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Judgement Tarot Card Meaning
Judgement: The Call to Awakening
Upright keywords
Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution, awakening
Reversed keywords
Self-doubt, avoiding decision, self-criticism, ignoring the call
Symbolism
The Archangel Gabriel blows a trumpet, from which a banner with a red cross hangs. Below, figures rise from their coffins, arms outstretched, ready for their final judgment. This is not a judgment of guilt, but a call to a higher level of consciousness. It is an awakening.
Judgement upright meaning
Card number 20 signifies a moment of reckoning, rebirth, and awakening. It is a call to rise up, to evaluate your past actions, and to make a final, clear judgment about your life’s path. This card often represents an inner calling or a moment of absolution where you can forgive yourself and others, allowing you to move forward into a new, more authentic phase of life, free from past burdens.
A time of reckoning and rebirth. The Judgement card calls you to reflect on your past and make a final decision, leading to a new level of awakening and freedom.
Judgement reversed meaning
Reversed, Judgement points to self-doubt, harsh self-criticism, and a refusal to learn from the past. You may be ignoring your inner calling out of fear or are stuck in a cycle of judging yourself too harshly. It is a warning against making a major decision while clouded by doubt and regret.
Self-doubt, avoiding a decision, or overly harsh self-judgment. You may be ignoring your inner calling out of fear.
Judgement in a reading
How the card reads in each position of a past, present and future spread.
Past position
Upright: A past decision or moment of reckoning has led to your current state of awareness. You have already gone through a form of rebirth.
Reversed: A past failure to learn from your mistakes is causing you to doubt yourself now. You are being too critical of your past.
Present position
Upright: You are being called to make a significant judgment about your life. This is a moment of awakening and rebirth. It is time to answer your inner calling.
Reversed: You are currently plagued by self-doubt and are being overly harsh on yourself. Avoid making a major decision from this place of fear.
Future position
Upright: A major life decision is approaching. You will be called to account for your past and step into a new, more awakened phase of your life. This is a final reckoning.
Reversed: A decision is coming, but you will be tempted to engage in severe self-criticism. A warning against letting self-doubt cloud your judgment.