The Judgement Tarot Card’s True Meaning: Love, Health and Money

Judgement (XX) represents trial, consequences and rebirth. The 20th Major Arcana typically appears just before a major life transition, and emphasizes the importance of self reflection.

• Element: Fire
• Planet: Pluto
• Astrological Sign: None, ruled by Pluto
• Key dates: No key dates

Visual Elements and Symbolism

In the English Rider-Waite deck, an angel, likely Gabriel, awakens the dead. Standing in the coffins that once held them at the edge of the apocalypse, man, woman and child greet the archangel with arms outstretched. The three faithful risers indicate that Judgement comes to all and all can be saved. A growing tidal wave behind the trio reveals the flood of the first great trial that was endured by Noah.

Judgement’s imagery is highly Biblical, depicting the First Epistle to the Thessalonians 4:13-18, a passage often referred to as the prelude to the Last Judgement. Those who are faithful were said to be reborn, similar to the rebirth of Christ. “The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (I Thessalonians 4:16).

This imagery of rebirth as a reward for the faithful is a natural outcome of the power of Judgement. When put to the test, those who have lived according to the faith shall rise, while those who haven’t shall sink. Judgement is about a coming trial and while not necessarily as dramatic as the end of days, being prepared for this challenge will lead to a great reward.

The Judgement Card as a Person

If Judgement represents your character, it means that you are an assertive person and a leader with a clear vision. It is rare for you to second guess yourself, and you always know which direction to take when forks appear in your path.

Those with the personality of Judgement are often active in their community and seek to make the world a better place.

upright

Judgement Upright

In its upright position, Judgement signifies two key concepts: rebirth and choice. The idea of rebirth emphasizes a deep capacity for change. Life altering events will inspire the best version of yourself. The idea of choice emphasizes having a clear mind when faced with a difficult decision.

Pulling the upright Judgment card means that you will be confronted with a moment of change or an arduous trial.

Love and Relationships

If you are already in a relationship, Judgement indicates that this relationship is important, but it does not mean that your partner is necessarily your soulmate.

While Judgement might mean that your relationship will be a long and fruitful one, it may also mean that your relationship will be a short but valuable learning experience. If the relationship ends, there are lessons to be learned which will help you in all future relationships.

If you are single, Judgement indicates that you should try dating someone outside your usual preferences. Perhaps you have been too concerned about a potential partner’s appearance or status. Opening yourself up to people from different backgrounds may reward you with a happy and stable relationship that you would have otherwise missed out on.

Career

You might not be aware of it yet, but your manager or a head scout has been keeping an eye on your work. You are being considered for a promotion or a new opportunity. Try to continue delivering the same great results that drew their attention to you in the first place.

If you are looking for a job, consider a career in politics, law, or in a job placement agency.

Money

In the area of finance, Judgement is a bad sign. Try to keep your spending down to a minimum and avoid all but guaranteed (safe) investments. Consider purchasing additional insurance for the important things in your life.

Health

Both mentally and physically, Judgement is a good sign when it comes to health. You have learned from your mistakes and are now ready to move forward on the right foot towards a healthier tomorrow.

reversed

Judgement Reversed

In its reversed form, Judgement signifies overthinking the issues in your life to the point where indecision begins to create additional problems. It is important to think critically about the choices you are presented with and to reflect on past decisions, but opportunities may pass you by as you wallow in self-doubt and indecisiveness.

Love and Relationships

If you are in a relationship, reverse Judgement is a good indication that the natural growth of your bond has been stalled by your indecisiveness. As a result, you are not taking the next important step in your life: perhaps declaring your love or proposing to move in with your partner.

Alternatively, your indecision may leave you trapped in a less than satisfying relationship when you should be searching for a partner who will truly fulfill your needs. In either case, it is important to set aside time to truly think through your options and come to a final conclusion.

If you are single, you have been letting your timidness get the best of you. While it is difficult for most people make a commitment and risk rejection, it is impossible to find a partner without putting yourself out there. Remember there are thousands of people like yourself out there trying to connect, and with courage comes confidence, which are their own rewards.

Career

Great opportunities are waiting for you, but you are not seizing the moment because of your self-doubt. Offers and positions are knocking at ‘your’ door because of your proven character and experience. Trust in your talent and ability as much as everyone already trusts you.

Money

Reversed Judgement is a good financial indicator. The near future will generally be stable, and you should be able to indulge in some riskier investments. Your tight budget can be somewhat tweaked to pay for experiences that will bring you joy.

Health

You will not have to deal with any new physical health issues. However, old injuries and present concerns have been weighing heavily on your mind. It is important to leave the past and the negative thinking it generates behind you and begin to think positively. Acceptance of that which we cannot change is both wise and liberating.

Psychologically, you have been focusing too much on the negativity of life. It is important to see the world as it is, but ignoring the genuine good that is around you has been bringing you down. Make a list of all that is positive in your life and the world at large. Refer to this list when you feel overwhelmed by daily life.

spreads

Your Past, Present and Future

In a past position, Judgement indicates that your current life is the end result of a single major decision that you made in the past. Day to day living obliges all of us to make decisions both large and small, but you made one decision that left an indelible mark on your life, for better or worse.

Perhaps you chose to move away from home in college or drop out of school. Maybe you got caught stealing, or found the love of your life on a blind date. It can be hard to think of your life unfolding any other way than it has, but if you had made this one choice differently, your own life would be unrecognizable to you.

In your present situation, Judgement indicates that you are thinking about an important decision. While the Judgement card does not necessarily offer guidance on which choice is correct, it does emphasize that the decision you are reflecting on is in fact life altering. That said, Judgement tends to favor change, meaning the right decision tends to be the one that takes you most out of your comfort zone.

As it concerns the future, Judgement is the light at the end of a long tunnel. Your current confusion and the conflicts that are taking up too much of your time will come to a head at some future point. A clear choice will present itself, giving you the opportunity to simplify your life.

Important Card Combinations

Judgement is heavily influenced by the cards that appear with it. Certain combinations will emphasize the card’s aspect of rebirth, while others will determine the outcome of a coming trial.

The power of Judgement is typically positive, but the negative aspects of other cards can taint an otherwise hopeful reading.

Judgement and Ace of Swords

Drawing this pair is a quite the lucky pick, however the combination comes with a hefty responsibility. On its own, the Ace of Swords signifies valiance, clarity and victory.

The aspect of rebirth found in Judgement is emphasized by the Ace of Swords. Your power will lead to a life changing moment for someone around you. A talk or speech that you are about to give in the near future will be a turning point in the life of an audience member. As the saying goes: great leaders inspire greatness in others.

Judgement and Hermit

The Hermit focuses on the self, particularly the introspection and soul-searching that typically follow heartbreak. When combined with Judgement, you will sooner than later come to regard this heartbreak as a boon or a blessing. Being single will not necessarily be easy, but it will result in a period of significant achievement.

With your extra time, take up a new hobby or a part-time job. You will find great success in these ventures that will help bring an end to your solitude.

Judgement and Five of Swords

The Five of Swords is rarely a welcomed card in any reading. On its own, the Five of Swords represents conflict, defeat and loss. When it appears with Judgement, it indicates that your recent decisions have been influenced by ulterior motives that were counter-productive.

Decisions made out of spite or passing off a tipped scale as balanced will come back to haunt you. Clear-headed and fair decision making will bring you back to the path of righteousness.

Judgement and Temperance

Alone, Temperance represents patience, moderation and compromise. Temperance rewards doing the right thing, especially when it is difficult.

The connection between Judgement and Temperance is clear. In your coming trials work with those around you to find the best way forward. Listen to those with whom you disagree; their position may be closer to yours than you now realize.

Judgement: Yes or No?

As a card emphasizing change, Judgement is mostly likely a yes. This is especially true in matters involving major life decisions or shifting loyalties.

Frequently Asked Questions