Traditionally Judgment represents a time of returning to the light after experiencing the darkness.  It is a card of rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation; of healing and transformation.  It can also be seen as a wake-up call telling us that our perspective on life is about to change and wake us up to new ways of looking at things.   It may represent experiencing natural growth and maturation; an old phase of your life ending because you are ready and mature enough to move forward.  Things are maturing at their natural pace and now you are transitioning into a new phase of your life so it's time to celebrate.

"Negative:  The things that are naturally growing and maturing are not to your advantage.  You may feel like you want to slow things down or speed them up - the natural or normal progression of things is just not right for you.  If you let things develop at their own pace and in their own style, you probably won't be pleased with the results.
Reversed:  Your personal biological or psychological timing mechanisms are signalling a new phase in your life.  You may be reaching puberty or getting gray hairs.  You could be growing up on an emotional level.  You're recognizing that you're experiencing a personal rite of passage ." - Gail Fairfield

For some reason my eye was more drawn to the New York Tarot image today.  As I looked at it I was struck by its resemblance to a concert.  For some reason the song "Let the Sun Shine In" from Hair started running through my brain.  It was as though all these figures has survived a long period in the darkness and were now celebrating their re-emergence into the light.  How appropriate for this card.  I've always appreciated that aspect of Judgment.  It's not just about being weighed and judged; it's about allowing ourselves to celebrate our ability to survive the experience.

On a grand, spiritual scale it can certainly refer to the after-life - whether one believes in paradise or reincarnation.  Or it can refer to our emergence into a new phase of our current life, one in which we are transformed by our experiences.  We learn from the time in the darkness - like Inanna or Persephone.  Almost every culture has some type of myth that deals with a figure descending into the Underworld and learning a lesson that changes his or her life forever.  

Of course I drew this card reversed.  I think it's telling me that I'm not quite finished with my time in the darkness yet.  Perhaps it's reminding me that I will emerge eventually and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and celebrate my triumphant return from the Underworld.  Maybe there is something I need to release in order to move forward on this journey.  This is something I need to consider further.