Jul 10 - Tarot Characters: The Devil (Pop Culture)

🃏 The Devil may look like the big red guy from Christian teachings, but there's far more to him than that. He warns against allowing yourself to be controlled, about indulgence becoming greed, against believing the shine without looking for the shadow. Here are three characters who capture different sides of this card:

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Ares (Xena and Hercules)

The Greek god of war, bloodshed and the thrill of victory. Ares groomed Xena into the perfect warlord and never really forgave her for turning her back on him. They spent years engaged in a dance where he tried to tempt, blackmail or entice her back to his side. Ares is the Devil as temptation to something you know is wrong, but feels good.

Devil Vibes:

• Tempts people with the power they already crave
• Turns strength into cruelty
• Never lets someone forget what they used to be

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Jareth, the Goblin King (Labyrinth)

Jareth represents the Devil as fantasy. He offers Sarah anything she wants, but it's all an illusion; accepting would mean binding herself to obey him. Even his first offer, a magical crystal, can only show her her dreams, not bring them to her. He reminds us that the Devil's offerings rarely have any real value.

Devil Vibes:

• Makes temptation look beautiful
• Offers dreams instead of reality
• Hides the cost behind the desire

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Hades (Disney's Hercules)

I know. The King of the Underworld is a bit obvious for this one. But it's not Hades' job that's placed him here; it's the way he goes about it. Hades is a salesman, and his victims never realise just what they've promised until it's too late. "You can have anything you want...and in return..." He reminds us that the Devil is a trickster, a liar who uses our own beliefs against us.

Devil Vibes:

• Makes dangerous bargains sound reasonable
• Uses charm to hide his true intentions
• Knows exactly what people want - and how to exploit it

Who's your favourite pop culture Devil? Let us know in the comments!