“La plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu’il n’existe pas.”

(Translation: “The devil’s finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist.” Charles Baudelaire)

First things first, we are not – I repeat, NOT! – discussing the Christian or Catholic idea of the devil. Many tarot artists draw on that symbolism, and it is certainly accepted by many as the basis of the archetype. To this, I say “Phooey!”

“I am good, but not an angel. I do sin, but I am not the devil. I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love.” Marilyn Monroe

 Nature abhors a vacuum. To this point in tarot, all cards speak to higher selves, better angels, do-gooders; The Devil does not appear until Card XV, and by that point he brings a welcome sense of balance.

I hear you out there…