Transparent Tarot - 15 - Devil

rwcarter

The card shows a brass (gold?) ring with 5 chains attached to it in the form of an inverted pentagram.

Chains
  • that which ties, restrains, connects or enslaves
  • may be associated with habits, patterns or beliefs
  • could correspond to unified strength or be something that pulls things together
  • symbol of bondage, vice, imprisonment or defeat
  • unity through bondage in friendship, communication or communal endeavor; may represent social or family cohesion
  • some metaphors concerning chains:
    • “a chain of thought” is the process of thinking or increments of ideas
    • “a chain is no stronger than its weakest link” means that a weak part or member will affect the success or effectiveness of the whole

Bonds/Bondage
  • represents that which has one all tied up
  • may symbolize a disagreeable or difficult responsibility
  • associated with attitudes and beliefs that has one captured
  • could represent sexual apprehensions, morals, fears, hang-ups or fantasies

Ring
  • represents a relationship, agreement, commitment or bond
  • a symbol of binding, joining, fidelity or membership in a community

Inverted Pentagram/Pentacle
  • represents the reversal of man’s true nature

Notes:
Some metaphors concerning the Devil:
  • “away goes the devil when he finds the door shut against him” means that evil will never triumph if all temptations are rejected
  • “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” means that it’s often preferable to choose or stay with people or things you know, despite their faults, than to risk replacing them with someone or something new but possibly less desirable
  • “the devil dances in an empty pocket” means that the poor are easily tempted to do evil
  • “the devil finds work for idle hands to do” means that idle people may find themselves tempted into wrongdoing
  • “the devil is in the details” means that the details are important and should be paid attention to when considering a proposition or undertaking a project
  • “the devil is not as black as he is painted” means that people are rarely as bad as other people say they are
  • “the devil looks after his own” means that bad or undeserving people often prosper or thrive (said in response to the success or good fortune of such a person)
  • “the devil’s children have the devil’s luck” means that bad people often have good luck
  • “every man for himself and the devil take the hindmost” means that in highly competitive or dangerous situations, one must guard or pursue one’s own interests with ruthless disregard for those who can’t keep up
  • “give the devil his due” means that people should be recognized for their skills and contributions even if they are otherwise unworthy or unlikeable
  • “haste is from the devil” means that one shouldn’t be tempted to act in haste because one will be bound to regret it
  • “tell the truth and shame the devil” means that it’s always best to be honest, no matter how easy it may be to lie

Rodney