The Last Judgement
20. The Last Judgement
Upright Summary: change of position, self-evaluation, reflection, awakening, renewal, outcome, reckoning. Another account specifies total loss through lawsuit.
Realization
Reversed Summary: self-doubt, lack of self-awareness, failure to learn lessons, weakness, pusillanimity, simplicity; also deliberation, decision, sentence.
Element: FIRE
Astrology: PLUTO
Description: This card is invariable in all Tarot sets, or at least the variations do not alter its character. The heavenly symbolism in this card shows a small group of figures rising from their tombs. The great angel is encompassed by clouds, but he blows his bannered trumpet, with a cross displayed on the banner. The great angel brings the figures enlightenment. There is a woman on the right, a man on the left hand, and between them their child, all of which have their back turned. But in this card there are a total of six figures being resurrected, all of which rise with wonder, adoration and ecstasy as expressed by their attitudes. This card represents the accomplishment of the great work of transformation. The Judgement care resurrects a new sense of self. This card reveals the rebirth, resurrection and rebirth of the natural body. One is not simply lost in smaller details, a wider perspective reveals itself. It brings, renews, and restores your perception and enables you to recognize and understand patterns in your life.
Because there has been a total loss, a new beginning becomes possible with Judgement. The hindrances of the past are cast off and opens a new fresh perception of possibilities. This card is the card of liberation, out with the old and in with the new.
Judgment is ruled by Pluto, there are echoes of this card in Death. Both remind the reader that everything comes to an end and that a new beginning is coming.
Symbolism
1. The Angel
The angel uses a trumpet to call the figures from their sleepy sense of unawareness to full awakening. The cloud symbolisms that this is spiritual in nature.
2. The Figures
The four figures gradually rise-they are becoming released from the bonds of the past and begin to look upwards towards an all encompassing and joyous perspective. Figures are awakened by the trumpets in the Cosmic tarot.
REVERSED SUMMARY
Reversed, this card indicates that there is a recognition that change in life is necessary. Yet this is ignored or denied, either from a fear of the consequences, or of a lack of resources to make the changes needed. Reasons for staying put need to be objectively examined and then dealt with.