Copyright: All artwork/content protected under ©2007-2011 Lynne Ciacco

All content herein copyright © Lynne Ciacco


Thursday, October 20, 2011

Bedevilment

Traditionally designated as XV The Devil card in the Tarot , I have renamed it in my own deck as Bedevilment.  This card indicates, much as a line from an old song goes, being "bewitched, bothered and bewildered" by our own obsessions. 

©2011 L.Ciacco, XV Bedevilment, Tarot Series, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.


A dictionary definition of the word "bedevil" states: to harass or torment; to throw into confusion.  When this card pops up in a Tarot reading we'd best ask just what is it we're tormenting ourselves with or are confused about.  Those shoes that we simply have to have?  A lover we can't let go of?  A particular fantasy wherein we save the day or become an overnight sensation in some way?  What illusions, delusions, or substances are we using for false comfort?   Relationships that are keeping us bound in some way must be shed.  The Bedevilment card lets us know that it's time to stop taking our obsessive desires so seriously; to laugh at ourselves (I mean, look at this creature's get-up!), get a grip on reality, and to lighten up.

It's time to examine how we are bedeviled by boundaries and limitations created by our own fear-based beliefs and admit the ways in which we hold ourselves in bondage to physical or material desires.  This card indicates the need to bring light into the darkness of desire and obsession, whether it be through the sobering light of day, the light-heartedness of humour, or the soothing light of Spirit.

We must shed our false identities (illustrated by the mask, gloves, perverse attire) and free the bonds of our limiting beliefs and obsessions (shown in the rope not being actually knotted or tied). 

26 comments:

  1. Having a bond that really doesn't hold but not realizing it. I love your image.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh I like your thinking and attitude. It's such a treat to see these beautifully illustrated cards with the written interpretations and thoughts behind them. And that getup is priceless. This is my favorite card. (How many times have I said that)! I am enjoying the evolution of this project immensely.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this... once again you have made me think about how all this relates to me.. the brain has gone off on a little walk ,haha. Letting go of material possession or at least their hold on us can be a difficult task in this world.. I think that;s why i love travel.. more about the experience than the purchases...

    You know the first thing that came into mind when I saw this clever interpretation was.. A child thinking they are superman and about to jump off the garage roof.. [as my brother did once]

    I have to look at this more.. but it really is so clever.. Is the hand a genie's lantern??

    Ok.. have a great day and thanks for sharing your beautiful art with us.. ciao xxx Julie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! Beautiful work. I like the Devil as you have painted ...

    ReplyDelete
  5. wonderful "take" on the devil card. I do love your picture and verbal interpretations, in fact seem to relate more to what you say than to the little book that accompanied my traditional tarot deck.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A devil that's scared of mice: why on the chair otherwise?

    I'm afraid she/he's too benign for my task. I like my devil's rough and raunchy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A cleverly composed creation -- being a disturbing/enlightening interpretation of the Devil Card and the illustration exactly portrays the words.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous...so on the mark!

    ReplyDelete
  9. DCW,
    Sounds like an ad for an alternative to Fixodent!
    Glad you like the image; it was one I struggled with and was unsure about. Guess it bedeviled me.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Stickup,
    It's so encouraging to have you (and others) cheering me along with this project. It had lain dormant for years and suddenly it has taken on a life of its own. I didn't think I'd be able to write synopses of the cards' meanings but putting them out here on the blog is forcing me to focus. I'm enjoying watching the evolution, too! I'm really touched that my illustrations speak to you on a personal level.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Julie,
    Your brother really did that? I'm sure the devil made him do it. Traveling light, yes! But the temptation to accumulate souvenirs can be strong--thank goodness for the invention of the digital camera! I spent 3 months in Spain when I was 20-something and came home with a duffel bag of souvenirs and not one photo! The "stuff" is all crap now and I wish I had pictures instead to help bring back the experience.
    I'm pleased that this card has sent you off on another little trip, even if only mentally.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Leovi,
    Thank you so much! I wanted the devil to look more foolish than frightening.

    ReplyDelete
  13. sukipoet,
    So glad that you can relate to my interpretation of the card. I have several books and decks and I consult a few for each card then pick out the bits that resonate with me and my own experiences, both in life and with the Tarot.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marginalia,
    I had wanted to use your photo as a model for my devil card but was stymied by your reluctance to post personal pictures on your blog. I assume I got the suspenders and stockings right?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Shirl,
    Only through disturbance can one find enlightenment. I just made that up, inspired by your comment. Do you think I could pass it off as a genuine maxim? The devil is of our own making, I believe, and that is what I was trying to convey.
    You gave me my first Tarot deck and I still cherish it. The art work in it is of fabric compositions and took me many years to figure out just how it was done, after I got interested in fabric art myself. Funny, eh? I think you are a little bit psychic.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Blue Sky,
    Yay! I almost scrapped this card to go after a different design, but I figured it illustrated what the devil card represents for me. Glad it resonates with you as well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. you are really getting me interested into tarot... i think this one is my favorite so far. i find so many interesting details here.

    ReplyDelete
  18. johana,
    There are a lot of fascinating tarot decks out there. I'm glad you like mine!

    ReplyDelete
  19. For me this image says PEACE!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I find this very comical -- we all have our skeletons, don't we? :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Forest Dream Weaver,
    I love your original take on things! You're right: the person does look like s/he's going within, centering and finding the inner peace needed to escape the bonds of materialism, perversion, obsession, neuroses...all those games the mind creates to bedevil us with.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nancy,
    Laughter is the best medicine! Yes, we all have our skeletons and once they're brought out into the light of day, they lose their power to control us...and maybe even look rather silly.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Absolutely fantastic!! I think this is my favorite so far.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I like the boots!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sharmon,
    Thanks! I'm so surprised by the positive reaction this card is getting. Do we all relate to it or what??

    ReplyDelete
  26. c,
    I designed them myself! I wonder if I might find a similar pair on sale at Brown's.

    You are a girl after your mother's own heart. The acorn doesn't fall from the tree. If the shoe fits, buy it!

    ReplyDelete