Major Arcana

Judgement

I have said that this symbol is essentially invariable in all Tarot sets, or at least the variations do not alter its character. The great angel is here encompassed by clouds, but he blows his bannered trumpet, and the cross as usual is displayed on the banner. The dead are rising from their tombs--a woman on the right, a man on the left hand, and between them their child, whose back is turned. But in this card there are more than three who are restored, and it has been thought worth while to make this variation as illustrating the insufficiency of current explanations. It should be noted that all the figures are as one in the wonder, adoration and ecstacy expressed by their attitudes. It is the card which registers the accomplishment of the great work of transformation in answer to the summons of the Supernal--which summons is heard and answered from within. Herein is the intimation of a significance which cannot well be carried further in the present place. What is that within us which does sound a trumpet and all that is lower in our nature rises in response--almost in a moment, almost in the twinkling of an eye? Let the card continue to depict, for those who can see no further, the Last judgment and the resurrection in the natural body; but let those who have inward eyes look and discover therewith. They will understand that it has been called truly in the past a card of eternal life, and for this reason it may be compared with that which passes under the name of Temperance.

Yes or no: Maybe
Position in the deck: Card 21 of 78

Upright meaning

Change of position, renewal, outcome. Another account specifies total loss though lawsuit.

Reversed meaning

Weakness, pusillanimity, simplicity; also deliberation, decision, sentence.

Judgement in love

A reckoning with a shared history. An honest accounting of what happened, sometimes a reconciliation, often a decision made with the whole record finally in view. Judgement can restore a relationship, but only after what went wrong has actually been named. It is also the card for someone reappearing — and for deciding, clearly, whether to answer.

Judgement in work and career

A calling, or a verdict. Judgement covers the decision that has been deferred for years and is now being made, the appraisal that carries consequences, and work that finally looks like a vocation rather than employment. It also marks results arriving on past effort. The card asks you to answer honestly rather than favourably.

Judgement and wellbeing

A turning point with a before and after. Judgement is the diagnosis that reorganises a life, the recovery that amounts to a second chance, and the decision to change something that has been left alone for years. It looks back over the whole history rather than the current symptom, and it expects that history to be told accurately.

Judgement on the spiritual path

Being called by name and having to answer. Judgement is awakening — the point at which a life is seen whole and a response is required rather than optional. It is not a punishment card; the figures rise willingly. What it will not permit is continuing as though the call was not heard.