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XX. Judgement

Awakening, Calling and Rebirth

Judgement Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Judgement card, also called the Resurrection, shows a mighty angel (usually Gabriel) blowing a golden trumpet. The sound wakes the dead from their graves - on the card we see a man, a woman and a child rising from their coffins with their arms raised in a gesture of worship. This is not a scene of fear of punishment, but a moment of joyful liberation.

The card symbolises the moment when the "old self" dies and a new, more conscious one is born. It is a time for summing up, for settling accounts with the past and for forgiving yourself and others. The cross on the angel's flag symbolises balance and the union of opposites. The water in the background (often a sea or a river) refers to emotional cleansing.

Judgement is a call to awaken. You hear a voice saying: "You are ready for more". It is the moment when you realise your true calling and purpose in life. The card says that your karma has been paid off, your lessons learned, and you can move to a higher level of existence.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, Judgement means that the time has come for an important decision that will change your life forever. It is the end of one era and the beginning of another. It may mean the return of someone from the past, the renewal of old acquaintances or the resolution of long-standing legal problems. It is also a card of a "second chance" and spiritual rebirth.

Upright
  • Spiritual awakening, a new calling
  • Rebirth, resurrection
  • An important decision, a turning point
  • Settling accounts with the past, forgiveness
  • Freedom from guilt
  • A return to health or balance
  • Good news, a favourable verdict
Reversed
  • Ignoring your calling, fear of change
  • Holding on to the past, grudges
  • Guilt, self-punishment
  • Refusing to forgive
  • Misjudging the situation, prejudice
  • Delays in legal matters
  • Lack of self-belief

Card Attributes

Number: XX (Twenty)
Archetype: The Angel, the Judge, Rebirth
Element: Fire (the cleansing power of the spirit)
Keywords: Judgement, rebirth, calling, karma, forgiveness, decision.
Astrology: Pluto (the planet of death, transformation and rebirth)
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