The Judgement

The Judgment tarot card is the twentieth card of the Major Arcana and is ruled by the planet Pluto, the ruler of the underworld. The card is about rescuing ourselves from old patterns, and, resurrecting after letting go of a drab and painful life. Judgment is similar to Justice as both cards are about doing what is right, moral, and, just, with the difference lying in the fact that Justice is done by man while Judgment is delivered by a higher power.

Represents

The Judgment Tarot represents faith, patience, divine justice, karma, awakening to new possibilities, and, enlightenment.

Description

In the Rider Waite deck, the Judgement Tarot shows an angel (Gabriel, the ‘messenger of God’) blowing a trumpet, as he rests on clouds. The trumpet blows the sound of creation and signifies a call for action. Six naked (symbol of rebirth) figures are rising from their graves with their arms outstretched, looking at the angel for redemption. The coffins represent the place where we hide and Judgment gives us the chance to get out of it, let go of our past and start afresh.
In the background, are mountains or even tidal waves which signify eternal truth beyond our limited comprehension.
The river that flows through the Major Arcana, starting with The Empress, ends in the ocean. The Hermit, who set out to ‘seek’ wisdom in the mountains, finds it here. Gabriel’s banner is red on white, the same as the Magician’s clothing.
As with everything in life, the beginning is woven irrevocably into the end and the end eventually leads to a new beginning.

Meaning

When the Judgment card comes up in a general reading, it suggests that a major change might be necessary in your life in order to move forward. You need to let go of the old things/situation that no longer serve you. You are close to reaching a significant stage in your journey and with meditation and quiet reflection, truth will be revealed to you. You will be able to access that which did not go right and start afresh. You will experience a re-birth.

The Judgment Tarot card meaning changes when the card comes reversed. It tells you not to let go of this chance to make the desired change. It can indicate unhappiness, isolation and difficulties in letting go of the past and moving forward.

In a Business Reading

When Judgment comes up in a business reading, it is positive as you now have more clarity about your career. It may be time for you to change jobs or find a totally different line of work. But choose wisely, as what you take up now, will have long-term or far-reaching implications. Choose something more suited to your life purpose.

For those looking for a job, if you get an offer, take it up.

In Relationships

When Judgment comes up in a relationship reading then it indicates that you are facing a decision. There are issues of power, ethics and honesty at play and whatever choice you make now will not only profoundly affect your association with your current partner, but also with others in the future.

And when the card comes up for singles, and, you are confused whether you should date the person or not, Judgment tells you that you could have deep karmic bonds with this person.

In Health

In a health reading when Judgment comes up, it encourages you to look after yourself as your own behavior will be solely and directly responsible for your condition. A healthy lifestyle and spiritual awareness will bring about a positive change in the long run and you will develop your own self-healing abilities.