Judgement

Thanks to Hajo Banzhaf's influence, Judgement acquired a reputation as an extremely positive card, especially if it concerns a stagnant situation or a long-standing problem.

This is a successful completion of any crisis phase, a miraculous deliverance from many difficulties, the prospect of getting rid of everything that oppresses and burdens in one fell swoop. Either a long-standing desire will be fulfilled, or life in general will rise to a higher level of well-being, both spiritual and material.

Judgement always symbolizes a change in the situation, always radical CHANGES FOR THE BETTER, successful overcoming of problems, deliverance from limitations and obstacles. It makes sense to seize them with both hands, fearing nothing. This rare opportunity may also slip away if one hesitates, shows cowardice, and postpones the decision. This can concern a career, a romance, anything.

The beginning of a new life (Death is the end of the old, and Judgement is the end of Death), liberation, a radical positive change. Positive results are to be expected in the very near future. Deliverance from sorrow and suffering, liberation from everything that constrained and hindered acting at one's own discretion. The completion of a difficult stage, great relief because a new life perspective opens up. Return of health, joy, luck, happiness, the opportunity to breathe deeply, as the person understands it. One can expect news, an important message that will influence moving forward. The result will be clear, and everything will be for the best, regardless of whether the question concerns worldly or spiritual life. If the querent is tormented by some problem, it will soon be resolved, and in the best possible way.

Judgement clearly and distinctly indicates – 'The trumpet calls!' Its presence in a reading makes it understood that the question is very significant and it will not be easy to evade it. Falling in a reading, Judgement says that the querent is on the right path (no matter how great the doubts), the right choice has already been made, and the obstacles have practically been overcome. Traditional meanings of Judgement – final decision, an unappealable verdict, a change in fortune. Often, through Judgement, a person finds themselves before a very serious choice, the necessity to make a big decision.

Leaving one path and switching to another track, returning to a once-lost way of life (and this is perceived as renewal and rebirth). Most authors believe that Judgement symbolizes not the necessity or possibility of change, but a change that has already occurred. And it is completely unimportant whether this transition occurs as a result of internal work or a confluence of external circumstances, because the inner and outer worlds are reflections of each other. In essence, the person has already changed, their old self and old conditioning have already died, life has already acquired a new dimension, the only question is to clearly realize this.

At the same time, in practice, the Twentieth Arcana can also manifest in a disquieting manner. One might assume that the manifestations of Judgement depend on the quality of Pluto in a person's horoscope. A strong and positively aspected Pluto emphasizes rebirth, transformation; a negatively aspected one – trial, 'judgement of karma'; and a weak one may leave for the share of the Twentieth Arcana particulars of life like an unexpected phone call. However, Judgement is rarely instantaneous. Usually, the card describes some important, serious, long-lasting experience. For people seeking peace and preservation of the status quo, Judgement means a disruption of the usual course of things, transformation, reformation.

The most complex manifestation of Judgement is...a trial. This is some situation in which a person has to pay for something done in the past, pay a price of redemption, answer for their sins. Surrounded by negative cards – losing a court case, conviction. Through Judgement comes the presentation of accounts (including in the most banal, everyday sense). Furthermore, the presence of Judgement in a reading can indicate that answers to questions regarding the current state of affairs should be sought in the past, which at this stage is viewed by the person quite clearly.

One of the ancient meanings of the Arcana – natural disasters.

Renewal, release of hitherto hidden possibilities and talents. Joy thanks to the realization of a dream. Banzhaf, with his characteristic attitude towards the Judgement card, emphasizes happiness and an incomparable feeling of freedom – a person soars like a bird in the sky and discovers depths and heights they never suspected before.

Often, through Judgement, a person experiences some revelation that becomes a source of deep and serious changes, a true rebirth. A rediscovery of oneself at a higher level occurs, a fundamental expansion of thinking, knowledge of truth coming from the depths of the soul, which is subjectively often experienced as a Call. A paradigm shift occurs; a completely new way of perceiving things, a new meaning, a different quality of life suddenly appears. Pluto always transforms things essentially, fundamentally. The center of the circle changes, and with it – the location of all other points (therefore, usually everything changes for the better simultaneously). A reassessment of values, a change of direction occurs, and it is quite possible that just a couple of weeks ago the person assumed and suspected nothing of the sort. The presence of Judgement in a reading is a sign of extreme power. And these forces (overall positive) are not at all controlled by the person.

Many guides modestly indicate that Judgement speaks of 'the development of psychic abilities,' and the authors refrain from further explanation. Since practically all Major Arcana speak of the development of such abilities – The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and so on down the list – it makes sense to clarify what abilities are meant. Judgement especially indicates the activation of memory (both ordinary and transpersonal) – forgotten images, voices, plots pass before a person, some seemingly forgotten experience surfaces, or 'memories of the future' appear. At worst, the soul begins to resemble a restless cemetery at night – something is always creaking and groaning, and ghosts of the past rise from graves and walk around, rattling bones and making claims. If the Moon and the Nine of Swords are also nearby, then the picture is practically accurate in detail.

A person described by Judgement may, in one way or another, 'blow the trumpet' – be a legislator and founder in some sphere, set the tone, call for responsibility, in some way appeal to others. Judgement is an indicator of talents, great giftedness, the presence of bright interests and abilities, meaning the person has a calling to something (other cards may give a clue).

Symbolically, the card depicts the trumpeting Archangel Gabriel, calling souls to the Last Judgement. This Arcana depicts, in fact, not the Judgement itself, but the Resurrection, that is, the moment of rebirth and liberation of something that has long been suppressed or hidden, the exit of the true, Divine beginning from prison to light. The card personifies an important, decisive step on the path of personality formation, the successful completion of another stage of its alchemical transformation, that is, the transformation of lower matter into higher. A spiritual awakening occurs, the immensely increased power of the subconscious (traditionally associated with water, and on the Waite card, coffins float on a river, indicating that something is awakening precisely in the inner world) draws the soul into the crucible of Divine power. Judgement is the mystery of Transfiguration, Initiation, deep spiritual self-realization, enlightenment, annunciation, a loud inner voice, clearly saying things from which one cannot escape.

This is a very strong card in terms of surges of karmic memory, and this idea is reflected in a number of decks. Judgement personifies the mystery of the constant rebirth of the spirit. It is reborn both throughout one life and after transitioning into another body, carrying within it the 'seeds of karma.'

Through Judgement comes the awakening and awareness of 'sleeping' feelings, thoughts, and ideas, the actualization of seemingly 'dead,' forgotten experience. Images that already seemed dead to the soul (or the soul was dead for them, but now 'is risen') become attractive and full of power again. Again, the summoning voice of truth and higher calling sounds, and in response, what seemed dead rises from the coffin, liberation from the shroud of the past occurs.

In the sense of rebirth – this is also spiritual work with karma, awareness of accumulated experience from past incarnations, contemplation and analysis of paths traveled, accounting for past deeds. Through Judgement comes an exit beyond the limits of physical reality, beyond the constraints of one life. Situations associated with this Arcana essentially involve pulling up karmic 'tails,' answering for deeds in the past, and HEALING the soul. Here, the motive of justice 'an eye for an eye' is not so strong as the motive of correction, purification, and rebirth (for which, in fact, this 'eye for an eye' is needed as an educational and redemptive means).

On the Twentieth Arcana, the grave or coffin is understood as the athanor in alchemy, the crucible, the place where the transformation of body into spirit takes place. Interestingly, in astrology, the Tomb or Sepulcher (Geniror) is the symbolic name of the IV house, which also answers for the origins of a person, the place from which they came, as from a coffin or womb. On a mundane level, it is home and family, and on an occult level – karmic origin, comprehension of the initial tradition, deep memory of past incarnations, in full agreement with the deep meaning of the Twentieth Arcana.

Zaichenko writes: 'Whatever the context, the Judgement card is ultimately a tribute to the incredible courage, viability, and resilience of the human spirit. The triumphant moment of rebirth becomes a triumph of survival.' Judgement brings a call to rebirth, self-realization; through this card, the voice of higher calling is felt (and it is usually connected with goals not for one life but for a whole cycle of incarnations). Since a person usually lives in complete oblivion regarding this very calling, through Judgement a true spiritual resurrection occurs; the sleeper awakens. Their cave cracks and breaks open, and they emerge into God's light. Sometimes this 'cave' turns out to be the material earthly body of a person, from which the soul emerges into freedom, so the Judgement card can sometimes much more accurately and directly than the Death card indicate a person's departure from this world. This card symbolizes the liberation of the triple spiritual power of man from the grave of his material existence. Since only one-third of the spirit enters the physical body, and the other two-thirds constitute the Hermetic Anthropos (or Superman), only one of them will truly rise from the grave. The sound of the trumpet (fanfare) symbolizes the creation of the World, and at this sound, a person is freed from earthly limitations. Tomberg considers Judgement as a synthesis of life and death: after resurrection, the one risen from the dead can act as if alive, but at the same time, they are free from earthly bonds as if dead. Filadoro notes that Judgement makes a distinction between what is spiritual and what is still material. 'This is not a crusade against the material. The spirit descended into matter, making it divine and, consequently, spiritual. But initiation into Tarot – the journey through the Arcana – predicts that, having freed himself from the limitations of the material world, the Hero will reach the stage of the greatest spiritual freedom.'

Astrologically, the card is associated with the planet Pluto, whose energy, acquired during a disharmonious state of destruction of the old, gives the opportunity to start anew. This is that internal energy capable of elevating a person's aspirations to their realization in the world and which, based on the concept of death, destroys all worthless old. In the image of the planet Pluto, transformation is correlated with suffering and passion – close but still different concepts. Awakening and Judgement over oneself is a subjective withdrawal into the inner world, maximum detachment from the external world, and embodiment only of those ideas that the mind can control. And especially in the culture of the past, the idea of world renewal was associated with ascetic feats of saving one's soul and the souls of one's neighbors, but now it enters ordinary life together with the concept of love, and laypeople transform each other with their love.

Judgement is always a very important card, and a very positive card for people who have long lived precisely by faith in something, and without any guarantees. The lesson of this card is to understand that the goal towards which you have unconsciously been moving for years, only believing, REALLY exists. 'According to your faith be it unto you' – Judgement promises a reward for aspirations.

This is a card of true heroes of the spirit, who long strove for a goal, supported only by their own conviction that this goal must exist and is worth striving for. They had no proof that what their soul yearned for, what every day of theirs was dedicated to, even exists in principle or will ever be achieved by them. The only proof they carried within themselves, in their heart. And Judgement announces to them that this goal indeed exists, and there is nothing more valuable than to strive for it. Judgement brings a reward for this supernatural determination, superhuman aspiration. From now on, there is no need to blindly believe; there is real confirmed knowledge. From the depths of the Universe, silent for so long, an answer has come, and on the envelope, your name and the address of your backwater are precisely written. You are seen, you are known, you are remembered by higher powers – what can surpass this? Harry Potter receives a letter from Hogwarts saying he is a wizard and it's time to pack. Here it is, liberation, new birth, the delight of calling. An end to confusion, doubts, the entire old life. An answer has been given that has resolved all riddles, an answer that was known deep in the heart all along. There is no time for hesitation and cowardice – this path must be followed, seizing the opportunity with both hands. This reward can only be earned by loyalty to oneself.

Here one can recall the words of Richard Bach about a person entrusting their life to the service of what they believe in. 'These ideas of his must bear the burden of hundreds of questions he asks himself, plus the burden of hundreds of critics, cynics, and destroyers, plus the hardships of all the consequences to which they will lead. If they were made of steel, the steel would not withstand.' Judgement is a reward for those who have withstood.

For those who could not withstand it, Judgement is...the Last Judgement. Sometimes – a very terrible one. This card indeed has a strong influence of Pluto, and those familiar with astrology know what this planet is like.

A stage in spiritual development symbolizing the direct knowledge of the will of karma and its great interconnections. Everything moves towards an inevitable higher judgement when we receive answers to all questions. This is the moment of accounting for the use and non-use of opportunities, an honest assessment of one's own efforts and achievements. It can be painful from the point of view that a person must finally realize their Higher Calling, learn to think more broadly, go beyond their little self. Moral awakening, a test of conscience. Judgement is the spiritual rebirth of a person, redemption of the past (and the deeper the feelings, the greater the redemption). This supernatural joy and elation of absolution is familiar to those who have experienced genuine repentance and received forgiveness significant to them.

Note: the card has a special relation to the feast of Pentecost! And probably not without reason – on the Arcana, a triad is depicted: a man, a woman, and a child. Another interesting meaning is that if this card falls to a person who has been praying, appealing to the heavens with some request or repentance, it is a clear sign that their prayer has been heard. This does not guarantee that everything will come true immediately, but overall, the Judgement card favors miraculous transformations and such events that confirm to the person that they were right when they believed and hoped.

Again – the trumpet calls!

Sometimes, for example, to a new job, and abroad at that. Judgement often indicates that a person is to take on some obligations, accept responsibility for some important matter. It can manifest as a return to long-standing projects and affairs, when after a long stagnation, changes for the better have occurred. Much less often, Judgement means liberation from cares and duties that suppressed development.

Work with a capital C – Vocation (including in organizations where all employees clearly understand the mission). Through Judgement passes organizational learning and development, reorganization, mastering advanced work methods. Fresh wind bursts into the dusty sleepy kingdom. A call to action, to share knowledge and experience with others.

The decision to start a new venture that will change life for the better. Development, moving forward, ascent. A reward, a salary increase, rest after long labor. In short – achieving a goal. A result. But also innovations, a new start, new beginnings. For a creative person (artist, poet, painter), this card means the onset of a new period of inspiration, active work, an influx of new strength, a discovery, a transition to a new quality. In combination with other success cards, it can mean the realization of creative plans – the publication of a book, the opening of an exhibition, the completion of a project. The ability to create immortal works. Through Judgement undoubtedly come fame, hype, resonance, 'brass trumpets,' PR. Some Russian tarot readers believe that for businessmen, Judgement advises sponsoring people in the arts so that they create an image for their business, 'trumpet' it, so to speak.

In addition to popular figures in show business, politics, etc., Judgement describes people who have a professional relation to the judiciary (along with Justice), as well as rhetoric, teaching, and generally all situations where it is necessary to address people publicly and be sensitive to collective aspirations. Through Judgement goes innovative and reformist activity, personnel recruitment, and in some cases – occupations somehow connected with music.

Judgement brings big changes in personal life. In practice, it most often gives a chance to atone for past sins, make amends for mistakes, restore harmony at a certain level – everything returns to its circles. Improvement and renewal of relationships, forgiveness of old grievances. It is believed that through Judgement comes healing of old wounds, forgiveness of enemies, people who caused pain, unraveling of karmic knots, and resolution of long-standing problems. Life-hampering contradictions truly smooth out, and it becomes possible to escape from a vicious circle.

For a person who has been alone for a long time (especially if described by The Hermit or a similar significator), Judgement foretells the sudden finding of a soulmate. Through Judgement, what was considered lost is found and gains new life, and this also applies to relationships.

Judgement announces the liberation of everything that slept inside us in a lethargic sleep akin to death, and this inner awakening leads to new situations, means deep changes. Love that seemed long and hopelessly lost regains its rights. 'The trumpet calls,' feelings are resurrected; it makes sense to respond to this call. There may not be a second chance for a very, very long time. Especially since Judgement itself helps in making a final decision and starting a new life. Essentially, this is triumphant news of reunion and resurrection. Here, of course, attention must be paid to the accompanying Arcana – sometimes through Judgement, something that would be better off lying quietly is resurrected, and the person is annoyed at their inability to nail the lid of that coffin properly.

Sometimes, with corresponding Minor Arcana – an addition to the family.

In some cases, Judgement describes a undoubtedly transformative and compelling call in the area of personal life, which turns out to be a difficult trial for the querent. For example, it is an extremely strong love and devotion from another person, which must be answered in the literal sense, for instance, to accept a marriage proposal. The querent feels this as a kind of 'duty' – they must say 'yes' (and this is generally a duty – a karmic one! strictly in accordance with the meaning of the Arcana), but it may be difficult for them to fulfill this duty and this internal command due to a number of circumstances (one must look at the surrounding cards). Again, 'the trumpet calls,' there is a loud call from another person, and the superego has signaled that action is needed, but if the person does not obey it ('what about my ego?!' the one that is not 'super,' just ego), then the consequences will be...Plutonian. Up to a complete collapse of life or health for unclear reasons. That is how Judgement works. That is how Pluto works. Ego does not count.