The Devil asks: What do I need to laugh at?

The Devil

“It's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see.
– Henry David Thoreau

Friends -

The Devil – the principle of humor and looking at what bedevils us - asks what do you need to laugh at?

Some people look at this card and react with horror and fear. Others see the good-natured humor. In other words, it all depends on how you're seeing the card.

In a recent class I taught there was a student brand new to the Tarot. I asked everyone to pull a card randomly and to look at it intuitively. This person pulled the Five of Cups – Disappointment. This is one of the infamous 'bardo' cards in the deck – most people look at that card and see dark, murky, swampy images. This person did not – she was delighted with the images and the colors and talked at length about how inspiring the card was for her.

The Bible has many stories and quotes of how the Devil leads you to sin and damnation. The Thoth Tarot Devil reminds you that it's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see. This Devil looks you straight in the eye and reminds you to look directly at – with humor - what is true in your life and relationships.

What do you need to look at directly today with merriment and a 'seeing' eye?

I’ve been honored over the years to do readings for so many – is it time to do yours?

For your heart, mind & spirit -

Kimery Elyn

elyn@tarotbyelyn.com

P.S. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out my recent post: Guidance - The Lunar Moon (January - February.) This piece gives us insights and tools for 2024 - or in Henry David Thoreau’s quote: “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” The piece piggybacks on writings from the brilliant teacher, Semele Xerri.


What my clients are saying:

Elyn does a terrific job of listening to my questions and helping me rephrase them to evoke an excellent and highly useful reading that supports my life decisions. Can't recommend her highly enough!" Anne, Santa Fe NM

Elyn’s deep knowledge of and connection to Tarot inspires trust and openness during her readings. She does a fantastic job of guiding her clients through readings while giving the cards meaning room to breathe.” Maggie, NYC


About my readings

The Three Spread – Three questions, three cards, three spreads. This online reading includes a follow-up email with additional insights. 50 minutes - $150 book here.

*NEW!* The Celtic Cross – The always insightful - and magical - Celtic Cross reading. Includes a follow-up email with additional insights. 80 minutes - $180/ book here.

(Email me if you'd like to purchase a gift certificate.) Don’t forget to check out Elyn’s Diary and sign up!

How do you know if a Tarot reading is right for you?

  • You're going through a life transition or marking an occasion.

  • You feel disconnected from your intuition.

  • You want to get to the root of an issue to clear it.

  • You're ready to get a new perspective.

  • You're ready to make different choices.


When the Devil card appears, most people tend to feel that there's trouble ahead - and often they associate this card with evil and therefore fear it as well.

In many ways, this is a misunderstanding of the principle the card represents in life. Certainly, it can appear to indicate evil acts, trouble, strife, and conflict - but on most occasions we have more control of events than we might at first believe. And, it is our lack of belief that causes most of the problems.

So, on a day ruled by the Devil, look deeply at your feelings about your response. Look into your fears and see if they have any basis in reality. If you find inhibitions in these basic areas, try to examine them. Locate their source - and then work to let go and move on. Remove the restrictions and limitations that narrow the boundaries of your horizon.

I always smile when I look at that cheeky Devil goat face. It's as if he's saying, "Don't take your spiritual development or this human experience too seriously. Live a little, laugh a little."

Angeles Arrien, in her Book of Thoth, points out that The Devil is the only card in the entire deck that has undergone a transformation within itself.

The key to the Devil card is to understand and accept the lure and delights of the physical and material, but not become obsessed and trapped by them. It's only when you become possessive and acquisitive of anything (including enlightenment) that you become frustrated and tied up with it. Enjoy by all means, but also be able to let go lightly.

What do you need to look at directly today with merriment and a 'seeing' eye?


In Elyn’s Diary, we’re exploring our authenticity looking at the 22 Major Arcana cards, looking at each card and some of the questions they invite us to explore. These cards represent universal principles collectively experienced, regardless of our culture or family upbringing, and teach us how, as human beings, we grow, evolve, and deepen. The first fourteen:

The Fool: What does my heart tell me?

The Magus: How do I tell my truth?

The Priestess: How do I trust my intuition?

The Empress: How do I nurture?

The Emperor: How do I lead?

The Hierophant: Who are my teachers?

The Lovers: How do I love?

The Chariot: What’s my next adventure?

Adjustment: How do I find my balance?

The Hermit: How do I find my inner light?

Wheel of Fortune: Are you ready for good fortune?

Lust: What my passion?

The Hanged Man: What’s my hang-up?

Death: What do I need to let go of?

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Guidance: The Lunar Moon (January to February)