Sage Leaves, Card XV: The Devil, November 12, 2024

Welcome to Sage Leaves, a compendium of wisdom for those seeking to heal ancestral wounds using Tarot as an assistant. In this issue, we will explore the archetype of The Devil and relate it to the Heroine’s Journey, as well as explore how it is read when it appears in a reading conducted for transgenerational healing. The Devil is one of those cards that has a scary reputation when it appears in a reading. While it is certainly not a particularly happy card, its appearance in a reading can be a big wake up call that something about the query is out of alignment. It invites deeper exploration and introspection and it may be time to examine and release habits and practices that no longer server your deeper good. Please enjoy this week’s offering.

Table of Contents

• Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The Devil

• The Devil & The Heroine’s Journey

• The Devil in a Reading for Transgenerational Heali …

• Energetic Influences This Week 11/12-11/18

Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The Devil

The Devil card in Tarot embodies the Jungian concept of the “shadow,” which represents the unconscious parts of our psyche, often comprising repressed desires, fears, or aspects of ourselves we deem unacceptable. This shadow archetype is not inherently negative; instead, it highlights the inner conflicts we need to acknowledge and integrate for personal growth.

In Jungian terms, The Devil signifies our primal, instinctual drives and the illusions that bind us, such as addictions, compulsive behaviors, or unhealthy attachments. These manifestations often result from unresolved psychological wounds or unmet needs, causing us to become trapped in repetitive cycles. The chains depicted in The Devil card symbolize these attachments and how they can lead to a loss of personal power. However, these chains are typically loose, implying that freedom is accessible if we become conscious of what binds us and choose to break free.

The Devil also embodies the archetype of the “trickster,” which exposes our vulnerabilities and highlights how easily we can be deceived by superficial desires or false promises. The trickster archetype often appears as a catalyst for change, urging us to confront our illusions and to understand that our suffering can often stem from our unwillingness to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves.

Ultimately, The Devil card invites self-exploration and awareness, urging us to look within and liberate ourselves from self-imposed limitations. It is a call to examine our shadow, integrate the hidden parts of ourselves, and transform fear and illusion into empowerment and self-mastery. In essence, The Devil serves as a powerful reminder that we hold the key to our own liberation and that acknowledging our shadow is a crucial step toward wholeness.

The Devil & The Heroine’s Journey

In the Heroine’s Journey, The Devil card symbolizes a pivotal stage where the heroine must confront the dark, shadowy aspects of herself and the forces that bind her. This phase is often marked by the heroine's struggle with temptations, addictions, or deep-seated fears. It can also represent being trapped in unhealthy dynamics or self-destructive patterns, which hinder her from fully embracing her power and authentic self.

The Devil appears in the journey as a test of the heroine’s will and self-awareness. At this stage, the heroine has ventured far enough to encounter the aspects of her psyche she has avoided or repressed, reflecting Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow.” This encounter is necessary for transformation. The Devil card challenges the heroine to confront the illusions that keep her tethered to limiting beliefs, toxic relationships, or damaging habits. The chains illustrated on the card are representative of these psychological and emotional bonds. However, the message of The Devil is not one of inevitable defeat. Instead, it illuminates the idea that the power to break free lies within the heroine herself. These chains, often shown as loose, imply that she has the capacity to liberate herself if she chooses to become conscious of her inner constraints.

Symbolically, The Devil’s temptations compel the heroine to question her values and discern what is genuinely hers versus what she has inherited or absorbed from society, family, or past traumas. This introspection is critical to her development. The heroine must recognize that the forces holding her back are often internalized fears, doubts, or unresolved wounds rather than external enemies. It’s a moment where she can either fall prey to the illusion of being powerless or choose to reclaim her sovereignty.

The role of The Devil in the Heroine’s Journey is also about facing the lure of escapism. The heroine might be tempted to abandon her quest or numb her pain instead of progressing. Here, the card urges her to become aware of her coping mechanisms and to ask herself whether they serve her growth or keep her stagnant. In this context, The Devil offers a powerful mirror, reflecting back what must be integrated rather than ignored. Confronting these challenges, the heroine gains deeper self-knowledge and learns to accept even the darker parts of herself. This integration of the shadow is essential for wholeness.

Moreover, The Devil card is a turning point that invites the heroine to redefine power. She learns that true empowerment doesn’t come from controlling others or succumbing to desires but from mastering her impulses and fears. The heroine must transform her shadow into a source of wisdom and strength, ultimately using what once controlled her as a foundation for her rebirth.

By confronting and overcoming the energies of The Devil, the heroine earns a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity. This confrontation sets the stage for deeper healing and a stronger, more integrated self as she continues on her journey. In the end, The Devil’s lessons fortify the heroine, preparing her for the ultimate stages of her transformative adventure.

The Devil in a Reading for Transgenerational Healing

In a reading focused on transgenerational healing, The Devil card can have profound implications, highlighting patterns and unresolved issues that have been passed down through generations. This card is often a symbol of bondage and illusion, representing the chains that keep individuals tethered to unconscious, inherited traumas or beliefs. When The Devil appears, it serves as an invitation for the querent to examine not only their personal habits and attachments but also the influences that may have roots in ancestral experiences.

The Devil's energy in a transgenerational context points to inherited fears, compulsions, or self-limiting beliefs that have been woven into the family fabric. These inherited "chains" could manifest as recurring patterns such as addiction, financial struggles, or emotionally fraught relationships, often mirroring the struggles of ancestors. The Devil card’s presence in such a reading suggests that the querent may be unconsciously replaying these patterns. These inherited dynamics may not be fully conscious, but they exert a powerful influence on current behaviors and attitudes.

By bringing The Devil to light, the reading encourages awareness of these generational shadows and urges the querent to break free from patterns that no longer serve them. Acknowledging these patterns is a significant step toward transgenerational healing, as it empowers the querent to choose differently. This card challenges them to confront difficult emotions and confront the attachment to family stories or beliefs that contribute to suffering. The Devil asks, “What are you holding onto, and why? What will it take to release it?” These questions prompt a deep examination of the roots of these issues and offer a pathway toward liberation from inherited suffering.

In transgenerational healing, The Devil's impact extends beyond the individual querent, reverberating through the family lineage. When the querent takes steps to acknowledge and release these unconscious bonds, they symbolically release the hold these patterns have on future generations. The Devil’s message is that healing is possible, but only when one is willing to confront the darkness head-on. This requires courage, as addressing these issues may unearth painful memories or emotions, but it’s also essential for breaking the cycle. The querent’s healing journey may inspire or even directly impact other family members, creating a ripple effect of awareness and change within the lineage.

To work effectively with The Devil card in transgenerational healing, the reading might focus on the querent’s triggers, examining when and how they feel bound by certain behaviors, fears, or negative self-perceptions. It’s essential to bring these feelings into consciousness and to see them as something that can be reshaped rather than an unchangeable legacy. The Devil suggests that while these influences may be deep-rooted, they are not insurmountable.

Ultimately, The Devil’s role in a transgenerational reading is one of transformation. By confronting these shadow elements, the querent can liberate themselves from inherited cycles of pain and limitation, creating a pathway for both personal freedom and familial healing. The querent emerges not only as a healer for themselves but as a catalyst for ancestral and generational growth, enabling future generations to inherit a legacy of resilience and empowerment rather than unresolved shadow.

Energetic Influences This Week 11/12-11/18

This is a reading for the energetic influences at play for the week of November 12-18, 2024. This week’s journey is rich with transformation and growth, moving us from periods of introspection to breakthroughs and renewal. Let’s walk through each day, feeling the energy shifts and challenges as we move toward greater clarity. I drew the 4 of Cups, the King of Wands, The Tower, the 6 of Cups, 3 of Swords, 10 of Wands, and the Ace of Cups. Now we will explore each of the cards laid for each day of the week for a guide to energetic influences for the week of November 12-18, 2024.

On Tuesday, with the 4 of Cups accompanied by the Aries Moon squaring Capricorn Venus, we’re drawn inward, feeling contemplative yet restless. There’s an urge to break free of routines or connections that have grown stale. This card nudges us to pause and assess what we truly desire, pushing us to consider new directions without rushing toward them impulsively. It’s a day to sit with our emotions, sorting out what fulfills us from what drains us.

Wednesday’s King of Wands brings a wave of fiery confidence, igniting a bold sense of purpose. After the stillness of the previous day, this card encourages us to step into leadership roles in our own lives. With renewed motivation, we find clarity in our path and inspire those around us. This is a day to set intentions, act on passion projects, and embrace our inner visionary. We feel more driven to pursue our goals with courage and determination.

Thursday’s The Tower is our jolt awake. As the Moon squares Mars and Pluto, challenging emotions and tensions rise to the surface. Old structures and beliefs might be shaken to make way for new truths, which can be unsettling yet necessary. This card speaks to sudden change and necessary disruption. Though it may be uncomfortable, the energy here pushes us to let go of stagnant patterns. Facing these shifts honestly helps us clear space for something more authentic to take root.

By Friday, the 6 of Cups offers a moment of nostalgia and reflection, as Saturn turns direct in Pisces during the Taurus Full Moon. This combination invites us to reconnect with past memories, perhaps revisiting people, places, or even dreams that once brought us joy. Today, we find meaning in these connections, understanding the wisdom and lessons they still hold for us. Embracing these reflections helps us root ourselves firmly, bringing us back to what matters most.

Saturday’s 3 of Swords brings the week’s most challenging energy as the Moon squares Saturn. We may face some emotional hardships, perhaps uncovering lingering heartaches or disappointments that need acknowledgment. Though painful, this card and aspect offer us the opportunity to release suppressed grief and find healing. Today calls for gentleness with ourselves and the willingness to face these emotions, knowing that this release is necessary for moving forward unburdened.

By Sunday, the 10 of Wands appears as the Moon squares Neptune, reflecting feelings of overwhelm or responsibility. We may be carrying more than our share, perhaps without realizing it. This card asks us to assess what truly belongs to us and what can be set down. Perhaps we’ve taken on too much or are feeling stretched thin. It’s a reminder to simplify, delegate, and prioritize self-care.

Finally, Monday’s Ace of Cups is a blessing and a fresh start. After the challenges of the week, this card brings emotional renewal and peace, representing new beginnings in love, creativity, or self-care. The week closes with a gentle reminder that we have cleared and made space for joy, connection, and fulfillment. Embracing this energy, we’re prepared to open our hearts and welcome new possibilities, feeling ready to receive the blessings of love, compassion, and inner harmony.

We do have a recurring card this week: the 4 of Cups. As the 4 of Cups appears once again, it nudges you to revisit feelings that linger just under the surface. You’re sitting in a space of contemplation, perhaps a bit of frustration, sensing that something is missing or just out of reach. This repetition tells you that there’s a deeper call to self-reflection — a reminder that your current situation holds more opportunities than may first appear, even if they don’t feel immediately fulfilling.

In this moment, you’re invited to look beyond your initial reactions. Perhaps the energies around you are suggesting a pattern of dissatisfaction that can be broken if you’re open to something different. It’s a pause that asks you to explore any attachments to outdated perspectives or to what feels stale. While it may be tempting to give way to despair, the 4 of Cups almost demands that we look deeper.

This card’s repeated appearance signals a turning point. Lean into your intuition, as the universe may be offering you gifts that only a fresh viewpoint will reveal. By stepping back to reflect on where fulfillment might be hiding, you create the space for clarity to emerge. This week’s arc suggests that choosing a shift in perspective can open the door to more vibrant, unexpected possibilities waiting to manifest.