Judgment Tarot Card Meaning

The Judgment Arcana is an illustration of the biblical prophecy of the Resurrection of the dead. The trumpet of an angel sounds, raising the dead from their ashes, who with astonishment, fear, and trembling, start to sense themselves in the real world again.

For the resurrected, their future is unknown; they face repentance and retribution for their deeds. All they can do is trust in the mercy of Higher Powers and rejoice in their transition to a new state of being. The Judgment card signifies the resurrection of the human spirit from the grave of ignorance and the attainment of true life.

The upright Judgment Tarot card signifies a pivotal moment when the old "self" dies, one phase of life ends and another begins. This stage will not be a sad or painful one for you—you've been internally expecting changes for a long time. The bountiful fruits of your past actions will continue to nourish you, but now it's time to move forward—to new plans and accomplishments!

The twentieth Tarot Arcana suggests that change is inevitable—you should not cling to the past, it's time to turn a new page in your life. As you set off on this journey, take along your life experience—it will help you avoid future mistakes. The road is open—everything you've dreamed of awaits you: a new job, true calling, harmonious relationships, real love, and success!

Key Meanings of the Upright Judgment Card

• Rebirth, purification, taking stock, preparing for a new phase of growth.
• A positive new beginning, moving forward, successful completion of undertakings.
• Good news, breaking of patterns and conventions, reassessment of life.

If the Judgment card appears reversed in a spread, it may signal your categorical unwillingness to change. You are attached to your old life, the usual course of events, traditions, and habits, and you're not ready to change everything in an instant. Your conservatism and passivity become obstacles to realizing new opportunities and plans. However, the reversed 20th Tarot card warns — the door to the future is already open, you feel the fresh wind of renewal, and no matter how much you regret the past, you will have to change your life.

The reversed Judgment card calls not only to reconcile and accept inevitable changes but also to learn a positive outlook on everything that happens. Perhaps you made mistakes and regrettable misses in the past — you can easily correct them in the new stage and thereby improve your fate.

The beginning of something exciting and new cannot start in a life cluttered with old affairs, habits, relationships, and obligations. Shake it all off like a snake sheds its skin, and you'll immediately be able to broaden the horizons of your possibilities, feel clarity of thought and an influx of energy!

Key Meanings of the Reversed Judgment Card

• Insecurity, stubbornness, baseless fears, rigid conservatism.
• Stagnation in affairs and life, weakness, folly, delay, procrastination in achieving goals.
• Fear, regret, loss of freedom, serious illness.

In a love spread, the upright Judgment card may foretell the rekindling of past feelings. Perhaps mutual resentments and misunderstandings have caused you to drift apart, and with each day, the chasm of misunderstanding between you grows wider.

If so, Judgment could be a sign that all is not lost — you can reset your relationship and start anew. Fate will grant you the chance to rediscover your partner, fall in love with them again, and stay together. The Tarot advises forgiving each other's past resentments and embracing happiness.

In its reversed position, the card's meaning shifts to its opposite, signaling immersion in negative emotions and an unwillingness to take steps toward reconciliation.

When reading for an admirer or loved one

In a reading for an admirer or partner, the upright card signifies that your beloved sets high goals in love. They are not interested in remaining stagnant; growth and progress are important in their relationships.

The reversed card indicates that your chosen one is quite the conservative in love: they tend to cling to the comforts and the life they are accustomed to until the very end.

In business readings, the Judgment card heralds swift changes for the better, signifying the successful completion of a certain endeavor.

In practice, this can indeed mark the end of a project, the culmination of achievements, and the reaping of rewards after hard work. It may denote a promotion, or a transition to a more promising and financially rewarding job. One cycle concludes, while another begins, and the individual experiences a surge of energy and creative inspiration.

When reversed, the meaning of the card shifts to its opposite, indicating a forced conclusion of a project, stagnation in work, and unwelcome disruptions.

When reading for an individual, the upright card is interpreted as representing a strong and open person, standing on the threshold of significant changes in their life. They sense the approach of these changes and fearlessly embrace them, knowing that these shifts will lead to positive outcomes.

In the reversed position, this card depicts a person who is about to embark on a new phase of life, but they are not rushing to meet these changes, uncertain about what they will bring.

In the upright position, the card advises you to boldly embrace the forthcoming changes. New horizons await you!

Appearing in the reversed position in the spread, the card advises you not to plan major life changes in the near future. The time for them has not yet come.

If the card appears in the upright position, the forecast for your situation is ambiguous. As a result, you are capable of achieving your goals, but your objectives and desires will undergo significant changes. What seems important to you today may soon lose its value.

When in the reversed position, the forecast for your situation is uncertain. Resistance to imminent changes might hinder your progress. Break free from routine and stagnation, open the doors to embrace the refreshing winds of Destiny!

With card 0, the Fool — Legal disputes, condemnation, an unsuccessful public appearance, or the birth of a child.

With card 1, the Magician — Imposed responsibilities, self-improvement, realization of one's experience, and transformative changes.

With card 2, the High Priestess — Unveiling secrets, public discussion of an issue, understanding the legal system, or widespread publicity.

With card 3, the Empress — Unlocking potential, a second marriage, seeking inspiration from the past.

With card 4, the Emperor — Gradual changes, a family council, the return of a husband, or the rekindling of past relationships.

With card 5, the Hierophant — Condemnation of immoral behavior, generational continuity, early release, or leniency in sentencing.

With card 6, the Lovers — A corrupt bond, gossip about personal life, slander, or an attempt to hide an unsightly truth.

With card 7, the Chariot — An unreliable investigation, a case falling apart, forced relocation, or escaping from the past.

With card 8, Strength — Taming desires, potential or opportunity for growth, a reevaluation of moral principles, or striving for self-improvement.

With card 9, the Hermit — Reflecting on one's fate or future, relatives insisting on marriage, making a difficult decision, or engaging with society.

With card 10, the Wheel of Fortune — Winning a case, gaining approval from colleagues or family members, obtaining advantageous opportunities.

With card 11, Justice — Acknowledging past mistakes, acting conscientiously, or facing consequences for past actions.

With card 12, the Hanged Man — Unfavorable turn of events, evidence of guilt, fines or imprisonment, halted proceedings, or obstacles.

With card 13, Death — Profound changes, reassessment of beliefs or priorities, a dangerous situation, or retribution.

With card 14, Temperance — Avoiding tempting fate, staying low-key, improving well-being, or conserving energy.

With card 15, the Devil — Passing judgment on others, spreading rumors, going in circles, or facing a strong temptation to break the law.

With card 16, the Tower — Trouble with law enforcement, imprisonment or penalties, illegal business or loss of influence.

With card 17, the Star — Self-control, hope for a positive outcome, publicly confessing or repenting.

With card 18, the Moon — Subconscious decision-making, fear of condemnation, being afraid of getting caught.

With card 19, the Sun — Recognition of merits, unleashing creative potential, discovering family history or finding a lost relative, family bonds.

With card 21, the World — Favorable destiny, a successful journey, official assignments, or honors.

With the Ace of Wands — Starting from scratch, a new profession or workplace, a surge of energy.

With the Two of Wands — Choosing a direction, profession, or educational institution, following in the footsteps of previous generations.

With the Three of Wands — Receiving blessings or approval, gaining valuable experience, basic knowledge.

With the Four of Wands — Home-based work, household affairs, taking leave to care for a child or dependent relative.

With the Five of Wands — Being undecided, softening principles, seeking advice from friends or colleagues.

With the Six of Wands — Taking responsibility, leading the family or company, becoming the face of a firm.

With the Seven of Wands — Having a solid support system, gaining public approval, fighting injustice, and emerging victorious.

With the Eight of Wands — Efforts will not go to waste, changing decisions in your favor, assimilating into or utilizing the system.

With the Nine of Wands — Awaiting someone else's decision, relinquishing authority, gathering strength for a final push.

With the Ten of Wands — Fulfilling obligations to society, following orders, becoming more responsible.

With the Page of Wands — Immersing oneself in education, genuine interest, meeting the right girl.

With the Knight of Wands — Being in the limelight, actively participating, volunteering, promoting ideas to the masses.

With the Queen of Wands — Achieving success in one's career, exploring creativity, engaging in political or government work.

With the King of Wands — Having strong motivation, being an unwavering leader, being part of a reputable company.

With the Ace of Swords — Inevitable punishment, the severity of the law, complete ruin of reputation, and loss of trust from others.

With the Two of Swords — Terrifying uncertainty, threats to life or freedom, an illusion of choice.

With the Three of Swords — Numerous accusations, a difficult investigation, feeling morally broken.

With the Four of Swords — Left with nothing, attempting to hide and avoid condemnation, preliminary investigation, or house arrest.

With the Five of Swords — Significant deception, betraying colleagues or relatives, suffering defeat.

With the Six of Swords — Making a timely escape from responsibility, hiding far away, fleeing abroad with family.

With the Seven of Swords — False accusation or planted evidence, manipulation of facts, the disguise of a fraudster.

With the Eight of Swords — Unwanted attention from authorities, working in uncertain and changing conditions, a precarious business.

With the Nine of Swords — Receiving bad news, distressing adversity, a dire future, or a confrontation with violence.

With the Ten of Swords — Nervous breakdown, illness due to exhaustion, losing support from loved ones.

With the Page of Swords — A judicial worker, a naive newcomer, an attempt to change the system.

With the Knight of Swords — A string of unfortunate events, anger clouding judgment, recklessness and impulsiveness in a lover.

With the Queen of Swords — Attempting to control everything, histrionic or narrow-minded woman, thinking in slogans.

With the King of Swords — Strength and prudence, a high-ranking individual, a judge.

With the Ace of Cups — A reserved person or family, harboring grievances, being principled.

With the Two of Cups — Unyielding attitudes, misunderstanding, conflicting interests, or the search for a worthy friend.

With the Three of Cups — A good lawyer, valuable connections, being in an unsuitable environment.

With the Four of Cups — Boredom or routine, automatism, a desire to rest or change surroundings.

With the Five of Cups — Legal disputes over inheritance, quarrels with close relatives, an unpleasant situation with family members.

With the Six of Cups — Difficulties with conception, unplanned pregnancy, hereditary illnesses.

With the Seven of Cups — Hidden vices and desires, procrastination, being under pressure.

With the Eight of Cups — Adapting to a new suitor, embracing celibacy, acting out of habit.

With the Nine of Cups — Celebrations, anniversaries, or other public festivities, gaining the approval of the majority.

With the Ten of Cups — Respecting the existing order, living by rules and laws, guiding others "on the right path."

With the Page of Cups — Receiving a good upbringing, a girl with excellent manners, inheriting a talent.

With the Knight of Cups — A long-awaited guest, meeting the right suitor, signing a contract, or confirming a profitable deal.

With the Queen of Cups — A genuine woman, tenderness, sensuality, a strong love.

With the King of Cups — A creative individual, bohemian lifestyle, mingling in high circles, a well-known admirer.

With the Ace of Pentacles — Compensation through legal means, repentance, moral relief.

With the Two of Pentacles — Misunderstanding the situation, detachment from reality, unclear plans or beliefs.

With the Three of Pentacles — Lack of experience, collateral, taking a loan, or paying a fine.

With the Four of Pentacles — Missing an opportunity, lack of friends or good relationships with relatives, fear of being left with nothing.

With the Five of Pentacles — Uncertainty about the future, lack of savings, a failed family life.

With the Six of Pentacles — Faith in the future, hope for the best, standing firm in one's principles, helping those in need.

With the Seven of Pentacles — Prolonged grudges or resentment, a bad mood, pessimism.

With the Eight of Pentacles — Stable abundance, satisfaction with one's work, recognition or praise from a superior.

With the Nine of Pentacles — Inevitable changes, minor obstacles or chores, taxes.

With the Ten of Pentacles — A persistent suitor, receiving a gift or proposal, support from friends and acquaintances.

With the Page of Pentacles — Working in government institutions, studying on a scholarship, a young sibling.

With the Knight of Pentacles — A potential groom, working or living with someone out of habit, modest ambitions.

With the Queen of Pentacles — Respect, relationships built on trust, well-off parents or patrons.

With the King of Pentacles — Favorable prospects, steady growth, a gradual career, years of service, or retirement.