X. FORTUNE
Alongside time exists fate, the bearer of cruelty." —Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Wheel of Fortune - more commonly referred to as simply "Fortune" - is the tenth card of the Major Arcana. In the center of the card always lies the "Wheel of Fortune", a large wheel with varying fates lining it's edges. This Wheel is known to be the wheel of the Roman goddess of luck and fortune, Fortuna. It symbolizes the '"random" nature that fate or destiny seem to have - one moment life can be full of glory and wonder, and the next it is filled with agony and despair, as if someone is simply spinning a wheel to decide what will happen next. The Wheel itself either has six or eight spokes in most decks, and it can be blank or inscribed. Almost always an inscribed wheel will have the letters "T-A-R-O" on them in the cardinal positions. While your initial instinct may be that this is a nod towards the term tarot, it is instead to drive home the concept of the Wheel; rota is Latin for "wheel". In some tarot decks, the other four "empty directions" (if we're to think of the Wheel as a compass for a moment) have inscriptions on them as well: the alchemy symbols for the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The reason for this is to remind the reader that everything is connected; in the Tarot deck, the Minor Arcana's symbols are also related to the four elements. Even when fate seems to take control of your journey or be the key factor in it, one must remember that the journey is never about one card - life is never about one experience. The Wheel is attended to by a guardian - sometimes a human, sometimes a Sphinx, but most commonly a hybrid of the two. This is an interesting combination, as the Sphinx is often seen as a merciless and incredibly clever being, while humans are typically seen as fairly compassionate and generally foolish. Again, this is likely a nod towards the polar-opposite twists of fate that seem to be all that occur in life. In some decks, people are seen around or on the Wheel, often blind-folded to represent their lack of foresight in regards to their own destiny. Some Fortune cards will even depict people falling off of the Wheel. This depiction is up for debate; some believe it represents the end of the journey as the Wheel no longer needs to spin for you, while others maintain the belief that this is a sort of allusion to taking charge of your own destiny. In other decks, people are no where to be seen - instead, the Wheel is surrounding by various animals: some lavishly adorned and others in beggar-like dress. In both the Persona deck and the A.E. Waite deck (the other deck we've looked at in this class), the Wheel depicts the Egyptian god Anubis rising on the wheel and the fearsome Typhos (or Typhon or many other spellings of the name) is opposite him. While this is, again, entirely open to debate, it is possible that having these beings clinging to the edge of the Wheel can be seen as a warning not to try and thwart fate.
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes, as aforementioned, the concept of fate or destiny, and how arbitrary it can seem. It represents luck, fortunes, and opportunities - all both good and bad, desirable and undesirable. It also represents the idea that "what goes up must come down", and vice versa. Nothing in the journey is static; Fortune represents the turning of events, the presentation of possibilities, superior forces taking charge, movement and development, activity and surprises, expansion and new experiences, interpretation, sudden change, dissension and approachability. In the Journey of the Fool, the Fool has just emerged from their Hermit period. They now understand that everything in the world is connected - and they understand how. With new vigor he can examine the Journey and it's wondrous design, full of cycles and stages. The Wheel of Fortune represents how this mysterious universe around the Fool also plays a part in his journey; up until now, the Fool was convinced that it was he alone who decided what happens and when it happens. As the Fool returns to see the vast beauty and natural order of the world, he feels assured that he can find the answers he seeks. The Wheel's presence is emphasized by a chance encounter or miraculous experience that spurs the Fool on to continue growing and changing - the Fool becomes aware of fate and destiny, either through visions or through a sequence of events. He is exposed to the idea that he may have to walk a path that has already been carved for him on occasion, instead of blazing his own trail as he did in the Chariot stage. This is a large turning point in the Fool's journey, but after his "rest" in the Hermit stage, he is ready for the trials he will face - he is ready for movement and action once more. The Fool's eyes have been opened to "the big picture" and he is now able to blend the idea's of himself and the Hierophant; he understands his individual role and desires as well as society and the world's desires for him, and he finally understands how the two go together.
In a tarot reading, the Wheel of Fortune's meaning is often dependant on it's surrounding cards. However, it is understood to signify all of the aforementioned traits - the most widely recognized and interpreted being sudden change, the infamous "twist of fate".
The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes, as aforementioned, the concept of fate or destiny, and how arbitrary it can seem. It represents luck, fortunes, and opportunities - all both good and bad, desirable and undesirable. It also represents the idea that "what goes up must come down", and vice versa. Nothing in the journey is static; Fortune represents the turning of events, the presentation of possibilities, superior forces taking charge, movement and development, activity and surprises, expansion and new experiences, interpretation, sudden change, dissension and approachability. In the Journey of the Fool, the Fool has just emerged from their Hermit period. They now understand that everything in the world is connected - and they understand how. With new vigor he can examine the Journey and it's wondrous design, full of cycles and stages. The Wheel of Fortune represents how this mysterious universe around the Fool also plays a part in his journey; up until now, the Fool was convinced that it was he alone who decided what happens and when it happens. As the Fool returns to see the vast beauty and natural order of the world, he feels assured that he can find the answers he seeks. The Wheel's presence is emphasized by a chance encounter or miraculous experience that spurs the Fool on to continue growing and changing - the Fool becomes aware of fate and destiny, either through visions or through a sequence of events. He is exposed to the idea that he may have to walk a path that has already been carved for him on occasion, instead of blazing his own trail as he did in the Chariot stage. This is a large turning point in the Fool's journey, but after his "rest" in the Hermit stage, he is ready for the trials he will face - he is ready for movement and action once more. The Fool's eyes have been opened to "the big picture" and he is now able to blend the idea's of himself and the Hierophant; he understands his individual role and desires as well as society and the world's desires for him, and he finally understands how the two go together.
In a tarot reading, the Wheel of Fortune's meaning is often dependant on it's surrounding cards. However, it is understood to signify all of the aforementioned traits - the most widely recognized and interpreted being sudden change, the infamous "twist of fate".
XI. JUSTICE
To find the one true path, one must seek guidance amidst uncertainty..." —Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
Sometimes known as "Virtue", Justice is either the 8th or the 11th card in the Tarot deck, depending on the deck. (Again, I've placed it as the 11th to go along with the Journey of the Fool - and as the Wheel would have it, the deck we're looking at happens to have Justice as the 11th as well.) Justice is connected to both the Strength Arcana and the Temperance Arcana, as they are all part of the four "cardinal virtues". The Justice card contains some striking similarities to many past Arcanas; namely the Hierophant and the High Priestess. The connection to the High Priestess is intensified when Justice is considered the 11th card - the cross sum of 11 is 2, the number of the High Priestess' card. While the High Priestess represents hidden knowledge and subtle intuition, Justice represents bringing this forth and using this knowledge and intuition out in the open; the Fool is left to hope that his inner mental power can bring him to the right place. Justice holds a sword pointed to the skies in one hand, and a set of scales in the other. He (or she, depending on the deck) is swathed in noble-looking clothing. Some decks depict Justice with a crown; others do not. The sword represents the sheer power and determination Justice wields - he has a command over himself and is willing to use that to impact the world around him. The scales represent the classic "good vs. evil", "wrong vs. right" battle that Justice is constantly warring in. The noble clothing represents the idea that fighting for Justice is an honourable, noble cause, and the crown represents Justice's mastery of morals.
The Justice Arcana represents more than simple justice. It also represents the ability to stay objective and rational, and emphasizes the importance of analysis. The Justice Arcana is impartiality and the distance and coldness required for such a frame of mind. It represents an objective and clever mind, a critical nature, insensitivity, swift decisions, realized intellectual potential, realism and severity, responsibility and rationality, logic and reason. The Justice card is much like the Hierophant card in that it teeters on a tightrope; on one hand it can be representative of level-headed decision-making, and on the other it has the potential to represent cold-hearted, self-serving revenge.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Justice stage represents the Fool's struggle with his understanding of destiny. While originally the Fool embraced and valued a cosmic destiny thrust upon him by Fate, he now must decide how to approach this. What does his destiny mean to, and for, him? Justice causes the Fool to reflect on his Journey thus far and consider the cause-and-effect relationships that have occurred: how much was up to him and how much did fate decide? The Fool struggles - but ultimately succeeds - in taking responsibility for his past actions. Though fate plays a role in his life, it does not control it entirely. He makes amends with himself and his choices in order to live a more honest and level-headed future. Justice must be served in order for him to truly be able to move forward. The Fool may pay for his actions and come to this realization during a series of events, or he may simply come to this conclusion while in deep thought and repent his immoral actions in his past. The Justice stage is still a part of the turning point or crossroads in the Fool's life - he is making important realizations and choices. Will he stay true to his new self, or will he tarnish his "clean slate" again with questionable actions and decisions? Will he treasure his new insights and honour them, or will he return to the "easier" way of life and cease to grow? It's up to the Fool to decide.
The Justice Arcana represents more than simple justice. It also represents the ability to stay objective and rational, and emphasizes the importance of analysis. The Justice Arcana is impartiality and the distance and coldness required for such a frame of mind. It represents an objective and clever mind, a critical nature, insensitivity, swift decisions, realized intellectual potential, realism and severity, responsibility and rationality, logic and reason. The Justice card is much like the Hierophant card in that it teeters on a tightrope; on one hand it can be representative of level-headed decision-making, and on the other it has the potential to represent cold-hearted, self-serving revenge.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Justice stage represents the Fool's struggle with his understanding of destiny. While originally the Fool embraced and valued a cosmic destiny thrust upon him by Fate, he now must decide how to approach this. What does his destiny mean to, and for, him? Justice causes the Fool to reflect on his Journey thus far and consider the cause-and-effect relationships that have occurred: how much was up to him and how much did fate decide? The Fool struggles - but ultimately succeeds - in taking responsibility for his past actions. Though fate plays a role in his life, it does not control it entirely. He makes amends with himself and his choices in order to live a more honest and level-headed future. Justice must be served in order for him to truly be able to move forward. The Fool may pay for his actions and come to this realization during a series of events, or he may simply come to this conclusion while in deep thought and repent his immoral actions in his past. The Justice stage is still a part of the turning point or crossroads in the Fool's life - he is making important realizations and choices. Will he stay true to his new self, or will he tarnish his "clean slate" again with questionable actions and decisions? Will he treasure his new insights and honour them, or will he return to the "easier" way of life and cease to grow? It's up to the Fool to decide.
XII. THE HANGED MAN
In the face of disaster lies the opportunity for renewal." - Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
The Hanged Man is the 12th Arcana. The card itself is often fairly simple: it depicts a man hanging upside down from his ankle (note that in almost all decks, the Hanged Man is only hanging by one foot). Most often he is hanging from a wooden beam - sometimes this is a cross, sometimes this is gallows, and sometimes this is simply an apparatus shaped like a T. Very rarely is the Hanged Man seen in a tree, as trees represent growth, which as you'll learn in a moment is fairly unrelated (if not in opposition) to what this Arcana represents - but you'll still see him in a tree sometimes. It is also worth noting that the Hanged Man's legs are always crossed. Light or clouds are always around or emitting from the Hanged Man's head. Interestingly enough, the Hanged Man is never seen as suffering, but rather deeply calm, entranced, or pensive. This is important - the Hanged Man represents life in suspense, not death, suffering, or a "life-or-death" situation.
Though debated by A.E. Waite himself (the scholar and mystic whose Tarot cards are mainly depicted in the lessons), the Hanged Man card is most widely accepted to represent sacrifice - most often of oneself. It represents surrender, passiveness, letting go, acceptance and patience, a new point of view, contemplation, inner harmony as well as inner turmoil, conformism, a static state or state of non-action, and waiting or giving up. The Hanged Man also represents "the bindings that make one free" - such as life, love, and even death. It may also represent paradoxes and hanging between the heavens and the earth. Unlike Arcana such as the Magician, who acts as a bridge between the two, the Hanged Man is caught in the middle of them.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Hanged Man stage begins with the Fool pushing on. He feels braver now that he has faced his past and achieved Justice. He now pursues his destiny with fervor - but soon finds that the Journey is not so easily overcome. He finally encounters his personal "noose", his most difficult trial yet. This experience feels too difficult for the Fool to endure. This experiences challenges and humbles him to the point where the Fool decides - for the first time - to give up and give in. He lets go of his attachment to the Journey. This causes the Fool to feel incredibly lost and defeated. How could he have come so far only to fail? He has sacrificed everything and gained nothing. From the depths of this torment, however, the Fool discovers a formidable truth; when he relinquishes his obsession with control and constant success, the world yields as well - everything begins to work in his favor again. By becoming open, vulnerable and humble, the Fool is able to discover an incredible source of support and strength: himself. The Fool realizes that while loss is a terrifying reality, there is one thing he can never lose, and that is himself. He cannot constantly depend on the outer world to provide for him - there are some things in this world which he will have to produce himself, and some times when he will only be able to rely on himself to get him through his trials. Without self-worth and faith in himself, the Fool is doomed to be beaten down by the world again. He learns to surrender to his experiences and learn from them instead of fighting them. This lesson surprises the Fool and pleases him all at once. He feels suspended in time in his elation from this epiphany - he is free from the feelings of urgency and pressure that dogged him on his Journey before. The Fool's world has been turned upside down - as shown in the card, the Fool is the Hanged Man: at first glance, martyred, but in truth, he is merely humbled and serene.
In a tarot reading, the Hanged Man represents the need to open up, be humble, and let go of your over-assured vision of "yourself" and your destiny in order to truly be at peace. All too often, we get caught up in what we think we want or need, and we doggedly chase these ever-loftier dreams to try and fulfill a perceived void within us. The void is not something that is missing - it is our smothered selves. The Hanged Man card in a reading represents this perfectly - a "lost" part of yourself that you need only to look for in order to find happiness. The Hanged Man card can also represent a warning to the reader
Though debated by A.E. Waite himself (the scholar and mystic whose Tarot cards are mainly depicted in the lessons), the Hanged Man card is most widely accepted to represent sacrifice - most often of oneself. It represents surrender, passiveness, letting go, acceptance and patience, a new point of view, contemplation, inner harmony as well as inner turmoil, conformism, a static state or state of non-action, and waiting or giving up. The Hanged Man also represents "the bindings that make one free" - such as life, love, and even death. It may also represent paradoxes and hanging between the heavens and the earth. Unlike Arcana such as the Magician, who acts as a bridge between the two, the Hanged Man is caught in the middle of them.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Hanged Man stage begins with the Fool pushing on. He feels braver now that he has faced his past and achieved Justice. He now pursues his destiny with fervor - but soon finds that the Journey is not so easily overcome. He finally encounters his personal "noose", his most difficult trial yet. This experience feels too difficult for the Fool to endure. This experiences challenges and humbles him to the point where the Fool decides - for the first time - to give up and give in. He lets go of his attachment to the Journey. This causes the Fool to feel incredibly lost and defeated. How could he have come so far only to fail? He has sacrificed everything and gained nothing. From the depths of this torment, however, the Fool discovers a formidable truth; when he relinquishes his obsession with control and constant success, the world yields as well - everything begins to work in his favor again. By becoming open, vulnerable and humble, the Fool is able to discover an incredible source of support and strength: himself. The Fool realizes that while loss is a terrifying reality, there is one thing he can never lose, and that is himself. He cannot constantly depend on the outer world to provide for him - there are some things in this world which he will have to produce himself, and some times when he will only be able to rely on himself to get him through his trials. Without self-worth and faith in himself, the Fool is doomed to be beaten down by the world again. He learns to surrender to his experiences and learn from them instead of fighting them. This lesson surprises the Fool and pleases him all at once. He feels suspended in time in his elation from this epiphany - he is free from the feelings of urgency and pressure that dogged him on his Journey before. The Fool's world has been turned upside down - as shown in the card, the Fool is the Hanged Man: at first glance, martyred, but in truth, he is merely humbled and serene.
In a tarot reading, the Hanged Man represents the need to open up, be humble, and let go of your over-assured vision of "yourself" and your destiny in order to truly be at peace. All too often, we get caught up in what we think we want or need, and we doggedly chase these ever-loftier dreams to try and fulfill a perceived void within us. The void is not something that is missing - it is our smothered selves. The Hanged Man card in a reading represents this perfectly - a "lost" part of yourself that you need only to look for in order to find happiness. The Hanged Man card can also represent a warning to the reader
XIII. DEATH
Beyond the beaten path lies the absolute end. It matters not who you are... Death awaits you." —Nyx Avatar, Persona 3
Most commonly, the Death card depicts a skeleton mounted on a horse. At it's feet lie people - all different kinds of people, from children to the elderly, from beggars to kings. The skeleton carries a large black flag with a white flower on it, which has been said to represent life or rebirth. Often there is someone seen by the side of someone who has passed on or is about to, in order to depict the sorrow and grief that accompanies death. It's worth noting that some decks omit the name from the card.
Contrary to popular belief (and to the card's depictions themselves), the Death Arcana rarely represents physical death itself. It does represent some fairly dark ideas: "doom" (an inevitable fate), loss, sadness, the conclusion of something, the elimination of old patterns, being caught in the inescapable, and good-byes. But the Death Arcana also represents cycles, rebirth, transitioning to a new state, psychological transformation, regeneration, and deep change. It symbolizes increased self-awareness and, ultimately, metamorphosis.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Death Arcana is the stage where the Fool, now enlightened by his Hanged Man experience, begins truly shedding himself of his old ways. He gets rid of non-essentials in his life and learns to truly appreciate his roots and the basics of life. He puts to rest all of the interests and thoughts he has outgrown. This process is represented by Death because, in a way, the Fool does die - his familiar self must "die" in order to make way for his new self, much like a butterfly's familiar caterpillar form must "die" and give way to allow the new winged form to grow. At first, this change seems to cripple the Fool - he had just become assured with himself and now he faces the loss of himself. The Fool learns in this stage of the Journey that Death may not be avoidable, but it is also not permanent - it is simply a transition.
Contrary to popular belief (and to the card's depictions themselves), the Death Arcana rarely represents physical death itself. It does represent some fairly dark ideas: "doom" (an inevitable fate), loss, sadness, the conclusion of something, the elimination of old patterns, being caught in the inescapable, and good-byes. But the Death Arcana also represents cycles, rebirth, transitioning to a new state, psychological transformation, regeneration, and deep change. It symbolizes increased self-awareness and, ultimately, metamorphosis.
In the Journey of the Fool, the Death Arcana is the stage where the Fool, now enlightened by his Hanged Man experience, begins truly shedding himself of his old ways. He gets rid of non-essentials in his life and learns to truly appreciate his roots and the basics of life. He puts to rest all of the interests and thoughts he has outgrown. This process is represented by Death because, in a way, the Fool does die - his familiar self must "die" in order to make way for his new self, much like a butterfly's familiar caterpillar form must "die" and give way to allow the new winged form to grow. At first, this change seems to cripple the Fool - he had just become assured with himself and now he faces the loss of himself. The Fool learns in this stage of the Journey that Death may not be avoidable, but it is also not permanent - it is simply a transition.
XIV. TEMPERANCE
In the earliest Tarot deck, Temperance was actually the 7th or 8th card. In a very small number of decks the name has also been changed to "Art". The Temperance card depicts an angel pouring liquid from one cup to another - often the cups are of different colours, however, to represent balance. This is historically recognized as the as the standard symbol for the cardinal virtue of temperance: self-control. She stands with one foot on land and one foot in the water.
The Temperance arcana symbolizes self-control, harmony, balance, and health. It represents moderation, the joining of forces, well-being and recovery, equilibrium and transcendence, unification and healing, synthesis and bringing together opposites, security and prudence.
On the Fool's Journey, Temperance represents the Fool's ability to finally balance himself. Since his Hermit stage, the Fool has swung wildly back and forth between extremes - part of the big picture and an individual, guided by fate and the master of his own, etc. His metamorphosis has left him feeling stable - he is discovering true, unhindered poise and a harmony that transcends mind, body, and spirit. Thanks to his experience with excessive extremes, he has come to develop a deep appreciation for moderation. He has combined all of his "selves" and all the aspects of those selves into one whole self, and as a result is abundant with the feeling of health and well-being. Compare, for a moment, the brazen and rigid ruler who is riding the Chariot to this soft, graceful and serene angel... the Fool has come a long way.
In a reading, the Temperance card generally represents the need for moderation in one's life. It may also symbolize the need to harmonize two seemingly incompatible things in order to move forward.
The Temperance arcana symbolizes self-control, harmony, balance, and health. It represents moderation, the joining of forces, well-being and recovery, equilibrium and transcendence, unification and healing, synthesis and bringing together opposites, security and prudence.
On the Fool's Journey, Temperance represents the Fool's ability to finally balance himself. Since his Hermit stage, the Fool has swung wildly back and forth between extremes - part of the big picture and an individual, guided by fate and the master of his own, etc. His metamorphosis has left him feeling stable - he is discovering true, unhindered poise and a harmony that transcends mind, body, and spirit. Thanks to his experience with excessive extremes, he has come to develop a deep appreciation for moderation. He has combined all of his "selves" and all the aspects of those selves into one whole self, and as a result is abundant with the feeling of health and well-being. Compare, for a moment, the brazen and rigid ruler who is riding the Chariot to this soft, graceful and serene angel... the Fool has come a long way.
In a reading, the Temperance card generally represents the need for moderation in one's life. It may also symbolize the need to harmonize two seemingly incompatible things in order to move forward.
XV. THE DEVIL
The 15th Arcana - the Devil. This card depicts the Devil figure above two humanoid demons, one male and one female, who are chained to the Devil's throne. A reversed pentagram lies above it's head. This symbolizes the over-throwing of proper order and the triumph of matter over spirit.
The Devil Arcana represents materialism, ignorance, stagnation and holding one's self back. It symbolizes lust, egotism, obsession, anxiety, anger, hedonism, passion, instincts, prejudice, temptation, doubt, vices, futility and physical attraction, pessimism and insight. The people at the Devil's feet are believed to represent selfishness and impulsiveness, ergo implying that the Devil is bound by these things. In a positive light, this Arcana is able to represent a healthy devotion or bond with something - a formidable commitment.
Regarding the Journey of the Fool, he's now "on top of the world". The Fool has good health, a harmonious life, a graceful composure - he could not climb any higher. He has all he needs, has the best things life has to offer. What more could he need? No longer fooled by the notion of being able to be at the pinnacle of the life, the Fool pushes on, pursuing the deepest breadths of himself and his destiny. However, the Fool soon comes face to face with the Devil. The Devil in the Journey is not some menacing external figure the Fool must face, but rather the blockades in our lives known as ignorance and hopelessness. Filling one's life with material possessions is a seductive temptation, especially in the presence of other Fools. You've come so far, but what do you have to show for it? With this "innocent" question we quickly find ourselves obsessing over material things, unaware that we are enslaved by them. We desire to seem "legitimate" to other Fools, our minds become limited by the belief that we have already travelled leagues in our Journey and should thus rest and revel in this richness. What we turn away from, however, are the towering riches ahead. This idea is driven home by the two figures chained to the Devil on the card; they could easily free themselves, but they do not even seem bothered. They bear resemblance to the Lovers, but they are unaware that their love is limiting them. The price they pay for their ignorance is despair at the depths of themselves.
In a tarot reading, the Devil represents self-bondage to a belief or desire that is preventing you from growing or achieving your purest dreams. It represents an obsession with something trivial. It may also symbolize that you are too restrained or calculated in regards to life; it is a signal to "let loose". While it is foolish to be constantly irrational or wild, it is also foolish to constantly be constrained and analytical. Both are forms of imprisoning yourself. The Devil may also represent a person in one's life, who is persuasive, aggressive, and/or controlling - the card represents the need as well as the ability to remove this person's presence in your life in order to be able to feel liberated and move forward.
The Devil Arcana represents materialism, ignorance, stagnation and holding one's self back. It symbolizes lust, egotism, obsession, anxiety, anger, hedonism, passion, instincts, prejudice, temptation, doubt, vices, futility and physical attraction, pessimism and insight. The people at the Devil's feet are believed to represent selfishness and impulsiveness, ergo implying that the Devil is bound by these things. In a positive light, this Arcana is able to represent a healthy devotion or bond with something - a formidable commitment.
Regarding the Journey of the Fool, he's now "on top of the world". The Fool has good health, a harmonious life, a graceful composure - he could not climb any higher. He has all he needs, has the best things life has to offer. What more could he need? No longer fooled by the notion of being able to be at the pinnacle of the life, the Fool pushes on, pursuing the deepest breadths of himself and his destiny. However, the Fool soon comes face to face with the Devil. The Devil in the Journey is not some menacing external figure the Fool must face, but rather the blockades in our lives known as ignorance and hopelessness. Filling one's life with material possessions is a seductive temptation, especially in the presence of other Fools. You've come so far, but what do you have to show for it? With this "innocent" question we quickly find ourselves obsessing over material things, unaware that we are enslaved by them. We desire to seem "legitimate" to other Fools, our minds become limited by the belief that we have already travelled leagues in our Journey and should thus rest and revel in this richness. What we turn away from, however, are the towering riches ahead. This idea is driven home by the two figures chained to the Devil on the card; they could easily free themselves, but they do not even seem bothered. They bear resemblance to the Lovers, but they are unaware that their love is limiting them. The price they pay for their ignorance is despair at the depths of themselves.
In a tarot reading, the Devil represents self-bondage to a belief or desire that is preventing you from growing or achieving your purest dreams. It represents an obsession with something trivial. It may also symbolize that you are too restrained or calculated in regards to life; it is a signal to "let loose". While it is foolish to be constantly irrational or wild, it is also foolish to constantly be constrained and analytical. Both are forms of imprisoning yourself. The Devil may also represent a person in one's life, who is persuasive, aggressive, and/or controlling - the card represents the need as well as the ability to remove this person's presence in your life in order to be able to feel liberated and move forward.