The Devil (one of my favorite cards, though not so much in the RWS deck… I’m a Thoth girl when it comes to the Devil) means a lot of different things to me depending on context and where I’m at in my life. But often, he’s about what I sell my soul for and (as Amy and Jo already pointed out) contracts.

My gut sense here is that it might not be so much about negotiating new contracts, but noticing the old ones that you’re still following. You just got out of a job that made you fairly miserable (if I might project all over you for a moment.) And yet, chances are you established some patterns at the last few gigs that are going to follow you into this one. I think the Devil might be saying, “Dude… pay attention to what you’re doing.” What served you and helped you negotiate the last job is not necessarily going to serve you here. He wants to you feed your soul, not waste it. If he’s your ally, then find ways to be on fire in this new position. Find ways to work hard and relish your achievements. Give your soul to your passions. I’m just thinking about how excited you were about the training exercise you presented for your interview… find ways to get to that level of engagement with your skills and your desires on a regular basis, and you’re going to thrive.

Notice that he’s not touching the two figures on the bottom of the card. They’ve got chains around their necks, but those chains are really loose. They could take them off and walk away. What are the fears and insecurities that keep you chained? Just something to contemplate. The fact that he’s telling you to “live long and prosper”… really, not all that far off. (Although I doubt Arthur Waite and Gene Roddenberry hung out much.) But the sentiment? Pretty apt. I think he’s telling you to really *live.*

And since you drew a major arcana rather than a minor, that usually signifies that the question you asked and the subsequent answer is important. Kind of like a spotlight shining on it. Not that the minors are less significant — this just means that this is potentially a big moment.

And good call on attaching it to the Lovers. Those *are* the Lovers in the Devil Card. It’s one of those things we tarot enthusiasts call “dignities” — how the cards have conversations with each other visually. But I’ve always been more afraid of them than I am of him. That, however, is a conversation for a different draw.

I’ll stop here. Because believe me, I could go on and on. I love this card so much. Good luck at the new gig!

Good luck on your new adventure. I know you will do great!

You asked for an ally — and got the Devil. How could that be, right? I kind of think of The Devil card like the Lord of the Lawyers, all about contracts and drawing up the fine print of how things will work. He’s Al Pacino in “The Devil’s Advocate.” Sure, in the traditional scheme of things, the devil gets you to sign a contract giving up your soul, but the contracts you sign are up to you. This isn’t a loosey-goosey, go-with-the-flow card, it’s a “make sure that you work out the details and get them in writing” card.

If the Devil is your ally, then it might be a reminder that, as a newb, you’re entitled to ask for clarification, to get it in writing, to ask the questions that need to be asked so that you really know what’s going on. You’re already a believer in knowing what the bylaws are, in negotiating the system that works best for everyone — The Devil is just a reminder that even as the New Guy, maybe especially as the New Guy, you’ve got the law on your side.

Just as long as you keep an eye on what you’re signing away, of course. You stay in those contracts by choice. Know what the cost benefit analysis is.

This is a GREAT card to pull starting a new job. You want to BE the Magician, not have him as an ally. Having the Devil in your corner gives you an advocate, someone with a keener and more cynical eye than you might have.

Rock on, dude.

And this is one of my personal favorites in your t-shirt drawer, you sexy shoeless god of war!

I am afraid that I can’t help but hear “And my axe” in John Rhys Davies’ voice now, though. I hope that doesn’t lessen your opinion of me.

Inspiration and motivation and creativity often come out of disciplined action. Oh my! I just had a great inspiration for my blog at the777man.wordpress.com. The Fun-de-mentals, now I have to go write if! Hehe! I subscribed to your blog and will keep up with it!

Peace and Harmony
Sallyjane

Peace and Harmony
Sallyjane

I have a set of Tarot Cards, but I usually work with oracles… Similar but different.

Peace and Harmony,
Sallyjane
the777man.wordpress.com

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