Few images are as immediately recognizable as el diabolo, the devil. Whether drawn in jest or as a threatening sign of menace, the devil tattoo as we know it today has origins as ancient as they are multi-dimensional.

While commonly associated with Lucifer and various religious iconology, the devil is also a nod to the folkloric figure that has spanned centuries and numerous cultures, coming to represent many things to many people.

Inked in Dante-inspired black-and-white, Medieval tarot colors, or in honor of Dia de los Muertos-to name only a few possible designs-the traditional devil tattoo can be worn anywhere on the body, either for anatomical significance, protection, or utmost visibility.

Perhaps you wear it to ward off the evil that is ever-present in the world, to fight fire with fire so to speak. Or maybe you wear the emblem as a subtle plea for some “sympathy for the devil,” a sign of your own atonement for prior sins. In a tarot reading, the devil card often appears when you are bound and trapped by an unhealthy addiction, relationship, or pursuit; its presence is a sign that it is time to break free of your bondage.

Ultimately, the devil tattoo can also signify your own willingness to wink back at temptation, and maybe even dapple a little. After all, you’re only human right?

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