By Katrina Rasbold
In the Rider–Waite–Smith Tarot deck, the Judgment card—number twenty in the Major Arcana—is among the most evocative and spiritually charged images. Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, this card heralds awakening, transformation, and the soul’s final reckoning before transcendence. Laden with Christian imagery and esoteric undertones, the Judgment card is not merely about divine judgment in a religious sense, but about the profound moment of self-assessment, karmic resolution, and resurrection into a new phase of consciousness.
Let us explore the symbolism in Smith’s artwork and the deeper meanings this card conveys in a tarot reading.
🕊️ Imagery and Symbolism
The Angel and the Trumpet
At the top of the image, an angel—often interpreted as Archangel Gabriel—blows a golden trumpet, calling the dead to rise. A white flag bearing a red cross unfurls from the instrument, reminiscent of the St. George’s Cross. This scene is directly inspired by Christian iconography of the Last Judgment, particularly from the Book of Revelation.
- The trumpet symbolizes a call to awaken, to heed a higher calling, or to embrace an inevitable truth.
- Gabriel, as the messenger of God, represents communication from the divine realm and signals that it is time to rise, literally or metaphorically.
- The red cross—emblematic of sacrifice and salvation—conveys spiritual rebirth and the power of divine grace.
The Rising Dead
Below the angel, grey-skinned figures rise from their graves with outstretched arms. They are naked, symbolizing vulnerability, equality, and the shedding of worldly attachments. These figures are not bound by age or gender—they represent the collective soul of humanity.
- Coffins floating in the water or emerging from the earth suggest emotional depths and the subconscious, tying the imagery to the element of Water—intuition, cleansing, and rebirth.
- The upward gesture of the people speaks to receptivity, surrender, and aspiration toward higher truth.
The Mountains in the Background
Distant blue mountains loom behind the scene, symbolizing spiritual permanence, obstacles overcome, and the finality of earthly striving. Mountains, especially in Smith’s deck, often represent thresholds between earthly life and the spiritual realm.
🔮 Interpretations of the Judgment Card
Upright Meaning
When Judgment appears upright in a tarot reading, it signals a pivotal moment of reckoning and release. This is the card of resurrection, rebirth, and karmic accounting.
Keywords: Awakening, transformation, absolution, inner calling, life review, renewal.
- Spiritual Awakening: The card often marks a time of profound realization. The querent may be called to re-evaluate their path and live more authentically.
- Karmic Closure: Old patterns, relationships, or past mistakes come to the surface—not for punishment, but for understanding, forgiveness, and liberation.
- Major Life Decisions: Judgment can herald life-changing decisions, often involving a leap of faith. It encourages action based on clarity and moral truth.
- Rebirth After Trials: Just as the dead rise from the grave, the querent may be emerging from a long period of darkness, grief, or stagnation into a phase of renewal.
It is worth noting that Judgment follows The Sun (card XIX) and precedes The World (card XXI), suggesting that enlightenment (The Sun) naturally leads to reevaluation (Judgment), which in turn allows completion and wholeness (The World).
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the card may indicate avoidance, self-doubt, or being stuck in the past.
Keywords: Self-judgment, denial, fear of change, stagnation, guilt, reluctance to forgive.
- Fear of Accountability: The querent may be resisting necessary inner work, denying responsibility, or avoiding closure.
- Stagnation: Rather than rising to meet the call, they may remain stuck in old patterns, haunted by unresolved guilt or regret.
- Inner Criticism: Sometimes this card reversed reflects harsh self-judgment. The person may be their own harshest critic, unable to see how far they’ve come.
In these cases, the card encourages compassion, honesty, and courage to face the truth.
🌈 Esoteric and Psychological Layers
From a kabbalistic perspective, Judgment corresponds to the path between Hod (glory, intellect) and Malkuth (the physical world), suggesting the moment when inner awareness transforms the outer life. Astrologically, it is sometimes associated with Pluto, planet of death, transformation, and rebirth.
Psychologically, this card symbolizes integration of the self. The figures emerging from the grave represent the parts of the psyche that have been buried, repressed, or forgotten. When Judgment arises, we are called to accept all parts of ourselves, integrating the shadow and light, and thereby stepping into true wholeness.
In my readings, I think of Judgment as the fulfillment of Divine Law, which includes the underlying sense of right and wrong, of karma, and of one’s moral compass whereas the Justice card speaks more to human laws and cultural consensus on acceptable behavior versus inappropriate behavior.
🗝️ When Judgment Appears in a Reading
Here is what to consider when this card arises:
- Are you answering a higher call? You may feel drawn to a vocation, spiritual path, or major life change that aligns with your deepest values.
- Is it time to forgive or release the past? Letting go of guilt or resentment may be essential for moving forward.
- Have you experienced an “aha” moment? Insights gained now can catalyze major transformation.
- Are you willing to be vulnerable and accountable? True growth begins with honesty and surrender.
The Courage to Rise
Pamela Colman Smith’s Judgment card is a masterpiece of spiritual symbolism. It captures a universal truth—that transformation is always possible, but it requires us to face ourselves without flinching. It’s a card that asks: Are you ready to awaken? To rise from your personal tomb, leave behind the shadows of the past, and answer the call to your highest self?
To draw Judgment is to be offered the gift of renewal. All you must do is rise, clean and redeemed, from the darkness and and oppression that kept you buried.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.
