Rider Waite Card Meaning - Judgement

XX – Judgement - Consequences

The Judgement card is a visual depiction of events described in the New Testament book of Revelation. These events concern the day of final judgment before the end of the world, as envisioned by John, who saw “the seas gave up its dead”; and indeed, the dead are seen rising from the sea in background of Waite’s design of this card. He is faithful to the Biblical description of the final judgment, but he contends that its meaning lies in realms far beyond literal Biblical interpretation.

Hermetic debate aside, the significance of judgment can best be summed up as the consequences of our actions. All acts are rewarded one way or another, and this card indicates that a time of judgment has come. What has been sown is now reaped. This card also marks closure on outstanding issues, loose ends are tied up, and old problems are put to bed.

Reversed, shows difficulties arising from inability to be accountable for the consequences of one’s own actions. Failure to take responsibility and own one’s own problems results in conflict and losses.