tarot Cards - Justice
Justice Tarot Card

Justice is the sum of all moral duty

William Godwin

Overview and meanings of the JUSTICE tarot card

When Justice shows up in a reading, it is a strong call for you to weigh the situation and act fairly.  This may mean becoming a champion for injustice, or it may just be an indication that the scales of justice will balance.  This card also shows up to indicate an actual legal proceeding.  Trust that the Universe has your back. 

Alternative names in varying decks are Adjustment, breakthrough, Life Force.

Common Meanings of the Justice tarot card

The Justice card is about, well, Justice, but it is also a call to look at your life and your actions and how the law of karma plays into that.  Sometimes – especially if we have acted in a way that is not entirely honorable – it is easy to play the victim card. However, Justice is here to strip that away.  Justice is not “Fair,” it is JUST.  There is no favoritism here…just facts.  So, if you feel you have been unjustly treated, this is a great time to take a long hard look at that and determine what part is yours.

The Many Faces of Justice

The shadow side – or reversal- of this card shows up as a reminder that if things have been out of balance and truly unfair in your life, just like the scales that Justice holds, things WILL even out, so have faith.  Try to learn from the experience and have compassion for those going through it.  It may be a great time to investigate becoming a victim’s right advocate or similar so that you can give back.  That experience you had is valuable.  Share it with the world! Justice is calling you to do the right thing.  So, do the right thing.. Things that show up on the shadow side:  Intolerance, bias, extreme severity, past actions coming back to haunt you. 

The Journey of Justice  

The Fool is making his journey towards the end of the arc of the second septenary, which you may recall is about social and moral understandings; the separation of the ego and transformation of the Self toward spiritual equilibrium. In that arc, the fool cannot truly begin on his path towards spiritual enlightenment until he understands that the scales of justice – or law of Karma if you will – must maintain balance. 

Description of the Justice Tarot Card

A crowned woman sits on a throne between two pillars of stone.  In her right hand is a sword pointing up and, in her left, scales.  She is robed in red with a mantle of green settled on her shoulders and clasped by a square clasp enclosing a circle.  Behind her and attached to the pillars, is a curtain or veil. 

Themes of Justice 

  • Justice
  • Balance
  • Accountability
  • Truth
  • Principle
  • Legal Matters
  • Karma

The Number 11

The Number 11, two 1’s, indicates the duality of justice – to each act there is a reaction, to each cause, an effect.

Elements of the justice Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Stone Pillars – stability and balance
  • Sword – Victory; action resulting from judgement- double edged to show actions having consequences
  • Scales – the balancing and weighing of all information to make a judgement
  • Crown – authority. 
  • Square clasp – square shields the sphere of communal unity held within
  • Veil or curtain – boundary between court and the outside world while evidence is given
  • Yellow background – awareness, clear picture

Herbs for Justice

  • Amaranth – defense and invisibility, help prevent aggression.
  •  Bergamot – protection from evil and illness, stopping interference.
  • Buckthorn – helpful for safety and legal problem
  • Celandine – legal matters, good will of a jury, avoid unwarranted incarceration.
  • Calendula – protection, legal matters, and psychic/spiritual powers

Questions that the Justice Tarot card asks us

  • Are you behaving in a way that is wholly honorable in all your dealings in life, and if not, are you tuned into how this behavior has consequences?
  • Have you felt compelled to fight for justice for the underdog and if so – what are you waiting for?  The causes are right there waiting for you to pick up the flaming sword and wade in. 

Thank you for reading.  Wishing you a week of acting and reaping justice. 

Please leave comments or ask questions.

Next week: The Hanged Man!