The Astral Energy

Eliphas Lévi, was a French occultist, creator of one of the images more known of the Devil. Even though it differs from the one we can see in the Tarot deck, it is important to keep it in mind. Among the similarities, one of the most important teachings that The Devil brings us is the phrase “Solve et Coagula”. In most decks, he has it inscribed in his arms. 

We can see that there are three characters. None of them are fully human, but possess animal characteristics.

• Starting with the devil, we see a figure with bat wings holding a torch. These characteristics are totally antagonistic to what we can see in the case of Temperance (angel wings and in their hands vessels transmuting water). They symbolize that these beings are in the dark. The torch does not possess the Astral Light.
• The Phrase “Solve et Coagula” comes from alchemy and alludes to the concepts of “dissolve” / “separate” and “coagulate” / “unite”. It communicates to us a process that involves two energies one superior or another of the depths. It also means that something must be dissolved, destroyed, and then constructed something different.
• With regard to the body of our character, we observe that there are four different faces. His is immersed in a state of meditation and in turn develops a grimace of liberation. Like the face in his stomach, he is sticking out his tongue. This means that it shows itself as it is. He does not deceive us but he lets himself be seen. The eyes all over his body tell us that he watches everything, for Jodorowsky, help to see his fears.
• With regard to the other two characters, we see that they have horns or branches like the devil. This means that they are driven by their passions and the collars with ties mean that they are prisoners of those same impulses. At the same time, the bonds connect with the same Devil, creating a single figure that has characteristics of man (the genitals) and woman (her breasts).

In front of our consultant

Remember that every card is closely linked with those who accompany it in a print run. Beyond this clarification, it tells us about money, the desire for wealth, for hidden transactions. Possessing money and objects is one of the characteristics of this arcane. Although not always that leads us on track.

On the other hand, it represents creative energy. So it is very positive for those who work the talent of creativity and imagination.

It calls us to break our morals, our structure. We must “dissolve” imposed structures in order to “coagulate” or construct our own principles.

In my case, when it appeared in a roll it indicated to me that there were envious or jealous persons to me around.

Also this card serves as a wake-up call for addictions of any kind, sexual problems, or patterns that keep repeating themselves.

Numerology

We are in front of number fifteen. It is related to the moon, the darkness, the night. It teaches us to face our fears about what we cannot see clearly, what remains in the dark and hidden.

The fifteen is divided by three and gives us three times five. While the Pope is the five and guides us towards the celestial, The Devil, with its number indicates another way.

To Conclude

We have to recognize ourselves in everything we are. We must see the clear and the dark, what we show and what does not. That way we can be aware of the reality of our nature. The fallen angel, bearer of the Astral Light came to recognize what we have inside, our hidden energy.