(2008) 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" Pencil on Paper. Processed and framed in Photoshop

This drawing is pretty close to traditional images of the devil card which typically shows Baphomet seated with a naked man and a woman chained to his throne.

Of course Voldemort is the devil-figure of the Potterverse, so he had to be the central focus of this card, and instead of an anonymous couple I decided to add the two characters to him who seem to be most under his evil spell during the seven books - Bellatrix and Wormtail.

Their two characters show very clearly two mind-sets that can lead to hell on earth for people: obsession and fear.

Bellatrix is obsessed with Voldemort and the power that he holds. She craves nothing more than his approval and perhaps his love - both of which prove elusive. Even though she goes to her death for him, in the end she has got nothing in return except 12 years of misery in Azkaban and a loveless marriage of convenience.

Wormtail is also chained to Voldemort, but not because of obsession. He is so terrified of his master, he betrays his best friends to keep himself safe and even seeks to bring back the man he most fears. In the end he is so warped and twisted that his last shred of human compassion only serves to kill him, a fate that he feared so much.

For the backdrop of the scene I chose the sea-cave where Tom Riddle brought his first victims as a boy, and I gave him a slightly more militaristic and brutal outfit than his customary flowing robes.

When drawn the devil card may signify that the querent is in the position of the devil or the position of the devil’s victims.

As the devil you will need to confront your shadow, examine your motivations and the way you treat others. Do you ask for too many sacrifices from others for your own benefit, power and gratification? Are you thoughtless, cruel or do you need to keep others small to feel powerful yourself?

As the victim you need to confront your fears or obsessions – what keeps you in chains and how can you break them?

In either case the Devil will show you things about yourself that you wish you could ignore or that you have suppressed.