Judgment

Judgeent is the twentieth key to the Major Arcana in Tarot.  The Element of Judgment is Fire and the planetary affiliation is with Pluto.

Qualities of Judgment are Awakening, Renewal, and Forgiveness.  Alternative names for Judgment are The Last Judgment, and The Angel.  Symbols are Angel, Mountains, and Trumpet.

In German the Sun is called Das Gericht.  In French, Le Jugement.  And in Italian, L'Angelo, and Il Giudizio.

SYMBOLOGY

This card illustrates several forms of final judgement as depicted in varying mythologies.  Some decks showcase the Christian myths, with figures rising up from the grave at the sound of the trumpet of God's messenger, the Archangel Gabriel, Arms raised, they await the weighing of their actions in life, the scales determining their entrance to either Heaven or Hell.  In the background of most cards, an insurmountable mountain range is shown, signifying that there is no avoidance of judgement.  It is immovable.  This card is often associated with Pluto, ruler of the underworld, and in this way signifies not only endings, but new beginnings, new life, rebirth, and resurrection.

ATTRIBUTES

Judgement signifies a moment of reflection and evaluation.  This card asks for a critique of past actions and an objective understanding of self.  Judgement does not punish; instead, it offers the opportunity for balanced assessment and absolution.  It demands inner honesty and clarity of motive in all action moving forward.  It also signifies a reawakening, a refined sense of direction, a positive change that affects the future outcome.  Judgement reminds one of choice and consequence, the importance of clear decision-making in the moments where the path splits in two.  It calls for a higher level of consciousness in service of the greater good.  Judgement purges, cleanses and renews.