Major Arcana
Judgement
Judgement is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of calling, rebirth and reckoning. Reversed, it points to self-criticism, doubt and ignoring the call. In yes-or-no questions it leans toward yes.
- Number
- 20
- Element
- Fire
- Astrology
- Pluto
- Yes or no
- Yes
Symbolism
An angel blows a trumpet from which hangs a banner bearing a cross, above a sea and snowy mountains. Below, nude men, women and children rise from coffins with open arms, answering the call. The number 20 symbolizes awakening and the final reckoning before integration. The scene evokes the calling and rebirth of consciousness.
Affirmation
“I forgive myself, hear my calling and rise to the life that is mine.”
Upright meaning
- calling
- rebirth
- reckoning
- forgiveness
- awakening
- General
- Judgement is a call to wake up and look at your own path honestly, without punishing yourself. You recognize what you have learned, forgive and rise to a new stage more aligned with your purpose. It is a time of important decisions and of answering your inner calling. Listen.
- Love
- A moment of renewal and forgiveness in love: acknowledging the past and opening to a new level. As a couple, it is a chance to restart with maturity. If single, you are ready to call in more conscious relationships.
- Work & money
- Time for a review and to answer a professional calling, taking on a new role or purpose. Recognition of your path and decisive choices. Align your work with who you truly are.
- Advice
- Take an honest inventory, forgive yourself and answer the calling that keeps insisting. Act with courage toward the new.
Reversed meaning
- self-criticism
- doubt
- ignoring the call
- guilt
- postponement
- General
- Reversed, Judgement shows the calling smothered by guilt, fear or harsh self-criticism, and a reckoning you prefer to avoid. It can indicate difficulty forgiving yourself or others, and therefore repeating cycles. There is a pending decision that asks for courage. The more you postpone, the more the call insists.
- Love
- Past hurts, guilt or difficulty forgiving block progress. As a couple, an honest talk about what remains unresolved can free you. If single, do not carry old judgments into new relationships.
- Work & money
- Insecurity about changing direction or an inner critic that paralyzes. Avoid judging yourself harshly and acknowledge your achievements. Take a practical step toward what you feel as your calling.
- Advice
- Trade self-criticism for understanding and take the step you have been postponing. Ask for forgiveness or forgive, as needed.
Guides about Judgement
- Is Judgement a Yes or a No in Tarot?See why Judgement usually answers yes, when an inner calling asks for a response, and what to do when the card comes up reversed in your reading.
- Justice and Judgement together: what does the combination demand?See what Justice and Judgement mean together in tarot: responsibility, a reckoning with past choices and a call to act with consistency.
- What does Judgement mean in a career reading?Judgement in a career reading speaks of calling, taking stock and a fresh start. See how to interpret the card without promising a promotion or any result.
- What Does Judgement Mean as Someone's Feelings for You?Find out what Judgement says about someone's feelings for you, the call to start over, the reversed reading, and good questions to ask yourself.
- Does tarot show whether it is worth getting back with an ex?See how to use tarot to reflect on getting back with an ex, with cards like Judgement and Justice and questions more honest than "will they return."