XX
Judgement
Symbols in the artwork
A winged figure on clouds blows a trumpet. The trumpet has a white flag with a red cross painted on it. Three figures below rise from an open sarcophagus, looking up. The lake and mountains spread out behind, and the rising light evoke the image of rising from a familiar place to face a new world. This scene does not mean judging a person's worth or determining a religious destiny. This card is about looking back on past times and considering what choice to make now based on those experiences.
Sources and interpretation
Referenced both the original regeneration/situation change and modern awakening/self-evaluation. The weakness/deliberation of the original reversed and the modern self-doubt are not entirely the same list.
Written with reference to Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and modern interpretations.
A. E. Waite's original text · A. E. Waite's symbolism · Tina Gong / Labyrinthos modern interpretation
Upright
Awakening and Calling · Potential for Rebirth · Reflection and Decision
Recall what you have learned from the past, and choose one action to change today.
Core meaning
Judgment symbolizes an awakening and a calling to realize oneself anew, and the potential to start life again. The importance lies not in merely evaluating the past, but in choosing and acting based on that realization.
The figures in the picture are rising upon hearing the trumpet sound. I too can take action on what I already know in my heart. If you are facing an important decision, write down what you really want to keep and what you need to take care of after the choice. It's okay not to wait until all worries disappear. Take a small step based on what you have sufficiently investigated.
What to keep in mind
When looking back at the past, do not assume what kind of person you or the other person are. Acknowledge what is your responsibility, but also look at the circumstances at the time. Specifically determine what action to take differently next time.
One small step today
Write down what you learned from a recent experience and one action to change next time. Also, set a time when you can attempt that action in the near future.
A question to consider
Based on what you have learned now, how would you like to try differently if a similar thing happens?
A thought for today
Past experiences can make today's choices a little clearer.
Reversed
Self-doubt and Denial · Ignoring Learning · Delaying Decision
Step away from thoughts that blame yourself, and find one action you can change right now.
Core meaning
Judgment reversed symbolizes self-doubt or ignoring necessary enlightenment, and delaying a decision. It also includes excessive self-blame, but it can also refer to repeating the same thing without acknowledging responsibility.
You might be postponing something you know you should look back on because it makes you uncomfortable. Admitting a mistake does not diminish your worth. If there is something you need to apologize for or correct, start by deciding what you can do now. You do not need to wait until everyone agrees with your thoughts or your mind is completely settled. You can start the necessary action based on the facts you have confirmed.
What to keep in mind
Things that need to be resolved do not get better just because you regret them for a long time. Specifically determine what you need to admit or correct. Compare the time spent blaming yourself with the actual action of correcting it.
One small step today
Recall one thing that made you blame yourself. Write down specifically what happened, and decide on one thing to correct or confirm.
A question to consider
What actually happened in the situation that makes you blame yourself, and what can be changed right now?
A thought for today
It is okay to leave behind a method for next time instead of words that scold you.
Tarot offers a way to reflect on yourself through its symbols. Read it as a point of reference, not a certain prediction of the future or another person's feelings.