From the Mary-El Tarot, the Devil; from the OH Cards, Shepherd/Intimidate:
The contrived, over-the-top look of this Devil makes him look as if he is in agony, to be pitied rather than feared. The Thoth tradition reminds us that we are indeed animals (regardless of the "human" label) and have basic instincts for our survival. Often in trying to moderate our natural drives, we go to the other extreme and attempt to suppress them altogether. Primary emotions - felt first as a response to a situation - aren't evil but a cue for needed action. Anger may be the fuel for assaulting someone, but it can also be used as motivation to correct an injustice. The tricky part is pausing long enough to know where on that instinctual continuum I am. If I act or speak from where I stand, will I implode (hurt myself), explode (hurt others) or do something beneficial that would help the situation?
A shepherd opens the gate to allow his sheep the freedom to graze, but the word card "intimidate" suggests there is a reason they might balk. The shepherd's crook reminds me of a crosier, the staff Catholic bishops carry. The intention of both is to pull back their "sheep" to keep them out of trouble. But have we, in trying to be nice and maintain our goodness, lost our fire? Have I become so emotionally locked down that the only thing I'm capable of is a passive-aggressive reaction? Perhaps the horns on that Devil might be useful in making some needed headway.
