head and shut out the chances offered – or, do we throw open the sash and grab onto the opportunity to achieve goals or to become more spiritually? Do we resign ourselves to remain bound by our inner demons – or, do we throw off the shackles and look the Devil in the eye? As simple as it sounds, just tell him to, “Buzz Off?” By some cosmic order, he must obey and allow you to take the first step toward freedom. No one says the work which must inevitably follow will be easy, but no journey begins on the second step, anyway? In order to facilitate this new-found freedom from evil, we will examine the aspects of this card in the same manner as before.

Physical:

The most physical aspect of this card which immediately leaps to mind whenever I see it is Addiction or Addictive Behaviors. Those who are prone toward such addictive perceptions, are very susceptible to delve into addictions in a negative manner -- Alcoholism, drugs, gambling, eating disorders, smoking, over-eating, shopping, nail biting, obsessive-compulsive issues and any manner of habit-forming mannerisms. Not all addictions are health threatening or illegal, but all are equally as difficult to manage. On a positive side, they provide a mechanism which can adversely serve as an escape; but at the same time provide insight toward a healing or management of the problem. First, the individual must see that they are not helpless and their chains can be removed and, then, seek help. Another aspect of this card is Addictive Behaviors. While the extreme is often harmful to the individual (such as remaining in an abusive relationship or indulging in reckless endeavors or dangerous habits), there are circumstances which are actually not so bad. It depends upon the degree of self-sacrifice in situations such as caring for a relative or child, focusing heavily upon a career goal, developing any project or artistic work, etc., are not automatically a negative value. If it becomes an obsession or comes at the expense of one's well-being and that of others, then it enters the range of physical self-abuse. It goes without saying that stress can be simply a motivator for achievement or a dangerous health risk. This card may indicate that the querant has entered that danger zone; but on the upside, it is not too late to heal and turn away from further destruction.

Emotional:

Fear creates an unseen ripple which inadvertently effects both the individual and every other life they touch, whether directly or indirectly. This lesson is taught to us in “It's a Wonderful Life”. If we could only have Clarence drop in and allow us to actually see and experience the world without our being in it, would we make better choices? No matter how dark the situation may be, honesty rules and love can over come. That may sound a bit sappy, but it really is as simple as that. This dark Oracle may demand that you examine your own heart as deeply as possible, but if you can discover love of self there, he has lost the battle. Do you love and care enough for yourself? Do you understand that you need recognition and a “pat on the back” now and then, even if you must do so yourself? Do you allow yourself even five minutes to breath or do something that is just for you without feelings of guilt? If you can answer “yes” to any or all of those questions, you are less likely to be held captive by this card for too long. Repetitious self-denial and constantly feeding any self-doubt is what forges those chains. However, if you remove all the negatives and change a word here and there, it becomes a positive affirmation. Simply put, a firm belief in yourself is what loosens the chains. Facing the Devil is easier if you know this one tenant -- “You will never find outside of yourself what you do not already have within”. Every sappy card, prayer or song that spouts words of love for the world and mankind is a prayer that offers hope in a world that is so often seen as filled with hopelessness. We can draw from the basic energies of our base Chakra and that which the ancient Pan teaches -- “fight or flight”. We can take a stand against the Devil or we can succumb to his threat and hide. If arrogance rules the heart, there is danger we will answer the dark Oracle's riddle incorrectly or merely choose to recede further into the shadows becoming lost even from ourselves.

Mental:

As we apply this aspect of the Devil card we address our desires, perceptions and attitudes. We may find an immediate challenge to develop new attitudes and beliefs from the old out-dated ones. If we perceive this card as dark and fearful, then it will remain that way. All it takes is to light the candle of spiritual enlightenment and the shadow can no longer hide that which we fear. We tend to fear that which we cannot see or name, but in magic we are taught the power and importance of the word -- If you can give something a name; then you hold power over it. Likewise, if you can hold a visualized goal in your mind's eye, and avoid stressing or trying to control the steps toward achievement, you have the basis for manifesting whatever you desire. You then can find the missing half of the foundation on which the Devil expects authority. Notice that he is not actually, holding those chains – It is that perception and belief which allows him to have the power over the human captives. Their chains are actually loose-fitting and escape would be easy. What we believe we are -- we become. What we can visualize -- we can manifest. It merely requires action and self-confidence. The Tarot does not allow dead ends to a querant. The Fool begins the journey and the World ends it. But, this circle has no ending and merely begins again with a new journey. Therein lies the hope even within the darkness of the Devil Card. Our mental attitude is our power. Whether it is healthy, troubled, disturbed or touching insanity determines whether we approach the lair of the Devil with courage and answer the riddle of the shadow or succumb to the Devil's whims and become his slave. It is silly to expect that we can just sail through life on a positive outlook and a silly grin. Reality can be a real test of will power at times; but we are not expected to bear all the burdens for everyone else at the expense of our own happiness. Balance is the key to maintain a healthy relationship with the self and the world around us. Even the more difficult challenges such as caring for a sick friend/relative, a difficult relationship, or hard times in business/career do not have to be mental drudgery unless we choose to give over our control and along with it our sanity.

Elemental:

1) Fire -- The Devil Card implies that fire is the most prominent element by its obvious cultural images of a Hell with fire and brimstone. Although, fire is the element of action, it appears that any action is impossible for these chained individuals. However, their punishment is self-imposed and due more from their own guilt or evil ways than by any doing on the part of the Devil. 2) Water -- This element is representative of emotions which as Cups in the Tarot, quell the fire element into steam power. Power is re-gained through emotional expression and the acceptance of responsibility for former actions. 3) Air – This element surrounds the figures regardless of darkness or light. Another aspect of air is with breath by which one may speak a prayer for help, which is carried through the ethers from the darkest place of fear and into the light of Spirit. In Tarot, Air is depicted by the Suit of Swords, which represents taking up the sword of challenge, attitude, mental clarity and perception; and of cutting away of old beliefs which no longer apply. Our state of mind (mental attitude) determines whether we perceive this card as foreboding and full of damnation or as an Oracle's riddle for the shadow. Is the glass half empty or half full? 4) Earth – The base on which we all stand and from which we may draw unlimited energy. The Devil claims “squatter's rights” upon the material world but he may own only half of it. Perhaps the missing half holds the road which leads out from the valley of temptation and toward a peaceful Garden of Eden. And finally, 5) Spirit – The fifth element is the Devil himself. He is the guardian which bars the way into the garden beyond – His power to prevent entrance is limited to the amount of resolve we carry within to accept this world's gifts which we deserve. The password into the valley is – Balance.

Spiritual:

In order to truly appreciate these spiritual truths, it will require that we earn them. The cost is knowing the self, by accepting our darker, base side and balancing with the demands of the outer self. Life's greatest challenge is to create a working balance between our responsibilities with that of our personal well-being. The ancient Egyptians understood their god/goddesses to be dual energies which contain both positive, constructive aspects as well as a negative, destructive one. This truth was universal to their magical culture and everyday life. This universal truth keeps the world in order and prevents chaos from obtaining unopposed rule. Humans are microcosms of that universe. We may seek guidance for all aspects of our spiritual evolution from the tarot and learn to understand ourselves thoroughly by utilizing all twenty-two (22) Major Arcana cards.

Without understanding what “bedevils” us, we cannot advance easily toward our life's goals. One must approach this dark Oracle without fear and ask for the riddle. Humans are simply slaves to the ego; but with self-understanding comes enlightenment. We are spiritual beings in physical form here to learn and evolve. It would be impossible to accomplish this without acknowledgment of our shadow side. We tend to hide from it and deny it until a trauma or crisis forces the issue. Ideally, nothing is impossible without a belief in oneself and if that is strong, then facing the Devil Card can be done with confidence. Here's an idea. The next time this card appears in your reading, use a standard orator's tool for controlling nerves – picture the Devil in his underwear and laugh. Your fear will lift as you “name” it. Then stamp your foot and declare -- “I take back my power!”

Click Here to return to Part 1 of THE DEVIL - THE CARD OF PENDING EVIL

Click Here to return to the current InfoLightenment