(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Judgement as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Judgement as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your judgement and my judgement may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
Some say the number 20 has meanings of potential and empowerment; its components added (2+0=2) indicate harmony, love, and balance. And it is two 10s, or two complete cycles, signifying new beginnings.
Name
The Judgment has religious connotations in both name and image which may be off-putting to the non-religious. The name suggests karma, reaping what you’ve sown and being called to account for your actions. But, though it implies reward and punishment, only those about to be rewarded are shown. The meaning of the card is a new lease on life, rebirth and renewal; it is not “Justice.”
Placement
This is the penultimate card of the major arcana. It comes at the end of the querent’s journey. It’s about second chances and new life stages. Your old life is gone; lead a more spiritual and deliberate life now and give thanks for the opportunity to go on.
Traditional interpretations
The Judgement is a very positive card (unless you’ve been wicked). It suggests reaping what you’ve sown, enjoying your accomplishments, being rewarded for your efforts, taking justified pleasure in achievement.
The card can tell of dormant matters coming back into your life, generally in a positive way. It can advise that forgiveness is forthcoming; you’re moving on from lesser things. It can indicate a positive change of position, the fulfillment of a long search.
The creative impulse is part of this card: your highest effort is called for and will bring rewards. Creativity flourishes; you feel renewed, rejuvenated, re-energized, awakened. More practically, the Judgment can indicate physical renewal, a return to health, and a new lease on life. Be grateful for this gift.
Reverse interpretations
Reversed, the Judgment tells of weakness, loss, and guilt, a reproach for wasted chances or a punishment for failure. It can advise you that you’re in the wrong — you’ve made an error, arrived at the wrong conclusion, misinterpreted the facts. Or it can indicate ill health and anxiety.
The card warns you to change your ways to avoid future regret. Delay and stagnation are harming you. Your fear of change makes everything worse. You must make decisions about your life and if you don’t, others will – but not to your benefit. You need to devote more energy to your spiritual life. Live more purposefully. Direct your actions.
Thematic readings
- In love, the card tells of a deep love. A lover who helps you realize life’s priorities. If you’re having problems, you will overcome them. Be generous in how you judge others.
- In work, you’ll learn important lessons. A realization will let you advance in your career. Be decisive and bring matters to a conclusion. Literal judgements may open your eyes and events at work may trigger an awakening.
- In general life, the card indicates spiritual awakening. A fresh approach to life is needed. Measure yourself against your ideals. New opportunities will arise; good things are coming – so be ready to meet them.
Specific positions
- Current situation: This is a time to be happy, a good stage in your life. Your past efforts are now rewarded; you reap what you’ve sewn. New beginnings are afoot. Transformation is possible. The birth of a new age is upon you. The past is gone. Live a better life.
- Past influence: You must learn an important life lesson from your situation; problems may persist until that epiphany hits.
- Outcome: It is possible to make a new start. Take stock of all you have before moving on. The Judgement is a calling: a new chance is here. Rise up and be liberated. Make decisions to change your life. Wake up to who you really are. Liberate yourself from your past.
- Blocked: Open your eyes to who you are. Reward the best in yourself and turn your back on the worst. Stop feeding your flaws; relish and embrace your gifts and goodness. Judge yourself in a helpful way and live a better life.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- Do you welcome or fear the Judgement?
- Do you believe in a judgement at the end of life? En route?
- Are there ways you could renew yourself physically, spiritually?
- What would your perfect new life look like?
- If you got what you wanted, would you be ready for it?
Keywords to aid Memory
- New chances / new lease on life / liberation
- Renewal / Health
- Achievement / Realizations
- Gratitude
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland; Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington (also shown in box).
Catherine Austen 