Within the Major Arcane, The Judgment in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Marseille tarot and in the Rider Waite tarot represents a card that can be easy to interpret thanks to its forceful, precise and very clear message. Regardless of whether the Judgment card appears upside down or backwards, its specific message will help us have a picture that is as accurate as it is easy to understand.
It is a clear reference to the Last Judgment, with this announcing archangel blowing his trumpet towards these figures that seem to emerge from the ground. Tarot cards often have a wink, a call, a representation of the main concepts of the three main monotheistic religions, however, without being more closely linked to one or another of the three.
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This is an exceptional fact, if we think that tarot cards were born in the Middle Ages, in the darkest period of human history, where the Catholic religion dictated the rhythms and laws of life.
The Tarot is not linked to any religion at all, it only uses its universally recognized meaning. The image of the Archangel announcing something is an example. In this case, the icon is used to identify a return from the past. A return that can refer both to a person and to a past situation, such as a fear, a love, a passion.
Meaning of The Judgment in the Marseille Tarot by Jodorowsky and Rider Waite
The twentieth major arcana is represented by The Judgment. The card depicts an angel from heaven intending to blow a trumpet in the direction of three human figures rising from a grave. Above them is a luminous angel blowing a trumpet on which a flag with the cross of Saint George waves.
For some, the Angel represents the Archangel Michael, for others there is a connection with the figure of Saint George. The very separation that exists from the graphic point of view between heaven and earth wants to symbolize the clear distinction that exists between the material world and the spiritual world.
The concept of judgment, understood as universal judgment, is closely related to the concept of resurrection; while the Angel, a word that derives from the Greek and means Messenger, is the medium that spreads the news of the rebirth that has just happened. The angel symbolizes divine intervention, mysterious and unpredictable, and also connects the upper and lower parts, announcing the union between the divine and the earthly.
Rebirth should be understood as a new life and as a change, indicating the ability to look inward, judge oneself, and consequently learn a lesson from one’s mistakes. The deepest meaning is that of being able to free oneself from the past, showing a prosthesis towards a regenerated future. It is spiritual rebirth.
The Sentence also intends to be a call, a warning to start over, for a better existence full of values. The document then highlights the balance of your existence and the decision of what to change or not. The judgment invites us to highlight the spiritual nature to get closer to God, always in the possibilities of human nature.
You have to be able to learn from your mistakes, you have to leave the past behind and lay the foundations for a life with a different meaning, one full of deeper meanings. The Archangel announces and we must be prepared to answer his call, as witnessed by all those lost souls who rise from the graves to praise a new life.
When this card appears among the tarot cards, a balance of who we are or have become is necessary to understand what we need to change about our habits and our negativity. A risk component is necessary at this time, let’s leave the commitments to others.
The Judgment to the right
In its upright position, The Judgment signifies two key concepts: rebirth and choice. The idea of rebirth emphasizes a deep capacity for change. Life-altering events will inspire the best version of yourself. The idea of choice emphasizes having a clear mind when faced with a difficult decision.
This is a card that is associated with success in a variety of ways, telling us of final achievement and positive change finally finding its way to unfold. It is a letter of illumination that makes us understand the meaning of things.
With this new knowledge, you will be able to get ahead on your path. It is in this way that, if you have been suffering or if times have not been good to you, then this card may indicate that the worst is over and that from now on everything can develop in a more pleasant, successful and harmonious way.
In the event that the Judgment card is about a person, it will be telling us about someone who is in the midst of developing a series of positive changes, signaling renewal and a change in oneself, where lessons will be learned in order to be more and better. He is a person who has impeccable judgment and is based on a mastery of reason and emotions.
The Judgment in Love
If you are already in a relationship, The Judgment indicates that this relationship is important, but it does not mean that your partner is necessarily your soul mate.
While the judgment may mean that your relationship will be long and fruitful, it can also mean that your relationship will be a short but valuable learning experience. If the relationship ends, there are lessons to learn that will help you in all future relationships.
If you are single, The Judgment indicates that you should try dating someone outside of your usual preferences. Perhaps you have been overly concerned with the appearance or status of a potential partner. Opening up to people from different backgrounds can reward you with a happy and stable relationship that would otherwise have been lost.
The Judgment in Money
In the area of finances, The Judgment is a bad sign. Try to keep your expenses to a minimum and avoid all investments except guaranteed (safe) ones. Consider purchasing additional insurance for the important things in your life.
The Judgment at Work
You may not know it yet, but your manager or a scoutmaster has been keeping an eye on your work. You are being considered for a promotion or a new opportunity. It tries to continue to deliver the same great results that got your attention in the first place. If you’re looking for a job, consider a career in politics, law, or a job placement agency.
The Judgment in Health
Both mentally and physically, Judgment is a good sign when it comes to health. You’ve learned from your mistakes, and now you’re ready to step out on the right foot toward a healthier tomorrow.
The Judgment in reverse
In its reversed position, The Judgment means overthinking the problems in your life to the point where indecision begins to create additional problems. It’s important to think critically about the options presented to you and reflect on past decisions, but opportunities can be overlooked as you wallow in doubt and indecision.
When Judgment is presented in an inverted position, then it essentially represents a fairly deep self-esteem conflict. The evaluation is quite poor, and you will find yourself full of doubts and shyness, with a fearful and introverted attitude that is the product of a very negative balance that you make with yourself.
It is a card that shows that you can be a victim of the judgment of others, more than your own, which makes you find yourself at the mercy of comments and opinions, letting them control the rhythm of your life. instead of you doing it.
This may make you afraid of change, but this is the only viable path. You will have to take charge of yourself, overcome the past, have forgiveness for the mistakes made and learn from each one of them. It is precisely this learning that will open the doors of a new direction for you, this being the right one for you.
The Judgment in Health
Judgment indicates that you will not have to deal with new physical health problems. However, old injuries and current worries have been weighing heavily on your mind. It is important to leave behind the past and the negative thinking it generates and start thinking positively. Accepting what we cannot change is wise and liberating.
Psychologically, you have focused too much on the negativity of life. It’s important to see the world as it is, but ignoring the genuine good around you has been bringing you down. Make a list of everything that is positive in your life and in the world in general. Refer to this list when you feel overwhelmed by daily life.
The Judgment in Love
If you are in a relationship, Judgment Reversed is a good indication that the natural growth of your bond has been stalled by your indecision. As a result, you are not taking the next important step in your life: perhaps declaring your love or proposing to move in with your partner.
Alternatively, your indecision can leave you stuck in a less satisfying relationship when you should be looking for a partner who truly meets your needs. In either case, it’s important to set aside time to really think about your options and come to a final conclusion.
If you are single, you have been letting your shyness get the best of you. While it’s hard for most people to commit and turn down risk, it’s impossible to find a partner without putting yourself out there. Remember that there are thousands of people just like you trying to connect, and with courage comes confidence, which are their own rewards.
The Judgment in Money
The Judgment card in reversed position is a good financial indicator. The near future will generally be stable, and you should be able to enjoy some riskier investments. Your tight budget can be adjusted to pay for experiences that will bring you joy.
The Judgment at Work
This card indicates that great opportunities await you in the workplace, but you do not take advantage of the moment due to your doubts. Job openings and positions are knocking at your door because of your proven character and experience. Trust your talent and ability as much as everyone already trusts you.
The Judgment Combinations | special editions
In order to better understand the meaning of this card within a spread, it is especially important that we take a look at the cards that appear next to it. That is why you must know the context and what each and every one of the combinations of The Judgment mean with the rest of the Major and Minor Arcane in the tarot.