Notes on: Judgement

The concept of a judgement awaiting us after death, where our good deeds will be weighed against our evil to determine our soul's fate, goes back at least as far as ancient Egypt.

Judgement of Hu-Nefer, Thebes, 1290-1280 BC

The Egyptians believed that after death, the gods would weigh their heart against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth, justice, and (but of course) judgement.  If their heart was lighter than the feather, they began their journey into the afterlife; if it was heavier, their soul would be devoured by the ravenous demon Ammut.

On the Judaeo-Christian Judgement Day, all souls--or, depending on the particular version of Christianity--all physical (human) bodies as well, will be resurrected, with the good ascending to Heaven and the evil and nonbelievers descending to Hell.  This is the imagery on the Rider-Waite card.

Judgement, Fenestra Tarot

Since many, perhaps most, Christians do not interpret the Judgement literally, the Judgement card (XX in the Major Arcana) is usually read in a metaphorical sense, as a rebirth or re-awakening.  This derives from the notion of resurrection, as depicted in the Rider-Waite deck and those inspired by it.  The dead are brought back to life and receive forgiveness of their sins, moving on to heaven. 

When we draw Judgement, it is telling us to evaluate a situation, especially our actions and their effects, then forgive and release it, in order to learn and then move on.  In a way then, Judgement can indicate an ending, but it is not catastrophic like The Tower, nor is it coming from the external world like Death.  This is not a sorrowful parting but should be more of a relief. 

In a reading, the precise shading of Judgement's meaning may be made clearer by adjacent cards.  For example, moving on would be emphasized if Judgement  is received along with the 8 of Cups (leaving behind the known and familiar to set out on a quest for deeper meaning and fulfillment) or The Hermit (withdrawing to facilitate introspection and the search for truth). 

I would expect a new beginning from Judgement accompanied by The Fool (new beginnings, new experiences), The Star (new hope), or any of the Aces. 

Rebirth (a.k.a. Judgement), Druidcraft Tarot

If I got Judgement plus the 5 of Cups (grief, self-pity, regrets, or disappointment which hold one back) or 9 of Swords (regrets, worries, anxiety), I would focus on the need for more objective evaluation and release of outmoded beliefs and self-punishment.  Although Judgement is rarely about an external judge, it may be necessary to atone for past deeds if, after evaluation, you feel that is necessary and it enables you to move forward. 

If you receive this card before taking action, you would do well to consider the possible ramifications of what you are planning to do, and to understand the root causes that led you to this point.  This would be bolstered by the 7 of Pentacles (evaluating the state and outcome of one's labors before making a decision).