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Judgement

Other names: The Last Judgement, Resurrection, Angel Category: Major Arcana, essence of meaning Position: 20 Planet: Pluto ♇

The Last Judgement card in tarot nears the final phase of the journey through the Major Arcana. It carries a message of final reckoning, a moment when two paths emerge: one leading toward a better tomorrow or a road to complete failure. In its upright position, it reveals deep cleansing, inner transformation, and a well-deserved reward for efforts and good intentions. However, when reversed, this potential turns into a bitter mistake, a lost opportunity. At that point, any attempt to evade the consequences becomes futile. One can thus regard The Last Judgement as a reminder of the law of karma – everyone will receive what they truly deserve.

Symbolism and Main Ideas of Judgement

In the Rider-Waite tradition, the illustration presents a scene reminiscent of the biblical day of resurrection. The archangel, ascending among the clouds, sounds his trumpet to awaken the dead. Figures in coffins – men, women, children – reach out their hands in a gesture of hope or fear. A flag with a red cross recalls spiritual values and moral judgment. The water separating the coffins from the distant mountains signifies the need to cross the familiar world and confront the truth about one’s deeds and failures.

Meaning of the Judgement Card in the Upright Position

Key aspects:

Fair assessment of the situation, an honest outcome
Successful closure of a phase and rebirth in a new form
The necessity to take responsibility for past choices
Connection with ancestors, family traditions, or understanding one’s roots

The card indicates a moment when everything becomes clear and it is possible to accept the reward or punishment for one’s actions. It is a time when the inner voice of conscience confirms the rightness of the decisions taken. Good deeds will be appreciated, and mistakes – finally forgiven or balanced.

Love and Relationships (Upright Position)

Renewal of old bonds, a chance to reconnect with a former partner
A stable and mature relationship based on mutual understanding
Building a relationship on the solid foundation of family values
For singles: finding someone who truly fits their life path

In matters of the heart, Judgement signals harmony and the restoration of balance after difficult times. Partners may forgive each other’s past mistakes and together step into a new phase.

Work and Finances (Upright Position)

Well-deserved recognition for hard work and diligent effort
Success stemming from stability and consistent actions
Inheritance of assets, family property, or the finalization of important contracts
Career development built on respect and fair principles

Judgement in the professional and financial arena heralds positive outcomes. This could involve the settlement of old obligations or a long-awaited promotion. The fruits of hard work will be noticed and appreciated.

Health and Mental Well-being (Upright Position)

Emerging from difficult health issues, a return to good form
Body regeneration after illness, a time to regain strength
Mental calm, emotional and spiritual harmony
Resilience to stress thanks to moral balance

The Last Judgement demonstrates healing and the attainment of inner peace. One emerges from challenging experiences stronger and ready to live life to the fullest.

Situations and Questions (Upright Position)

Final resolution of matters, a decisive moment ending uncertainty
Restoration of balance, the necessity for an honest evaluation of one’s actions
Final decisions that cannot be postponed
Fulfillment that comes from accepting the truth

In these moments, it is important to believe in your own strength and understand that fate is the result of our actions. If we have been honest and just, there is nothing to fear.

Spirituality and Karma (Upright Position)

The need to view life from a broader perspective
A suggestion that we act in accordance with our inner moral compass
Harmony with the values of ancestors and previous generations
A reward for adhering to spiritual principles

On a deeper level, Judgement suggests spiritual rebirth. One learns to see oneself and the world clearly, undisturbed, knowing that every decision carries its consequences.

Reversed Meaning of the Judgement Card

Main Issues:

A mistake that closes doors to growth
Attempts to shirk responsibility, a lack of courage in accepting consequences
Disruptions and delays, situations that drag on without resolution
Broken relationships or a negative assessment of actions

The reversed Last Judgement indicates that although the time for reckoning has arrived, the individual is afraid to face the truth. As a result, they remain in limbo and cannot bring a difficult chapter to a close.

Love and Relationships (Reversed)

Attempts to revive relationships doomed to fail
Wounds from the past that can no longer be healed
Divergent expectations and a lack of shared vision for the future
For singles: difficulties in finding a kindred spirit

In its reversed form, Judgement points to relationships with little chance for repair. Partners are unable to be honest with each other or accept their differences.

Work and Finances (Reversed)

Difficulties in finding stable, satisfying employment
A lack of honesty, with the possibility of encountering deceit
A shortage of resources, untapped opportunities
A situation that seems to be at a deadlock

The reversed Judgement in material matters speaks of blockages and confusion. Unfulfilled promises and a lack of progress indicate that it is time to re-examine one’s plans and expectations.

Health and Mental Well-being (Reversed)

Difficulties in recovering health after severe hardships
A nervous breakdown or deep melancholy
Inability to draw lessons from painful experiences
A state of inner chaos and resignation

In this setup, Judgement points to a lack of breakthrough that could bring relief. The individual cannot close a difficult chapter and rebuild their mental strength.

Situations and Questions (Reversed)

Continuous delays and mounting frustration
Avoidance of challenges and an unwillingness to make final decisions
Bottling up negative emotions
Fruitless attempts to correct mistakes from years past

The reversed Judgement warns against remaining in a state of limbo. If you do not take action, time itself will demand its reckoning, and you will not be able to escape it.

Spirituality and Karma (Reversed)

The weight of past sins that brings no peace
A sense of failure in spiritual development
A lack of courage to draw lessons and implement changes
Continuously stumbling over the same obstacles

On the karmic level, the reversed Judgement indicates stagnation and a lack of progress, as a result of the unwillingness to learn the lessons of one’s own actions.

Judgement as a Signifier of Personality

In its upright form, the card represents a righteous, honest person ready to face the consequences. This is someone who can admit mistakes and values harmony in relationships. When reversed, it characterizes a person who avoids responsibility, denies reality, and prefers giving up rather than correcting their errors.

Advice and Warnings of the Judgement Card

Upright position: It is advisable to act in accordance with your conscience and not to fear the consequences. The arcana suggests that the time has come to settle the past and learn from your experiences. Warning: do not ignore the inner voice of ethics, for it is the only path to satisfaction and peace of mind.

Reversed position: Try to acknowledge your own mistakes and do not shy away from the necessity of making amends. Warning: attempting to avoid responsibility will only complicate matters, and inaction will deepen the crisis. It is better to face the consequences of your decisions head-on in order to move forward.

Judgement: The Card of the Day

Upright position: This is a time of resolutions, a day when you will learn the truth about an important matter or encounter someone from your past. Family members with whom you have long lost contact may reappear. Now, what matters is honesty and the readiness to accept the outcome of someone’s judgment.

Reversed position: Today you may face prolonged delays or confront the negative consequences of past neglect. It is wise to exercise caution and not count on a stroke of luck. It is better to wait patiently until the situation becomes clearer than to take hasty steps.