General Meaning
The Judgment card is a harbinger of change. However, the transformations foretold by the 20th Tarot card are often logical and natural, which allows you to embrace them with calm acceptance.
Judgment urges you to break down barriers, let go of the burdens of problems, habits, attachments, and other echoes of the past, cross the threshold of metaphorical death, and be reborn into a new life. You are set to undergo transformation, to descend into the Realm of Darkness, become an invisible shadow to evil, reject all worldly concerns, and gain spiritual freedom. Can you hear the angels sounding their trumpets in the heavens? They are calling you—rise up...
Card Motto
It's time to bid farewell to the past - step boldly towards change.
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings Judgment
Description and Symbols of the Card Judgment
The Judgment card is a depiction of the biblical prophecy of the Resurrection of the dead. The angel's trumpet sounds, awakening those who rise from the dust with wonder, fear, and awe as they begin to perceive themselves in the real world.
The resurrected are unaware of their fate; they face repentance and reckoning for their actions. All they can do is rely on the mercy of Higher Powers and embrace their transition into a new status. The Judgment card symbolizes the resurrection of the human spirit from the grave of ignorance and the attainment of true life.
Meaning in Upright Position
The upright Judgment Tarot card signifies a pivotal moment where the old self fades away, and one phase of life concludes as another begins. This transition is not sorrowful or painful — you have internally long anticipated this change. The rewarding fruits of past actions will continue to sustain you for a while, yet now it's time to move forward — toward new plans and achievements!
The twentieth Tarot card speaks of inevitable change — there’s no need to cling to the past; it’s time to turn a new page in your life. As you embark on this journey, carry with you the wisdom gained from experience — it will help avoid mistakes in the future. The path is clear — ahead lies everything you've dreamed of: a new job, true calling, harmonious relationships, genuine love, and success!
Key Meanings of the Upright Judgment Card
- Rebirth, cleansing, taking stock, preparing for a new phase of growth.
- Positive new beginnings, moving forward, successful completion of endeavors.
- Good news, breaking away from patterns and conventions, reevaluating life.
Reversed Position
If the Judgment card appears reversed in a reading, it may signal your firm resistance to change. You are attached to your old life, the usual way of things, traditions, and habits, and you aren't ready to change everything overnight. Your conservatism and passivity become obstacles to realizing new opportunities and plans. However, the reversed 20th card of the Tarot warns that the door to the future is already open; you feel the fresh breeze of renewal, and no matter how much you regret the past, you'll have to change your life.
The reversed Judgment card encourages not only to accept inevitable changes but also to adopt a positive outlook on everything that happens. Perhaps you had mistakes and unfortunate blunders in the past — these can easily be corrected in this new phase, thereby improving your Fate.
The beginning of something exciting and new cannot start in a life overgrown with old tasks, habits, relationships, and commitments. Shake all this off like a snake sheds its skin, and you will immediately be able to expand your horizons, experience clarity of thought, and feel an influx of energy!
Key Meanings of the Reversed Judgment Card
- Insecurity, stubbornness, unfounded fears, entrenched conservatism.
- Stagnation in business and life, weakness, foolishness, procrastination, delay in achieving goals.
- Fear, regret, loss of freedom, severe illness.
Meaning in Love Readings
In a love reading, the upright Judgment card can herald the rebirth of old feelings. Perhaps mutual grievances and misunderstandings have caused you to drift apart, creating a growing chasm of misunderstanding between you each day.
If this resonates, Judgment could be a sign that all is not lost—you have the chance to reset your relationship and start anew. Fate offers you an opportunity to rediscover your partner, fall in love with them again, and remain together. The Tarot encourages you to forgive past grievances and relish in happiness.
In its reversed position, the card’s meaning shifts to indicate immersion in negative emotions and a reluctance to take a step toward reconciliation.
When Reading for a Suitor or Loved One
In readings about a suitor or partner, an upright card suggests that in love, your chosen one sets high goals. They are uninterested in stagnation; growth and progress are crucial for them in relationships.
A reversed card indicates that in matters of love, your chosen one is quite conservative; they tend to cling to familiar comforts and the life they are accustomed to.
Reading for Money, Career
In business readings, the Judgment card signals upcoming positive changes, marking the successful completion of a venture.
In practice, this could mean the conclusion of a project, reflecting on achievements and reaping the rewards of hard work, a promotion, or moving to a more promising and lucrative job. One cycle ends, and another begins, bringing a surge of energy and creative inspiration.
When reversed, the card's meaning shifts to the opposite, indicating forced project completions, stagnation at work, and unwanted changes.
Reading for a Person
When reading the Tarot for a person, the upright Judgment card suggests someone who is strong and open, standing on the brink of significant changes in their life. They sense these changes approaching and are not afraid to embrace them, knowing that they are for the better.
In the reversed position, this card represents someone facing a new life stage but hesitating to embrace the changes ahead, uncertain about what they might bring.
Reading for Advice
When the Judgment card appears upright, it encourages you to embrace change with courage. New horizons await you!
If the card appears reversed in a reading, it advises against planning significant changes in your life for the near future — the time for them has not yet come.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears upright, the forecast for your situation is mixed. You are capable of achieving your goals, but your aims and desires may change significantly. What seems important to you today might soon lose its value.
In the reversed position, the forecast is uncertain. Resistance to upcoming changes could hinder you. It's time to break free from routine and stagnation, and open the doors to the fresh winds of Destiny!
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
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.
Wands Suit Combinations
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.
Swords Suit Combinations
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.
Judgment and Swords Suit Combinations
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.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
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.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You Judgment? This Signifies:
Despite its name, the card of the Terrifying Judgment doesn't foretell anything scary. It signifies that an important event may occur today, which will positively impact your future, changing it for the better. The most interesting part is that this event itself may seem insignificant to you. Only later, when looking back, will you realize that it was the starting point from which transformations entered your life.