What does Judgement mean in Tarot cards?

Despite the rather frightening name, this card carries a positive meaning. The Major Arcana Tarot card Judgement symbolizes global changes, getting rid of the accumulated troubles, problems, difficulties. In this article, we will consider the description and meaning in the relationship of a straight and reversed card, interpretation and combination with other cards in the spreads of love, health, career and work.
20 Major Arcana Judgment is not a simple Tarot card. Its meaning is deep and multifaceted. To correctly understand the answer of the card, you need to take into account many nuances. More on this below.
Arcana Judgement of the Tarot has long been interpreted as positive. In its most general meaning, it indicates the end of a stagnation or crisis, a solution to a protracted problem, movement forward after a long stop.
A feeling of freedom, lightness and optimism awaits you soon. You have done everything you can and are on the right track. The decision of the Universe has been made, it remains only to wait for its implementation.
However, there are some exceptions. 20 Arcana is quite closely related to justice. If you showed your negative qualities in a situation about which you are asking, the Judgement may indicate that you will have to bear responsibility and pay for your actions.

Depiction

An angel trumpets in the clouds, awakening all people who rise from their graves.
(For a detailed depiction, analysis of the Symbols and all Elements of the Judgement Tarot Card, click here)

Meaning of the Card

Something new enters in your life. Life takes on a new dimension. You are no longer a “separate” individual, but a part of the All-Oneness, a conductor and transmitter of cosmic energy. Listen more attentively to its signals, to the voice of the heavenly trumpet. Now you are a messenger of God, an instrument of higher powers. Try to understand the meaning of the task entrusted to you and fulfill it with honor.
In practical terms, for a creative person (artist, poet, artist), this card in an upright position means the onset of a new period of inspiration, active work, perhaps the search for new forms. In general, it often means a surge of new strength, the opening of a “second wind”, a transition to a new quality. In combination with other cards of success, it can mean the implementation of creative plans. It may be the release of a book, the opening of an exhibition, the completion of a project.
For ordinary people who are not looking for success or fame, but only for peace and preservation of the status quo, the Judgement in an upright position means annoying anxiety, a violation of the usual course of things.
You were blindly moving towards your goal, making mistakes and stumbling. Now is the time when you are guaranteed success and understanding. Do not be afraid. Grab this opportunity with both hands. If you postpone a decision, if you hesitate, the rarest opportunity in your life may slip out of your hands. Make sure you are on the right track. No matter how great the doubts were. It doesn’t matter that the results so far have been negative. In fact, you have already made the right choices about your own life and the lives of others who may be affected by your choice. Expect positive results in the very near future. Important questions will be answered, guarantees received, doubts resolved. You will be rewarded for your efforts.
Like the Death card, the Tarot Judgment symbolizes the end of your old life and the beginning of a new one. But in this case, the changes, whatever they may be, are for the better. Your questions will be answered, and your doubts will be resolved. Finally, you will know the truth.
These questions can be about both spiritual and worldly aspects of your life. In mundane life, you can, for example, learn what to expect from a new career, from a new romance, or learn about a change for the better in your overall lifestyle.
On a spiritual level, the answers from the Tarot Judgement are more important. Until now, you have pursued a goal, supported only by your own belief that it should exist and that it is worth striving for.
Now you will be shown that your goal really exists, that there is nothing more valuable to strive for. The Tarot judgment promises a reward for your faith and your aspirations. From now on, you do not need to blindly believe. You know for sure. Note that contrary to the figurativeness used here, the card does not point to Judgment in the sense of the end of the world. But it does indicate the end of the seeker’s old life, which means the end of confusion, despair and doubt. The Tarot judgment is a positive card symbolizing a new birth, a new understanding. Most importantly, you are eligible for these awards because you deserve them with your faith and your dedication, despite all doubts. Our behavior and our character are judged.

Positive Aspects of the Card
Revival and renewal, awakening, cleansing and regeneration, new opportunities and changes, transformation and clarification. Detection of hidden abilities. Change, escape from captivity, fulfillment of desire, healing.

Negative Aspects of the Card
Fear of death, captivity, sentence, personality crisis and stagnation, unhappy endings, loneliness and loss, indecision and fear of change.

The Main Meanings of the Card In an Upright Position

Key Words and Phrases

A milestone on the path of development. An important choice. The end of the next stage of life and summing up. Are you judging someone or you are being judged. Height. Change of status. End of an era. The final phase of the situation. Itinerary. Change of profession. Career advancement. Resurrection. The need to hear the assessment or evaluate yourself. Rejuvenation. Phoenix rising from the ashes. A tough decision. Call to action. Update. Personal crisis. Time to evaluate. New direction. New attempts at reconciliation. Transition. Awakening. Metamorphoses. Break with conventions. Big changes. A must-have choice that will change your life for the better. Purification. Regeneration. New life. New opportunities. Assessing yourself. Improving the characteristics of your personality. Final calculations. Transformation. Healing. Getting rid of old habits. Back to life. Favorable legal decision. Summarizing. Clarified condition. Final inspection. Start. The ending. What goes around comes around.

Situation and Advice

The next cycle ends, and you should be ready for the next phase of growth. You have reached a new milestone in your development. Perhaps you are faced with an important decision that will completely change the course of your life. If you make this decision fully aware of its full significance, the results will be favorable to you. It is now that the finest hour has come, which gives you a chance to change and improve something. Perhaps it will resemble the process of rebirth. If you are thinking about changing your profession, then the decision made promises to be successful. If your question was about health, this card predicts healing and recovery. If you asked about litigation, then all legal issues will be resolved in your favor. If you are a student, you will successfully pass the upcoming exams. If you are worried about an upcoming medical examination, the result will be favorable.
This is the end of the cycle, the time of rebirth and awakening, the time to reap the bountiful harvest of your past actions. It’s time to open a blank page in your life and be ready for a positive new beginning. You are now able to see things much more clearly.

Persons designated by Upright Judgment Tarot Сard

Judges. Supreme Court. Performers.

The Main Meanings of the Card In a Reversed Position

Key Words and Phrases

Unwanted ending, disappointment in the past situation. Delay in action. Indecision. Fear of change. Forced completion. Your desires are revealed. Big unwanted change. Refusal to make decisions. Phoenix is ​​not reborn. Delay. Remorse. Regret. Unhappy end. Lack of purpose. Reluctance to let go. Ignoring the call to action. Rejection of the challenge or the need for growth. Loneliness. Fear of death. Separation from a loved one. Dispelling illusions. A loss. Failure in exams. Unfavorable resolution of legal issues. Routine. Refusal to face facts. Shame. Self-pity. Disease. Negative Karma.

Even if you feel that you are not ready yet, in any case, you need to draw a line to some specific aspects of your life. Circumstances, illness, or even death can separate you from your loved one. Perhaps your job or position separates you from the person who means a lot to you. Obviously, your relationship is coming to an end, but you do not want to put an end to it. But it is impossible to constantly turn away from the facts. No matter how difficult it is, you will have to part with your past and continue to live on.
There may be major unwanted changes in your life that you cannot control. Legal issues will not be resolved in your favor, or you will fail the exams. Sometimes an reversed Judgement card can mean health problems, especially with vision or hearing. If you’ve asked about the results of medical research, get ready to hear bad news. A reversed Judgement can symbolize separation or divorce. If your question was about a legal process, then the card of the Judgement in an reversed position indicates that the issue will not be decided in your favor (especially if there is a six of Swords in the spread, which means a delay in action due to the betrayal of a person). In an reversed position, the Judgement card warns you about possible negative karma and says that you need to learn from your past mistakes. Perhaps you need to change your defeatist demeanor and move in a more constructive direction.

Persons designated by the Reversed Judgement Tarot Сard

Those who are experiencing an unwanted ending of some events or unwanted major changes in their lives. Those who learn from the mistakes of the past (from their negative karma). Students who did not pass the exams. People who lose the trial.

In the Spreads

The meaning of Judgement Tarot card in the spreads very much depends on the position of the card. The Arcana’s answer may have different directions based on the sphere of life you are interested in.
New beginnings await you, which are associated with liberation from a burdensome situation. Getting rid of bad thoughts, doubts, bitterness and suffering. Returning fortitude, restoring health, attracting good luck, the appearance of a feeling of happiness. It is possible to receive good news that will resolve a difficult situation for the better.
The Tarot Judgement is a guide to action. In the spread it indicates that the question is really important, and it certainly needs to be resolved. The presence of this card indicates that the questioner has chosen the right path (no matter how much he doubts it) and all the problems have already been practically resolved.
Tarot card Judgment means an irrevocable decision, a change of fate in a radical way, and this decision is not subject to revision. In most cases, according to the Judgement, a person is faced with a difficult choice and it is important to make up his mind to make his choice.
Many believe that the 20th Arcana means not so much the coming changes, but that changes in a person have already taken place under the influence of external or internal factors. He has reached a new level, he only needs to realize and accept this. Moreover, these changes are dictated by the entire previous life. This is a natural stage of development and a consequence of certain actions. In fact, a person was reborn: someone with an old thinking in him died, and a new person was born with a changed thinking. We need to accept this fact and develop in a new direction.
The presence of the Judgement in the spread is a very strong sign, indicating sudden and uncontrollable changes. So, perhaps, some time ago, a person did not imagine that his life would change its course so abruptly.
But the Tarot card Judgment can also alert in the case of a strong influence of Pluto in the horoscope. With a positive Pluto, the card can mean transformation. In case of negative, it’s a test of strength, retribution for sins. With a weak influence – unexpected events. But usually the card represents a more meaningful, long-term experience. It portends a change in life for people seeking solitude, tranquility.
If the Judgement drops out with negative cards, this indicates a loss. You will be billed and paid for. Also, if there is a Tarot card Judgement in the spread, the value may indicate that the answers to the questions you are interested in are hidden in the past.
When a card appears in the spread for a person who performed a prayer the day before, repented or cried out to heaven, this may mean that his prayer has been heard and taken into consideration. This does not mean that the request will be immediately executed, but as a result, the Judgement contributes to the best resolution of the situation, and helps to strengthen the faith.

In an Upright Position

If you got 20 Arcana Tarot, and you did nothing wrong, you can be calm. This is an auspicious omen. Soon your life will improve, problems will be solved, relationships will move to a new level, all constraints will disappear.
On a metaphysical level, this card symbolizes spiritual awakening and rebirth. However, in the context of your daily activities, it indicates the onset of pleasant events in your life. You are being encouraged to experience something new and exciting, which can mean breaking up with old thoughts and habits.
You will enjoy good health and feel energized and refreshed again – now you can move on with a renewed clarity of thought and vision. You have begun to look at life much more broadly than before.
Tarot card Judgment means liberation from any worries or from an unpleasant person, from “superfluous” qualities like shyness, fear, etc. It can also mean a situation when, after a long stagnation, finally, changes for the better have come. Reward, salary increase, rest after long work. In a word, the achievement of the goal. This is spiritual rebirth, repentance, forgiveness, redemption of the past, return of what was previously lost. A successful outcome of old affairs and new beginnings, positive changes in life, provided that fearlessness and activity are maintained. The card also means that either your long-standing desire will be fulfilled, or life as a whole will reach a higher level of well-being, both spiritual and material.

With favorable Minor Arcana cards, Judgement acquires a more positive prognosis: you are a creative and active person, small and generous, who is always aware of all the latest news. You do not expect gifts from fate, but you yourself build your life.

In the Spreads for Different situation

In an Upright Position:
In the Tarot readings for the situation, the Judgement marks an imminent decision. If there is uncertainty now, it will disappear soon. Circumstances will change, what happened in the past will determine the course of the future.
Now you have a good chance of getting what you have long dreamed of. Arcana hints at your correct choice of behavior model, but be prepared for change and responsibility for your actions.
Change for the better, the last stage of what we started earlier, making a decision.

In a Reversed Position:
The Reversed Tarot Judgement indicates the results of a wrong choice in the past. Something went wrong and now the prevailing circumstances slow down the movement forward. Try to analyze your actions, accept what is now and continue to move in the right direction in harmony with your heart and conscience.
Deadlock, variable success, you will have to postpone the planned project or be satisfied with minimal (and in combination with some cards – negative) results. Tough sentence. It is no longer possible to reverse what is happening, you can only learn a lesson for the future.

In the Spreads for Relationship

In an Upright Position:
Tarot Judgement in relationships and love has several key meanings. In the vast majority of cases, it symbolizes something good. It can be a transition of love to a new level, harmony, inspiration, fresh bright emotions, deepening of feelings, restoration of relations in case of a quarrel. You and your partner understand how important you are to each other and how strong your love is. Possible wedding and family creation in the future.
However, if the situation with the partner is controversial, the card may give the opposite answer. In any case, Arcana will mean a decision on the part of you or a partner (depending on the formulation of the question), which will lead to serious changes. But this can be both a marriage and a final breakup. If in doubt, look at the near cards or pull out a couple more Arcana from above for clarification.
Reunion of lovers. Determination and self-confidence are good, but remember to be empathetic with your other half.
The Arcana Judgement promises to get rid of the distressing interactions. This is true healing, pacification. If you are burdened by existing relationships, it’s time to end them for the sake of your further development. The card speaks of inevitable changes for the better in your personal life. Probably the adoption of a fateful decision, a new marriage, the fulfillment of a long-standing desire, the achievement of a result. The card calls not to be afraid of change and not to hesitate with a decision.

In a Reversed Position:
When asked about love, the reversed card Judgement does not bode well. It drops out when the train has left. You had a chance, but you missed it. Now it is hardly possible to fix something.
Another meaning is when a person independently refuses the opportunities offered by fate. For example, a boyfriend / girlfriend dumps a partner who loves him / her and reverts to past destructive relationships.
Relationships undergo someone else’s interference, lose harmony and stability. A break up.
In this position, the card predicts separation or strained relationships. Sometimes heralds the beginning of the divorce proceedings. If in the alignment there are neutral or positive cards next to it, then there is just a routine period of household family affairs ahead.

In the Spreads for Dates

In an Upright Position:
You’ve started to perceive dating in a whole new way. Previously, they were a concern and a source of anxiety. Now they are something magical and liberating. Well, rejoice!
In a Reversed Position:
You don’t let yourself move forward. Your beliefs limit you. Change your mind about yourself, and then you can change your life.

You will feel immensely relieved to finally pay off your creditors. Or you have already paid. You may try not to get into debt in the future.
In a Reversed Position:
In finance, an Reversed Arcana 20 has the same meaning as in a career. Everything remains in place. Perhaps you had an opportunity to earn money, but you did not use it.
Don’t let other people convince you to spend more than you earn.

In the Spreads for Education

In an Upright Position:
Now all the efforts you put into your studies are being rewarded.
In a Reversed Position:
Listen to teachers – they are trying to help you.

In the Spreads for Career

In an Upright Position:
The meaning of the tarot card The Judgement in a direct position in matters of work is an upward movement. Everything that helps to rise higher belongs here. A new area, new projects, the end of stagnation, career growth, promotion. A very favorable card, you can safely show initiative and activity. This will lead you to success.
The Judgement Tarot card means a big change in work. A certain decisive phase ensues, often associated with resignation or dismissal. In any case, we perceive these changes as liberation and as an opportunity to look deep into ourselves, to understand what our true calling is. But even if no formal changes are expected in the foreseeable future, we are freed from some old problems and boring responsibilities. At the event level, this can mean successfully passing exams, completing a project or assignment.

In a Reversed Position:
An Reversed Tarot card Judgement at work indicates stagnation. Nothing happens, everything remains as it was. Often means missed chances of success.
In an Reversed position, the card speaks of stagnation in business or a period of mess and confusion. Legal issues will be resolved negatively.

In the Spreads for Health

In an Upright Position:
Crisis conditions, exacerbation of diseases.
In the case of health, the Tarot Judgement has a dual meaning. With other good cards, it symbolizes recovery, powerful vital energy, successful operation, recovery.
With bad cards or in a situation where a person is seriously ill, it can mean a worsening of the condition or even death.
In a Reversed Position:
The disease can develop towards deterioration.
Probably the Reversed Arcana 20 is the worst card in health matters. It means very serious, often incurable diseases that almost always end in death.

In the Perspectives

The path of deliverance lies before you. Perhaps something really valuable comes into your life, something that was previously invisible to you.

Arcana’s warning

The Tarot Judgement gives the following advice – do not resist the changes that are taking place. The Universe gives you the chances that will lead to a happy life. Use them. Do not be afraid of anything. You can even go through what seems impossible.
If you do not use the opportunities now, then it will be too late. Refusing to change can lead to a worsening of the situation.

Self-Development Lesson

We die to our old self and are reborn again. We leave the darkness of our ignorance, comprehending the light of new understanding and wisdom. We are truly reborn when we enter the Kingdom of the Spirit.

Key Ideas

You reap what you sow.
Look ahead – the reward for past efforts is coming. If you feel a load of bitterness and hatred, return your power to the place to which it belongs, to the center of yourself. Don’t waste it on the past.
Life is moving forward. Walk forward with her.

Psychological (Personality) Meaning of the Arcana

Type of person in an upright position:
An idealist who has realized his ideas; one who strongly believes in everything he does; reached the pinnacle of spiritual development.
The main component of a person who fell on the 20th Arcana Judgement is freedom of will. He does not depend on anyone or anything, he has inner freedom and various talents. Such a person feels renewed and happy, he succeeds in everything.
The card means a person who can inspire masses of people for good deeds. He is a heroic personality, ready to give his life for a lofty goal. It has an inner core that is not only difficult, but impossible to break. His beliefs are verified and true, he will never preach false ideas. Of the shortcomings – often he lacks the understanding that a person is weak, and judges others very strictly, in such a way as if the matter concerned himself.

Type of person in an reversed position:
Crazy; intoxicated person; fanatic; a person who imposes their views and beliefs.
The Reversed 20 card Judgement of the Tarot symbolizes a person who gives up the chance for change for the better. He is a die-hard conservative who resists everything new, even if his current lifestyle is destructive for him. It can also be a person who is afraid of change. His fear prevents him from taking advantage of opportunities that would make him happier.
It means a cowardly, cunning person. However, he is cunning without much success. He is quickly brought to light on his deeds. He lives in the hope of getting at least something for free and that he will have good luck. He is distinguished by selfishness, indifference to the needs of other people. Creates an aura of mystery around itself, which in fact turns out to be a complete fiction.

Psychological significance of the Arcana:

Something new appears in your life again and you start to see everything in a completely different light. What seemed difficult to solve and problematic suddenly lost its former drama. Now you look at things more broadly. You have already outgrown your own “I” and you think more globally. You know that you have contributed to the existence of mankind, and when you leave this world, having gone through another transformation, your trace will remain on the earth. You are no longer a speck of dust that could be blown off her face by the slightest breeze. You have become a part of a great whole, a conductor and transmitter of cosmic energy. Look carefully at the signs of destiny, listen to the voice of God, which now abides in you. Now you are His messenger, an instrument of the Higher Power. Try to understand the significance and meaning of the message given to you, try to fulfill it with honor and dignity.

Final Advice of Arcana

Complete your tasks. Summarize your results. Try to calculate the consequences and if you are ok with them before handling the issue. Have a serious conversation. Believe that a solution to the problem or deliverance is just around the corner.
Less often – to seek help from the authorities, justice.

In an Upright Position:
Return to your roots, take the best from your experience. Recognize past mistakes, get rid of delusions, ask for forgiveness from those who have been harmed.
In a Reversed Position:
It is impossible to hesitate, the consequences of mistakes can become irreversible. The inability to forgive and let go harms you first of all if you are humiliated and insulted.

Conclusion

It is easy to make a mistake in the interpretation of the card of the Judgement if we proceed only from the name. Judgment in general, and the “judgment” that is meant here, that is, the Last Judgment in particular, is usually associated with punishment, retribution, and thus with hopelessness and fear. Meanwhile, the meaning of the card is based, first of all, on the drawing, which includes completely definite cultural and mythological images. The card of the Judgement depicts the Resurrection, that is, the moment of rebirth and liberation of something that has been suppressed or hidden for a long time. It is the exit of the true, Divine principle from prison to the light. Thus, the meaning of this card is just very favorable. It personifies an important, decisive step on the path of personality formation, the successful completion of the next stage of the alchemical transformation, the transformation of lower matter into higher. At the everyday level, this card also means liberation from some worries or from a harmful person, from “superfluous” qualities like shyness, fearfulness, etc. It can also indicate that the case we are asking about contains the “treasure” that we are looking for.

Discover other Major Arcana: