Rider Waite Major Arcana - Judgement

Judgement is the twentieth Major Arcana card. We are nearing the end of the cycle, and before a new one begins we must hold our impurities to account, lest we fail to learn from our errors and repeat the same mistakes.

Judgement is a well known concept in the world, and hopefully one we see exercised fairly. As a tarot card, Judgement represents our choices and decisions backed by morals, evidence and intuition.

Judgement can represent a final test before we start again. You want to continue improving in life; drop the bad, keep the good. Judgement is the division between good and evil, and how each are treated. You may very well be in a position of power when you see Judgement come up in any position.

The illustration represents ‘Judgement day’, or ‘The Last Judgement’, where in Abrahamic belief, the dead rise from the grave to be judged before entrance to heaven.

retro tarot card judgement anime style

At a glance

The Judgement tarot card is associated with self-reflection, accountability, and the need for self-improvement. It typically depicts a group of people standing before an angel, who is blowing a trumpet. The angel represents the call to self-reflection and self-improvement, while the trumpet represents the need to awaken and take action.

The Judgement card suggests that you are being called to reflect on your own actions and decisions, and to take responsibility for your own life. It indicates that you are being asked to look at yourself honestly and to consider how you can improve and grow. The Judgement card can also represent a need for clarity and understanding, indicating that you are seeking to understand yourself and the world around you more fully.

In some readings, the Judgement card can indicate that you are being supported and guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you to reflect on your own actions and decisions, and to take steps towards self-improvement. This guide may be a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend who can offer wisdom and guidance as you navigate the challenges and obstacles of self-reflection and self-improvement. The Judgement card can also suggest that you are being called to use your own experiences of self-reflection and self-improvement to help others, and to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, the Judgement card is a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and accountability in our lives. It suggests that you are being called to take a hard look at yourself and to consider how you can improve and grow. It indicates that you are being supported and guided on your journey, and that you have the potential to make a positive impact in the world.

Card meanings

Past

Judgement may refer to the last major decision you made in life. How is it affecting you now. Upon reflection, do you think it was the correct decision? If it wasn’t then you should look to how you can set things right now, rather than wait for the situation to get worse.

Are you someone who jumps to conclusions quickly? This can be an easy trap to fall into, especially when we have prejudices. An exercise in mindfulness, thinking about our past can help unravel the thread of our personality.

Regret is the feeling of making the wrong decision. While we regret bad choices in the past, they are what made us who we are right now. It is unlikely that you will live without regret. Dealing with it, and learning from regret are the most important things.

Why do we believe what we believe? Why do we like some things and dislike others? Are we being influenced by someone with another motive, or are we making our own decisions?

Present

Judgement in the present position can put you in place of either the judge or accused, and sometimes both. Have your actions been called into question recently?

Expect to answer up to them, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Taking responsibility of our actions is one of the most adult things we can do. A child hides from the world, but an adult should seek to master it.

Be wary of people keeping information from you. They may think this is a good idea but you should know as much as possible about the situation if you’re going to make an informed choice.

Future

Choices you’ve made now can affect the future, sometimes in ways we did not intend. The best we can do is to make the best possible decision at the time.

As long as our hearts and morals are in place, then we do not need to worry. Judgement in regards to the future highlights these facts. A big decision may be lying in wait for you. Approach it free of guilt and burden.

One thing to be mindful of is putting off decisions. Are you putting off a big decision? Rarely is it better to let something cling on longer than is necessary. Big decisions can be daunting, they change your life, but you should do it sooner than later.

Work, careers and education

You may have to make a decision regarding your future. Look to choose the option which is better suited for you, not one which you think will improve your image.

Rule from the head, not the heart, when it comes to making decisions about your professional life. If you have an examination or deadline coming up,then double check your submission. There should be no gaps in your arguments.

Decisions happen everyday in your professional life; which classes to take, which jobs to apply for, which projects to complete, where to work, who to work with. Work, careers and education all require clear judgement; free from outside influences.

You do not want to make choices based on what somebody expects of you. Make your own choices. Judgement showing in a professional sense amplifies this; you decide your own fate.

Love and Relationships

Expect to make a serious choice regarding your relationship if you have a partner. This can include potentially splitting up; but also moving in together, a big holiday away, or having a shared responsibility like a pet.

Judgement moves you deeper as a couple; decisions are made every day in a relationship, but it is the bigger decisions which matter and which you’ll remember.

Secrets will come to light sooner or later. You can’t keep every detail of your life hidden from your partner, but neither can they. Expect revelations as your relationship deepens.

Judgement can be a good card to draw if you’re single and looking. A choice ahead can strongly signal a choice that you can enter a relationship, potentially between multiple suitors.

Wealth

Judgement is a good sign when it comes to money. It can highlight some silly purchases you’ve been making which you should be aware of.

Are you fully in control of your money? Check your statements regularly. Keep records. Especially look to see if you are getting the best value for things you need; housing, clothing, food. Something may be amiss, somebody may be taking more than their fair share.

Health and well-being

Judge yourself. Are you a good human being? Are you treating your body and mind right? We exist in the present, and as such you shouldn’t be defined by your far past. Work to tackle mental blocks if they are holding you back.

Physically you should be doing well, but if you are slacking, take charge of your life! You can greatly improve your health by exerting your willpower into exercising regularly, eating well and being around good, happy people.

tarot anime judgement card trumpter

Other associations

Element: Fire

Astrology: Pluto

As a Yes or No question: Yes. But make no immediate decision if you can.

Crystal: Amethyst

Keywords

Choice, decision, ruling, regrets, redemption