Judgement

Part I: The Veil and its Symbols

20. The Last judgment. I have spoken of this symbol already, the form of which is essentially invariable, even in the Etteilla set. An angel sounds his trumpet per sepulchra regionum, and the dead arise. It matters little that Etteilla omits the angel, or that Dr. Papus substitutes a ridiculous figure, which is, however, in consonance with the general motive of that Tarot set which accompanies his latest work. Before rejecting the transparent interpretation of the symbolism which is conveyed by the name of the card and by the picture which it presents to the eye, we should feel very sure of our ground. On the surface, at least, it is and can be only the resurrection of that triad father, mother, child-whom we have met with already in the eighth card. M. Bourgeat hazards the suggestion that esoterically it is the symbol of evolution of which it carries none of the signs. Others say that it signifies renewal, which is obvious enough; that it is the triad of human life; that it is the "generative force of the earth and eternal life." Court de Gebelin makes himself impossible as usual, and points out that if the grave-stones were removed it could be accepted as a symbol of creation.

Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil

I have said that this symbol is essentially invariable in all Tarot sets, or at least the variations do not alter its character. The great angel is here encompassed by clouds, but he blows his bannered trumpet, and the cross as usual is displayed on the banner. The dead are rising from their tombs; a woman on the right, a man on the left hand, and between them their child, whose back is turned. But in this card there are more than three who are restored, and it has been thought worth while to make this variation as illustrating the insufficiency of current explanations. It should be noted that all the figures are as one in the wonder, adoration and ecstasy expressed by their attitudes. It is the card which registers the accomplishment of the great work of transformation in answer to the summons of the Supernal which summons is heard and answered from within.

Herein is the intimation of a significance which cannot well be carried further in the present place. What is that within us which does sound a trumpet and all that is lower in our nature rises in response, almost in a moment, almost in the twinkling of an eye? Let the card continue to depict, for those who can see no further, the Last judgement and the resurrection in the natural body; but let those who have inward eyes look and discover therewith. They will understand that it has been called truly in the past a card of eternal life, and for this reason it may be compared with that which passes under the name of Temperance.

A cosmic wake-up call.

A desire for something higher or better than where you are now.

Spiritual reincarnation.

Positive change is imminent.

Health matters show improvement.

Dormant matters coming back to life.

Accountability for one's actions.

Walk your talk!

Renewal.

Awakening.

Work well done.

A legal judgement in one's favour.

Forgiveness, apology.

Promotion.

Completeness.

A need to evaluate.

Personal soul searching.

Cleansing, purification.

The bottom line is suddenly revealed.

Are you on track with your objectives?

Judge frankly, forgive, and leave the past behind.

You must face a final decision about something important in your life.

It's time to judge a phase, project, relationship, or experience in your life and bring it to a close. It is time to prepare to move on to something else.

You can look forward to a time of awakening, renewal, and renaissance. It's possible a change of consciousness can come from this.

Get ready to welcome "the next step."

This is the end of a cycle and it is time to reap the rewards of past actions. Wipe the slate clean and begin anew.

Unpleasant atmosphere.

Denying the inevitable.

Unwillingness to accept change, clinging to the past.

Feeling one is to old to try, or too old to make the effort.

Awareness that comes after the fact.

A fear of failure or a fear of being judged.

Worry, foreboding, fear of death.

Divorce or separation.

The awaited news does not come.

Failure to find happiness in old age.

Try thinking bigger.

Stop banging your head into a wall.

Reproaching oneself for missed opportunities.

Guilty feelings.

Indecision, weakness, procrastination.

Theft.

Arthritis, bone decay, dental problems, thinning hair, wrinkling skin; general signs of ageing. (E. Hazel)