The Star & Judgement
The Star & Judgement
Analysis:
Water is central to both images. In Judgement, we see the people floating in "caskets" on a large body of water. In The Star, we see a pond with 5 smaller streams beside it.
There are mountain peaks in the background of each image. Mountains symbolize initiation, overcoming obstacles and greater perspective.
The number 7 shows up in both cards. In Judgement, we see 7 notes coming from the trumpet. In The Star, we see 7 small stars. 16 (The Star) also reduces to 7 if we add 1+6. The number 7 has many mystical links and may be associated with the 7 ancient planets or the 7 chakras.
Nudity is a central feature in both cards. Nudity in tarot speaks to innocence, a lack of shame and also transparency. It could be said that these cards in combination speak to exposing what was once hidden so that the truth may be revealed.
The people in Judgement and the figure in The Star all display open gestures or body postures. This reinforces the idea that nothing is hidden, all is welcome and in full view.
Vibrations are present in each scene. In both cards, the bodies of water are vibratory. In Judgement, the music from the trumpet is another form of vibration.
The Hebrew letter Shin (ש), associated with Judgement, is often linked to the "Ruach Elohim," also known as the "breath of God," due to their shared numerical value of 300. This points to an esoteric link between the element of Spirit — also associated with Shin — and the element of Air, of which Aquarius — ruler of The Star — is the fixed sign.
The letter name of Shin (ש) translates to "tooth," while that of Tzaddi (צ) — the letter associated with The Star — translates to "fish hook," which is said to point to the act of meditation, in which the aspirant "fishes" for answers in the waters of the unconscious. If we put the two letter names together and interpret them as a story, we might say that something on the other side has "bitten" the hook, and is perhaps granting us the revelation we sought.
Each card contains an overseeing body. In The Star, it’s the woman sifting through the water. In Judgement, it’s the angel hovering above.
What do YOU see???
Possible Interpretation:
Both The Star and Judgement speak to greater forces that reach for us - that inspire us. In The Star, that force may greet us in more unconscious ways - an elusive guide, a whisper, a quiet inner knowing. In Judgement, the force is louder - maybe even booming. With its mighty trumpet, the people can’t help but take notice. This could be why Judgement is sometimes interpreted as a reckoning. Truth can sometimes feel like punishment, especially if it rocks us from what was once a comfy slumber. From another perspective though, it's purpose may be to lift us up (from unconsciousness), call us in (to awareness) and unveil itself to us. In combination, these cards seem to suggest that what was once a quiet calling is now something that can no longer be ignored. Will we rise to greet it?