Judgment Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Judgment Keywords 

• Upright: revelation, rebirth, newfound purpose, higher calling, reflection, awakening, release
• Reversed: denial, self-doubt, resistance to change, missed opportunities, past attachments, confusion

Judgment: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘20’ in the Major Arcana, the Judgment card awakens you to a new perspective. Through the gray clouds, an angel is depicted holding a golden trumpet. This figure represents Archangel Gabriel – God’s messenger. He wears a blue robe to represent communication and clarity. The angel’s tune parting the clouds symbolizes a divine calling in a time of confusion. The flag attached to his horn has a white background with a red cross, referring to St. George’s flag. This symbol represents the importance of divine influence in your decision-making.

The name assigned to the card refers to Judgment Day in the Bible, when God makes a final judgment on each person according to their deeds throughout their lives. However, the tarot card represents the potential for growth once a soul listens to a divine calling. The card depicts six naked figures rising from their graves, symbolizing their honesty and openness to divine wisdom. Rather than being assigned a fate according to their past deeds, the figures are given another chance at life. This presents themes of rebirth and newfound purpose.

The stone coffins floating on the water symbolize the figures’ past limiting beliefs and experiences. The coffins are open, allowing new life to re-emerge. The men, women, and children stand in their floating coffins, looking up at the angel, symbolizing their willingness to let their intuition guide spiritual growth. A decision must be made in response to the wake-up call. The blue mountains in the background represent the experiences that will be influenced by the choices they make.

Note: This description is based on the depiction of Judgment in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

Judgment – Upright Meaning

When the Judgment card appears in a tarot reading, you are encouraged to reconsider your approach. Reflect on whether your efforts are truly inspiring growth or just keeping you stuck in old beliefs. You are ready to transform your old expectations into new potentials at this time.

The Judgment card could also suggest that you received a wake-up call that is inspiring a new pursuit. Perhaps you get the idea to start your own business or move across the world. Whatever ideas might strike you at this time, you are encouraged to trust your intuition to guide you. A choice may need to be made to redirect you towards long-term fulfillment.

Ultimately, the Judgment card presents an empowering opportunity to reawaken your sense of livelihood by letting go of the past. Now is the time to trust your revelations to guide you towards a new purpose.

Love Meaning –Judgment Upright

When the Judgment card appears in a love reading, you may be reassessing the ways you connect with your partner. There could be some boundaries or repressed needs that have gone unheard. You are accepting the need to reconcile misunderstandings to strengthen your relationship at this time.

If you are single, the Judgment card could represent a wake-up call about your approach to love. Perhaps you are growing tired of the types of dates you have been going on and are ready to try something different. If you have been healing from a recent conflict or separation, Judgment encourages you to trust your gut feelings about how to support yourself moving forward. An adjustment is needed to manifest the healing and connection you are working towards.

As a relationship dynamic, the Judgment card symbolizes partners who have a mutual desire for growth. You and your partner are willing to understand each other’s concerns to turn over a new leaf in the relationship.

To represent how someone feels, the Judgment card depicts someone receiving a wake-up call about their approach to dating. This could either speed up the connection or require patience to see it manifest.

Career and Finance Meaning – Judgment Upright

In a career context, the Judgment card may suggest that you are being reawakened to your true purpose. Perhaps you have considered switching career paths or starting a new creative project for a while. You are encouraged to pursue these untapped ideas, as they may lead to even more fulfilling opportunities. 

The Judgment card could also signify that you are letting go of limiting expectations about your work and financial decisions. If you have kept yourself confined to a particular budget or schedule, this card inspires you to reflect on what adjustments would make you more fulfilled.

Health Meaning – Judgment Upright

The Judgement card appears as a sign that self-reflection is needed. Continue journaling or going on a walk to process lingering thoughts and ideas. Your energy will be rejuvenated by activities that help you clear your head at this time.

Spirituality Meaning – Judgment Upright 

When the Judgment card appears in a spiritual context, you are reminded to be intentional in your pursuits. It may have been a while since you have reflected on the purpose behind your commitments, so it wouldn’t hurt to give yourself alone time to process. This card also suggests that it would be a great time to ask for guidance from a spirit guide – the Universe could have a message for you about how to proceed.

Judgment As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Judgment card represents epiphanies and newfound inspiration. You are going through a period of motivation to bring new life to your everyday pursuits.

Judgment As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Judgment card signifies reflection and release. Your next steps are inspired by letting go of old limitations at this time.

Judgment – Reversed Meaning

When the Judgment card appears reversed in a reading, you may be struggling to accept a needed change. Perhaps you have felt stagnant but don’t quite know what steps to take. You may also feel comfortable with where you are at, but keep receiving signs that an adjustment is needed. This card reminds you to reflect on the pursuits that align with your long-term satisfaction.

The reversed Judgment call may also signify a missed opportunity. You may have acknowledged that you crave something more within your given situation, but are struggling to believe in your ability to change it. No matter what your limiting beliefs or fears are, there is still a chance to shift your focus towards fulfilling commitments.

Love Meaning – Judgment Reversed

When the Judgment card appears reversed in a love context, it may feel challenging to apply the lessons you have learned within your relationship. Perhaps you and your partner have been so busy that sweet moments have been passing you by, or you may have found it hard to address your recent concerns. This card gently reminds you to have the hard conversations to get back on the same page. Reconnection is possible, but it may require you to reflect on feelings you’ve overlooked.

If you are single, the reversed Judgment card may suggest that you have been ignoring the signs about the direction of a given connection. You may be holding onto hope that your love interest will eventually be compatible with you. There could also be an internal disconnect about how to move on from heartbreak at this time. Rather than proceeding further with your connections, you may need some alone time to reflect on your intentions. 

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Judgment card represents someone who is doubtful or unsure about their approach to love. It would benefit you to give this connection time to evolve on its own timeline.

Career and Finance Meaning – Judgment Reversed

In a career context, the reversed Judgment card may signify a missed opportunity. Perhaps you have considered applying to a program for a while, only to find out the deadline has passed. You may also have meant to cancel subscriptions but have yet to act on those intentions. This card gently reminds you not to get discouraged. Moving forward, you will find satisfaction from acting on your ideas when they first arise.

The reversed Judgment card could also suggest that you are going through a period where you are resistant to change. If you have grown comfortable with a dull work schedule, you are encouraged to switch it up. Allow your spontaneous ideas to take the lead, and it just might open you up to a fulfilling long-term commitment.

Health Meaning – Judgment Reversed

When Judgment appears reversed in a health context, you may be going through a period where it is difficult to accept a need for change. Perhaps you intend to cut an unhealthy habit or start a new self-care routine, but lack a plan to follow through with those ideas. To get your energy back, you are encouraged to let go of the limiting beliefs that hold you back from your ideas.

Spirituality Meaning – Judgment Reversed

In a spiritual context, the reversed Judgment card suggests you may be ignoring signs from the Universe at this time. Be gentle with yourself as you reflect on why you have resisted divine insights. It may be a matter of reconnecting with your intuition to realign with your path. Consider journaling or meditating to re-ground yourself in your spiritual purpose.

Judgment As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

As feelings, the reversed Judgment card represents self-doubt and confusion. There may be a past attachment or routine that is making you feel stuck in a less fulfilling situation at this time. 

Judgment As Actions Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Judgment card suggests you are experiencing an internal resistance to change. You may need to reckon with old expectations to gain clarity about your path forward.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Judgment card appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous revelation about your path. You reflected on your approach and weighed your options for moving forward, which is now influencing your current situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Judgment card suggests that you are actively reckoning with your path. You have realized you would like to adjust your approach, prompting you to make a decision about your next steps. You are advised to lean into newfound hope and inspiration at this time.

Future Position

The Judgment card in the ‘future’ position predicts an upcoming revelation. Your current situation will lead you to let go of past expectations and welcome new realizations.

Yes or No Meaning of Judgment

• Judgment Upright: Yes
• Judgment Reversed: No

When the Judgment card appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. There is an opportunity to pursue more inspiring ideas at this time, suggesting a desirable outcome in your situation.

When the Judgment card appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. There is a need to carefully reconsider your approach to achieve a desirable outcome.

Advice and Message of Judgment

The Judgment card reminds you of the opportunities you have yet to pursue. If you have had an inner calling, it would be fulfilling to see that path through. You are not bound to the limits of your past, so don’t be afraid to break free and create a new reality for yourself.

Summary of Judgment Tarot Meaning

When the Judgment card appears in a reading, you are going through a period of reflection. New revelations and intuitive feelings are arising about your purpose, prompting you to make a decision. When reversed, you could be ignoring or struggling to accept a need for change. So long as you pay attention to what feels fulfilling, you will be able to allow the rejuvenating energy of the Judgment card in.