The Devil As Feelings in Love (upright & reversed)

In new connections, The Devil suggests strong physical and emotional attraction. They feel very drawn to you. There may be intense chemistry, fascination, and a feeling of “I can’t stop thinking about you.” This is often a connection that feels magnetic and exciting from the start. However, it can also point to emotional dependency forming early on. They may already feel attached in a way that isn’t fully balanced. Sometimes this shows someone who is more focused on desire, fantasy, or validation than on building something stable. Their feelings are intense, but not always grounded.

In established relationships, The Devil often points to unhealthy patterns. They may feel deeply attached to you, but the connection might be mixed with control, jealousy, fear of loss or emotional dependence. Sometimes this card shows staying together out of habit, comfort or fear rather than genuine fulfillment. It can also represent strong passion and physical attraction that keeps the relationship going even when other areas are struggling. On a deeper level, The Devil asks whether both partners feel free to be themselves – or trapped in repeating cycles.

With exes, The Devil suggests lingering attachment. They may still feel emotionally or physically drawn to you, even if the relationship wasn’t healthy. There can be unresolved desire, obsession or difficulty letting go. They might replay memories, feel tempted to reconnect or struggle with emotional ties that haven’t fully been released. This card often shows “unfinished business,” but not always in a healthy way. Reconnection may feel irresistible, even if it risks repeating old patterns.

Here are some of the traditional interpretations of The Devil in love and relationships when it shows up reversed:

• they’re becoming aware of unhealthy patterns
• they’re trying to break emotional dependence
• they want more freedom and balance
• they’re questioning whether the connection is good for them
• they’re releasing obsession or fear-based attachment
• they’re learning to set boundaries

On a more challenging note, The Devil reversed can suggest:

• they’re still emotionally entangled
• they struggle to let go completely
• they go back and forth between detachment and obsession
• they fear being alone
• they suppress desire instead of dealing with it honestly

Are you dreading when reversed cards appear in a tarot reading? No need to worry – let me explain: First of all, did you know that many professional tarot readers choose to not work with reversed cards? Read my article about “Why I (almost) never read reversed cards” here. Moreover, read this article on “How To Read Reversed Tarot Cards” like a pro!

There is absolutely no right or wrong way of going about this, and including reversed cards in your readings can absolutely make sense. However, especially if you’re just starting out, know that many well established tarot professionals don’t feel the need to include them or assign special meaning to them.