Monday, February 21, 2011

The Devil XV

The Devil is an interesting card with several meanings. It mainly represents bondage, and self-imposed limitations. If you spell Devil backward is lived. This is a contrast of values, for while the Devil prohibits and limits, the purpose of living is expansion and freedom.

The Devil is a creation of our imagination. The reality however is that what we believe in our minds may soon come to pass. Especially if we believe strongly enough. We create situations where w are chained to our fears. Greed,, hostility, revenge, and envy, are the types of emotions that will sustain our fears. With the introduction of negative thoughts we are setting the path for terrible nightmares. We are prejudging outcomes and manipulating the pure intentions of otherwise good intentions.. The Devil does not care about good intentions. His focus is fixed on the material, the mundane and lower levels of life. He is always subject to the imposition of temptations. Like the Devil, when our actions are designed by greed the outcome will certainly work against the propagation of higher values.

There is an important reason we have encountered the Devil, just as things were moving with such progress. After we have internalized the spiritual values of the Hierophant, mastered the courage of the Strength, and realized the victories of the Chariot, we encounter the Devil. The lessons in life are never ending. They will continue to appear as long as we are alive. With every victory, or with every defeat, there is a new lesson to be learned. Perhaps it is an old lesson restated in a different way with a new application.

At first glance, this cared present a frightening image, very much the way the death card does. Keep in mind, that each of the 22 steps offers growth and development for us along our journey. Each offers a helping hand to make sure the way is constantly lit, and that we do not lose our way. The devil has the horns of the goat. A stubborn, but sure footed animal of great perseverance. The goat will succeed under the most adverse conditions, long after everyone else has given up. He refuses to be stopped by any physical limitations. His eyes reflect the intensity and seriousness that is often needed to overcome adversity. The pentagram, affixed to his head, tells us that he can either use his powers of the benefit of humanity or he can become a part of Satan-like activities. He has eh wings of the bat, and will no doubt seek the cover of night to perform his deeds. The night hours will limit the vision of those who would confront him about his negative deeds. The Devil is a living contradiction. The right hand is raised as if to stop something from moving forward. It motions a halt, while the right hand of the other tarot cards signals the beginning of something. Attached to the necks of the man and woman is a chain. Their hands are free. If they should choose to leave, they may. As the moment they appear to be just realizing the negative power of the Devil and will momentarily begin a motion to be set free. In the Tower they will actually assert their will for this freedom. Perhaps they have misused their intentions and have become captive of their own greed, malice, or bad intentions. Whatever the reason, they have created bondage as a result of their own negative actions. Both are nude, a carry-over from the Lovers card, where they began to explore the aspects of loving relationships. Perhaps something has gone wrong. There is a lesson on or both must learn before the relationship will succeed. The colors in this card are not bright and happy. In fact they do not contain the inspiration of the many of the other cards. It is for this reason that you must study this card t see the hidden meanings.

Persons born December 21 - January 21 are born under the sign of Capricorn. It is through our associations with them that we will learn the values of patience, hard work, and stability.

Somewhere along the path, something or someone has entered our space and presented a temptation. The Devil has presented the possibility that we may accept this temptation and forget all the knowledge learned in the previous lessons. His lesson is direct and powerful. Either you do or you don't. The choice is up to you. Will you go for the Devil or will you go for LIFE? Will you allow yourself to be depressed and sad, or will you surround your life with sunshine and light? I t is necessary to confront and place negative issues on the table in front of you if you are going to overcome them. If you choose not to confront them, they will overtake your better judgment and hold you captive - a slave to our own fears - limiting you, and the people around you.

The Devil is a card of administration and organization. It will show us the way to restructure our inner fears.

from TAROT ~ 22 Steps to a Higher Path, by D. Balotti Lawrence

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