The Judgment Tarot card is often seen to be one of the most intriguing and exciting Major Arcana cards to pull. It can also be a fairly foreboding card that indicates the need to make changes.
In its positive form, the Judgment Tarot card is one of the most powerful in the deck and can signify rebirth, the sacrificing of old patterns, habits, or possessions that no longer serve you so that you can replace them with more beneficial things.
On the other hand, it may indicate that you’re ignoring your true calling or that your inner monologue is suppressing your true desires.
What’s the Judgment Card About?
In most Tarot decks, the Judgment card depicts a number of naked individuals who are rising up from their graves. They are preparing to be judged by the Archangel Gabriel, who awaits in the sky while blowing his trumpet.
Behind the individuals floating into the sky lies a massive range of mountains which represent the large number of obstacles faced by people throughout the journey of life.
Meaning of the Judgment Card
Like cards in all the decks, the Judgment Tarot card will vary in meaning depending on if you pull it upright or in reverse.
Meaning of the Judgment Tarot Card Upright
The Judgment Tarot card could represent everything that is symbolized by the great Rebirth of Christ, Krishna, Buddha, or any of the millions of human beings who have arisen from our child-like selves and encapsulated a more mature state of being.
In other words, you are being called to sacrifice the old to make room for the new. Your consciousness is flowering and if you are to allow for things to unfold, you must make space by getting rid of that which no longer serves you.
Oftentimes this involves making a serious, challenging, or life-changing decision. However, the end result will always be fulfilling and attuned to your greater good.
Meaning of the Judgment Tarot Card Reversed
If you have pulled the Judgment card in reverse, then it’s time for you to sit back and reflect on your life, your choices, your actions, and your situation. Be serious in contemplating whether or not the things you are doing, the people you are with, your job, or your life path is serving your highest self and your truest goal.
In most cases, Judgment reversed suggests that you’re being called by your higher Self or the Universe to engage in something – but that you’re ignoring the call, either consciously or unconsciously. This is a good opportunity to check yourself, be open-minded, and figure out what you’re being urged to do before you’re made to do it through a karmic debt.
The Final Judgment
The Judgment Tarot card is a powerful one, and one that always reflects the need for powerful and immediate change. However, those who seize this change are undoubtedly going to experience great improvements in their life.
Check out our definitions for the Hierophant card if you want to learn more. Or, check out this guide to 5 different Tarot card layouts.
