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The Judgement Tarot Card
Judgement Tarot Card Meaning– Judgement is the 20th (XX) card of the Major Arcana and represents awakenings, breakthroughs, aspirations, ascent, examination, liberation, healing, transformation, union, and rebirth.
Spiritually, the Judgement tarot card teaches us that we can become reborn at any moment we choose. During the evolutionary cycle, humans are consistently developing consciousness through the process of discovery, invention, death, and rebirth. The name of this card is a bit misleading in that it does not simply represent the process of discerning or judging something – the title ‘Judgement’ actually refers to the Christian Judgment Day when the dead rise from their graves and virtuous souls attain paradise in heaven.
This image of the dead rising up from the grave to new life reminds us of the act of rebirth and releasing our bonds, liberating ourselves from ignorance and limitations. Occultist Aleister Crowley found the title Judgement to be so misleading that he changed it to “The Aeon” in the Thoth Tarot deck, representing the process by which mankind progresses in consciousness and understanding of the universe, or the transformation from one paradigm to another.
As the 20th card in the Major Arcana, Judgement is strongly linked to the numerological significance of the number 20. Both the number 20 and Judgement are associated with abundance, balance, manifestation, success, and new beginnings.
Astrologically, the Judgement tarot card is connected to the intense, transformative planet Pluto, the zodiac sign Scorpio, as well as the Fire and Water elements. Each of these astrological correlations captures the cathartic, metamorphic qualities of this card – Pluto and Scorpio are symbolic of death and resurrection, and the elements of Fire and Water are simultaneously destructive and refining.
Some questions Judgement invites you to ponder…
- How have you experienced a rebirth in your life?
- What does rebirth personally mean to you?
- What things have you freed yourself from in the past?
- What aspects of yourself or your life are calling to be examined and changed?
- What are your beliefs and feelings about death? About life?
In this post, we’ll be going over the Judgement tarot card’s Upright and Reversed meanings, as well as Judgement as a person (or significator) and Judgement as feelings. Sometimes understanding a card’s symbolism and your intuition can be all that’s needed to interpret its message, however, awareness of the traditional meanings of the Judgement card, as well as its emotional and personal elements, will help equip you with deeper intuitive insight and more comprehensive, perceptive readings.
Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.
– Voltaire
Judgement Tarot Keywords & Concepts
| Upright: | awakening, assessment, aspirations, freedom, rebirth, epiphany, healing, judgment |
| Reversed: | lack of awareness, doubt, misinterpretation, limitation, poor logic, stagnation |
| Energy: | Yin & Yang |
| Element: | Fire & Water |
| Planet: | Pluto |
| Zodiac Sign: | Scorpio |
Common Symbols
- Angel (represents the ‘angel of revelation’, Archangel Gabriel)
- Trumpet (symbol of awakening and stirring out of ignorance)
- Flag (usually depicting an equal cross, signaling triumph)
- Resurrection/Rising Dead (awakening of the soul; liberation; transformation; moving towards higher understanding)
- Coffins (old ways of thinking or doing things; the mundane world that is being left behind)
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Judgement Tarot card!
Judgement Upright Meaning & Advice
Judgement Upright Interpretations: The Judgement tarot card is unmistakable inward appeal. Realizing your genuine mission. Receiving or heralding a calling for action. You have already undergone significant transformation; change has already happened – all that is left to do is acknowledge it. Declare it to everyone! The Judgement tarot card also shows decent judgment and sound reasoning. When this card appears, you are able to distinguish clearly between what is and is not viable. A choice has been made or needs to be made. The capacity for global perspective. All opposition is only an explanation.
The Judgement tarot card is a signal that you are leaving one phase of your life and entering the next. Major awakenings, changes, revelations, milestones, or opportunities for growth are happening for you now. You may be receiving some sort of wake-up call or entering into an entirely new chapter in life. A cycle is ending -you are stepping into a rebirth and gaining greater awareness. A new door is opening.
Judgement Upright Advice: The appearance of the Judgement card is a sign to throw out the old and embrace the new – don’t be afraid to wipe the slate clean and start fresh! Release the old. Accept change. Consult your higher guidance; let your guides lead the way. Look out for signs from your spirit team Follow your higher calling. Examine + act on your values and beliefs. See yourself, your surroundings, and other people for who and what they truly are; be honest with yourself and others. Exercise sound judgment. Discern wisely.
Judgement Reversed Meaning & Advice
Judgement Reversed Interpretations: Judgement Reversed indicates bad judgment or ill reasoning. Denial of the facts. An effort to reject internal callings. Being brutally chastised or receiving unwarranted criticism. Either you or another person may be subject to unfair judgment. A severe feeling of discomfort. Opposing transformation with force. Fear of moving forward. People may be against you and are not listening to what you have to say.
Judgement Reversed means that you may not be seeing things as they really are; you could be holding onto outdated or unhealthy situations, beliefs, or relationships. Whereas the upright Judgement card readily sees, accepts, and moves forward with necessary changes, the Reversed Judgement can feel stifled in some way – or perhaps, you are being forced to move forward anyway even though you don’t feel ready. You may be avoiding accepting the truth of your reality now and denying yourself growth.
Judgement Reversed Advice: The advice of Judgement Reversed is to accept that your personal judgment may be clouded at this time – thus, now is not the time to hastily move forward with important matters or make any major decisions (although that time is coming). If possible, it may be a good choice to delay or rain-check important changes, decisions, meetings, and events. You may need more time or information. Judgement Reversed is a call to return to stillness and listen closely to your intuition. Reflect in private. Ask your spirit guides for assistance. Release what needs to be released. Watch out for the tendency to be overly critical or harsh to yourself or others.
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Judgement as a Person
At first impulse, one might think that the Judgement tarot card is someone who has an analytical, judgmental nature. Although this is totally valid and may apply in some readings, there is so much more to the persona of this Major Arcana card! Judgement signifies someone who is profoundly spiritual, wise, and intelligent. They are often ‘old souls’ with an uncanny ability to see straight into the heart of things. The minutia and mundane views of society do not seem to bother them; they are on a constant journey towards reaching higher knowledge and understanding. This is a person who never stays the same for long, as they change with each new discovery they make.
The Judgement card shows someone who has gone through a major awakening or transformation. Because they have learned from their past and transmuted their wounds into pure wisdom, they have an unmistakable peace about them that draws other people in. The Judgement person’s sagacity and strength in overcoming their difficulties inspire others. They may be an activist, leader, teacher, or role model of sorts.
Also, because Judgement is connected astrologically to the planet Pluto, the sign of Scorpio, and the Fire + Water elementals, Judgement may represent someone who has a heavy influence of these in their natal chart. They may be a Scorpio Sun/Moon/Rising, Plutonian, or Fire or Water dominant.
Judgement (Reversed) as a Person
Judgement Reversed shows someone who is trapped in denial, fear, or judgment. Though they are full of potential and capable of following their truth, they are overly cautious and timid and tend to self-sabotage themselves out of what they truly want or need. Judgement Reversed can represent someone who has lost faith in themselves, others, or the Divine; there may be a marked lack of trust or commitment. This reversal may also come up to represent someone who is abandoning, neglecting, or ignoring something important, whether it is their spiritual health, significant relationships, or their own beliefs and morals.
Judgement as Feelings
The Judgement tarot card suggests feeling renewed, inspired, and contentment. With Judgement comes emotional clarity and feelings of calm confidence, happiness, and gratitude. It can also show profound emotional and spiritual connection, intuitive knowing, and awakening.
When experiencing Judgement as feelings, you may be feeling the excitement of starting a new chapter, the joy of overcoming something difficult, or the peace of being deeply grounded and in tune with yourself and the Divine. Judgement brings with it feelings of enlightenment, freedom, and forgiveness. If you received the Judgement card as how someone feels about you, this can mean that they feel like you have made a major impact on them and their life. You make this person feel as though they have awakened from the dead so-to-speak – you’ve stirred something deep within them. Judgement as someone’s feelings about you can indicate an intense, inexplicable attraction and a deeply-rooted bond that goes far beyond the physical.
Alternatively, the Judgement card can also come up when someone is feeling either ready to forgive and move on from something, or they may be feeling as though they want reprisal or retribution.
Judgement (Reversed) as Feelings
When the Judgement card is reversed, the usual contentment, confidence, and connection of the upright Judgement turn into feelings of discontent, insecurity, intolerance, and disconnection. Emotions can become out of control with Judgement Reversed; feelings may also be deeply suppressed. This reversal shows emotional uneasiness and resistance. There may be feelings of being uncertain, stuck, or incapable.
When experiencing Judgement Reversed as feelings, you may feel like you are not on the right path. You want something to change, but are fearful of what that could mean for you. Stagnation and staying in situations that aren’t right for you can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration. You could feel disconnected from yourself and others.
Alternatively, Judgement Reversed as feelings can also show anger, emotional grudges, and an unwillingness to let go or forgive.
DISCLAIMER:
Sage & Moon is a participant in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Any product we choose is based on personal recommendations that we love and trust you will too. By using these links you are directly supporting us to keep writing + creating. Thank you!
