The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Devil

The Devil, often symbolized by the feet of a rooster and the body of a hog, is a significant concept in folklore, religion, and literature, representing an evil and malevolent force. This entity, also known as Satan, is frequently portrayed as a trickster and antagonist, with the ability to deceive through cunning tactics, such as ever-burning lamps designed to mislead and lead people to false worship. The Devil is closely associated with selfishness, hate, and passion, opposed by the teachings of true doctrines, and sometimes represented by the symbol of a Horned Goat with wings, standing on an altar to signify material life and fatality.

In deeper philosophical and occult contexts, the Devil is viewed as a powerful magical agent capable of achieving evil and as a concept signifying the putrefaction of dissolute currents. Sorcerers and practitioners of black magic refer to the Devil as the "supreme unreason" and "reprobate," linking it to weak and false beliefs. The concept of the Devil is often linked to satanic worship and invocation practices, as highlighted by the reverend Father Ventura, who denies the existence of this entity.

The Devil is also associated with the ultimate reflection of the Ancient, dishonored, and deformed, symbolizing an entity of evil, deceit, and weakness. This symbolizes the idea of an angel cast out of heaven for seeking to usurp divinity, representing a human idea of divinity that has been surpassed by the advancements of science and reason. In alchemical and magical traditions, the Devil is symbolized by the terrible number fifteen, embodying a monstrous figure that reflects the material and fatal aspects of existence.

These varied depictions collectively paint a portrait of the Devil as a complex and manifold symbol of evil, deceit, and moral corruption in various cultural and philosophical traditions. "THE DEVIL" appears as Card VI in the first set of 7 cards within a tarot deck, symbolizing materialism, desire, and the entrapment of the soul by worldly delusions. This card is often seen as a representation of a negative spiritual force. However, "THE DEVIL" also embodies ravage, violence, vehemence, and extraordinary efforts, signifying a force of extraordinary power and will. It can be interpreted as that which is predestined but not inherently evil. When reversed, "THE DEVIL" may indicate evil fatality, physical or emotional weakness, pettiness, and a lack of clear vision or judgment.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

TorchSubstance

The torch of the Devil emits smoke, representing his influence and falsehood The Devil's torch is a tool of his power, emphasizing his influence and control

Black Magic relies on the powers of the devil to achieve its objectives. The devil is considered a key agent in the practice of black magic for evil purposes.

Infernal evocation is designed to summon the devil, making the ritual and the devil inherently linked. The devil becomes active through the ritual, and the ritual's success relies on the belief in the devil.

BaphometConcept

Baphomet is a manifestation or representation of the Devil in various occult and magical traditions

BewitchmentsConcept

Bewitchments are seen as acts of harm, similar to the workings of the devil, and potentially leading to the same fate as the devil's actions.

HornSubstance

The horns of the Devil represent his power and connection to darkness and evil

WingSubstance

The bat-like wings signify the Devil's spread of darkness and negativity

Man→Person

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

WomanPerson

The Devil's presence and the woman's chains symbolize her subjugation by evil

Tarot→Substance

The Tarot includes The Devil which signifies separation, ego, and the negative aspects of the human condition

Allegorical LanguageConcept

The entity "ALLEGORICAL LANGUAGE" is closely entwined with the concept of the "DEVIL," portraying struggles and conflicts symbolically. This language extends its symbolic representation to include not only divine and sacred concepts but also demonic ideas and challenges, thereby directly linking the character of the devil to these allegories. The devil, within this context, is depicted through symbols that engage in symbolic struggles with both God and other divine concepts, showcasing a rich body of religious and philosophical imagery used to convey deeper meanings and ethical dilemmas. Thus, allegorical language creates a nuanced framework for exploring the interplay between spiritual forces, with the devil often playing a central part in these narratives.

CubeSubstance

The Devil is associated with the cube, symbolizing his influence and control over the material world

God→Concept

The devil is an angel cast out of heaven for wanting divinity, contrasting with the character of God

During the period when Freemasonry was persecuted by the Roman Church, it was associated with the worship and invocation of the devil through the association known as Mopses.

MolchSubstance

Moloch, as a conceptual deity, relates to the Devil's role in the symbolism of Kabbalah, representing the divine in a misappropriated form.

Mortal SinConcept

Mortal sin is considered a persistent will in what is absurd, similar to the perversely willing actions of evil forces, including the devil.

MichaelPerson

Mention of casting an angel implies interaction between Michael and the devil, relating via divine struggle.

Alchemical TarotConcept

The Devil card symbolizes the black stage in Alchemy and is part of the Tarot Major Arcana

Sabbath Of The SorcerersRitual

The Sabbath is led by Baphomet, a manifestation of this hermetic lineage

MopsesLineage

Devil was a central concept for Mopses, who invoked it as part of their evil practices and rituals, in opposition to the Roman Church's stance on Freemasonry.

JudgmentConcept

The Devil and Judgment cards are related through their representation of the struggle between spiritual and material influences, Judgment symbolizing the end of cycles of materialism to achieve enlightenment

BaalSubstance

Baal, another ancient deity, relates to the Devil in the Kabbalistic symbolism, indicating the dehumanization of divine concepts.

SorceryConcept

Sorcery and the concept of the devil are intertwined, the former being believed in by sorcerers who engaged in his worship and invocation.

Death→Concept

The death card can signify an end to a situation involving negative habits or behaviors, which is related to the transformative nature of The Devil

Tower→Ritual

Devil concept illustrates the nature of material life, while the Tower concept symbolizes the demolition of false truths, both dealing with the duality of reality.

Human SoulSubstance

In black magic pacts, the human soul is often used as a bargaining tool with demons, indicating a harmful and sinister relationship

FederationConcept

The Devil is symbolized by various creatures, including beings of lineages like federation, signifying its malevolent nature

The Hierophant and the Devil cards are related through their contrasting roles in representing spiritual guidance and the materialist's downfall, emphasizing the importance of spiritual wisdom over materialist delusions

Malkuth→Concept

Malkuth and the Kingdom symbolize the balance between light and shadow, with the Devil representing an ultimate reflection of light's absence or corruption in Kabbalistic thought.

LordSubstance

Personified by "selfishness, hate, and passion" and "the doctrines of selfishness, hate, and passion"; the Lord represents the ultimate opposition to these false teachings.>|<|10

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

DevilthroughManilluminatesSun →
I. Devil & Man

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

II. Man & Sun

The Sun is described alongside Man, representing a central figure in celestial and human significance, suggesting a direct link in the narrative Both Man and Sun are described, connecting in the narrative and traditional symbolism

DevilthroughManilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Devil & Man

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

II. Man & Paracelsus

Both Man and Paracelsus are described, connecting in traditional and symbolic significance

DevilthroughTarotilluminatesPantacle →
I. Devil & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Devil which signifies separation, ego, and the negative aspects of the human condition

II. Tarot & Pantacle

The Pantacle, a ritual symbol, is part of the Tarot, which contains kabalistic alphabets and symbols used in magical practices.

DevilthroughTarotilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Devil & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Devil which signifies separation, ego, and the negative aspects of the human condition

II. Tarot & Alchemy

TAROT and ALCHEMY are interconnected in the works of individuals like Papus, who utilize the Tarot as a tool to apply alchemical principles in his occult teachings. Both the Tarot and Alchemy are recognized as symbols and systems that seek deeper metaphysical and psychological truths. These disciplines are related through their esoteric and symbolic nature, with the Tarot often seen as a symbolic system parallel to Alchemy, both aiming to explore the same profound dimensions of reality. Through the lens of Papus, the Tarot becomes a means to translate and apply the concepts of Alchemy into a more accessible and intuitive framework, emphasizing their shared pursuit of understanding the nature of the universe and the human psyche. Alchemy and Tarot are both practices associated with ancient mysticism and transmutation

DevilthroughCubeilluminatesPythagoras →
I. Devil & Cube

The Devil is associated with the cube, symbolizing his influence and control over the material world

II. Cube & Pythagoras

Similarly, Pythagoras was intrigued by symmetrical geometric solids, with the cube included in his studies.

DevilthroughManilluminatesMysteries →
I. Devil & Man

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

II. Man & Mysteries

The Mysteries were based on the belief that man was created in the image of God, but over time, this understanding was lost.

DevilthroughManilluminatesSpirit →
I. Devil & Man

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

II. Man & Spirit

Man is created in the image of God, sharing a twofold constitution with the divine, including a spiritual and material aspect.

DevilthroughTarotilluminatesKabalah →
I. Devil & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Devil which signifies separation, ego, and the negative aspects of the human condition

II. Tarot & Kabalah

The Tarot serves as a key to the Kabalah, indicating its significant symbolic and mystical importance Kabalistic theosophy is tied to the Tarot as Lévi and others discuss its connection to the Thirty-two Paths of Kabalistic theosophy.

DevilthroughTarotilluminatesAstrology →
I. Devil & Tarot

The Tarot includes The Devil which signifies separation, ego, and the negative aspects of the human condition

II. Tarot & Astrology

The Tarot was used by Etteilla to apply astrological principles in divination.> Astrology is seen as a parallel system to the Tarot, both dealing with human consciousness and relations to celestial bodies, and thus is related to the Tarot in the context of understanding deeper metaphysical truths.

DevilthroughManilluminatesAll →
I. Devil & Man

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

II. Man & All

Man ceases manifesting on the material plane and withdraws into the indwelling spirit, representing a return to THE ALL.