The Justice card, a significant part of the Major Arcana, is a symbol of truth, fairness, and law. When it appears in one of my tarot readings, I always advise my clients about the inevitable consequences of their actions (Karma has no menu, right?).
In the journey of the tarot deck, the Justice card serves as a checkpoint, a moment of reckoning where we are asked to account for our actions and decisions.
Justice Tarot Card: Keywords and General Associations
The Justice card carries a powerful message about the importance of fairness and integrity. I like to think about it as our personal Jiminy Cricket, encouraging us to make decisions based on truth and to accept the consequences of our actions.
- Upright keywords: Fairness, truth, law, cause and effect, balance
- Reversed keywords: Injustice, dishonesty, lack of accountability, unfairness
The Justice card is associated with the element of Air, symbolizing intellect, communication, and truth. It’s linked to the zodiac sign Libra, known for its emphasis on balance, fairness, and relationships. At the same time, the planet associated with Justice is Venus, the planet of love and harmony. This emphasizes the card’s connection to balance and fairness.
The Justice card, with its scales of balance, sword of truth, and the figure of Justice herself, is a reminder of the universal law of cause and effect. Just like seeds lead to a certain harvest, it every action has a consequence.
This card encourages us to act with integrity, make decisions based on our truth, and accept the outcomes of our actions.
Detailed Description of the Justice Tarot Card
The Justice card in the Rider-Waite deck shows a woman sitting on a stone throne. She holds a double-edged sword in her right hand and a set of scales in her left, symbolizing fair judgment and balance.
The sword points upward, indicating a focus on rationality and intellect. The woman is crowned and robed, suggesting authority and knowledge. Behind her is a purple cloak, representing wisdom and compassion. The square clasp on her cloak symbolizes the boundaries of the law, while the pillars on either side represent the concrete realities we must face.
I love the imagery of the Justice card, which is rich in symbolism. The scales represent balance and the need to weigh decisions carefully. At the same time, the sword symbolizes the power of reason and the ability to cut through confusion to find the truth. Finally, the crown represents the wisdom of the divine, while the pillars represent the boundaries within which justice operates.
In short, when I look at the Justice card, I see a visual representation of the principles of fairness, truth, and law. Each element of the card, from the scales of balance to the sword of truth, leads me to exactly the same conclusion.
Meaning of the Justice Tarot Card
The Justice card has a simple meaning: you reap what you sow. Every action has a consequence, and seeing this card in your spread encourages you to face these consequences with integrity. If you find yourself at a time of decision-making, this is a sign to weigh your options carefully and make choices that align with your personal truth.
The Justice card can represent legal issues, ethical dilemmas, or important decisions that need to be made. What are you running from, or what do you need to do to ensure a more just outcome?
This card also represents societal values and norms. What are the ethical standards that guide our actions? I like how the Justice encourages us to uphold the principles of fairness and truth in our dealings with others, without compromising our core values.
Interpretation of the Justice Tarot Card
The interpretation of the Justice card can vary depending on its position in a reading and the context of the question asked. However, its core themes of fairness, truth, and balance remain consistent.
Upright Justice Card
When the Justice card appears upright in a reading, it signifies fairness and truth. It suggests that you are being called to account for your actions and will be treated justly. In a relationship context, it can indicate a need for balance and fairness. Are you giving as much as what you are receiving? Be honest. In a career context, it might suggest that a decision will be made in your favor (yay!), as long as you don’t cut corners and stick to your principles.
In the context of love and relationships, the Upright Justice card can indicate a relationship that is balanced and fair (keep up the nice give and take!). It can suggest that you and your partner treat each other with respect and equality. If you are facing a decision in your relationship, the Justice card encourages you to make a choice that is fair and just (don’t shoot the messenger!).
In terms of career and work, the Upright Justice card suggests that you will be recognized for your hard work and contributions. But don’t get carried away by your fame! Always make a decision that is consistent with your personal truth and the principles of fairness.
Reversed Justice Card
When the Justice card appears reversed, it can indicate that you feel you’re being treated unfairly. In what situation you haven’t stood up for yourself?
Sometimes it suggests that you’re not taking responsibility for your actions. I know it’s not easy to hear at first, but it’s time for you to see the truth in the eyes and start to make amends. In a relationship context, it could indicate the need to set strong boundaries to restore the balance in your relationship.
In a career context, it might suggest that you’re not being recognized for your contributions or that a decision has been made against you. So seek justice and balance, even when faced with challenging circumstances. If you’re facing a decision at work, the reversed Justice card encourages you to consider whether your actions are fair and just.
Comparing and Contrasting The Justice with The High Priestess and The Emperor
Understanding a tarot card in relation to other cards can provide a deeper understanding of its meanings and implications.
Compared with The High Priestess
The High Priestess, like Justice, is a card of wisdom and understanding. However, while Justice focuses on fairness, balance, and the law, the High Priestess represents intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. Both cards encourage us to seek truth, but they do so in different ways: Justice asks us to weigh facts and make rational decisions, while the High Priestess encourages us to trust our intuition and explore the unknown.
Compared with The Emperor
Bothe The Emperor and Justice represent authority and law, but they approach these concepts differently. The Emperor represents structure, power, and control, while Justice focuses on fairness, balance, and accountability. The Emperor may use his authority to enforce rules, while Justice ensures that these rules are applied fairly and impartially.
Justice in Specific Readings
The interpretation of the Justice card can change depending on the type of reading and the question asked.
Yes-no readings
In a yes-no reading, the Justice card doesn’t lean strongly towards a “yes” or “no” answer. Instead, it suggests that the outcome will be fair and balanced. It encourages you to consider whether your question is in alignment with your personal truth and the principles of fairness and integrity.
From my perspective, the Justice card in a yes-no reading can be seen as a call to action. Moreover, I encourage my clients to look for the answer to their questions in their own ahds. I remind them that their actions have consequences, and it’s up to them to create the outcome they desire.
Love readings
In a love reading, the Justice card can indicate a need for balance and fairness in a relationship. It could suggest that you’re facing a decision in your love life that requires careful consideration. My advice to you is to take things easy and don’t rush into anything at this time. Let your inner truth emerge when you feel ready.
If you’re single, it could mean you’re looking for a relationship that aligns with your personal truth. Only you know what that is! Don’t be conformed to by someone who doesn’t see and honor it.
On the other hand, the Justice card in a love reading could also indicate a legal matter or official union, such as marriage. If you’re in a relationship, it might suggest that your relationship is moving to a higher level of commitment (can you hear the wedding bells?).
I always remember this spread I did for a client who was sure her boyfriend was going to break up with her. The Justice card came up and she almost fainted, thinking that this card meant the end was near. Little did she know that her boyfriend had been planning to propose all along, and the Justice card was just announcing it.
Work readings
Give yourself a pat on the back when you see this card in your spread! In a work reading, the Justice card can suggest that a decision will be made in your favor (as long as you’ve been fair and square, of course). It can indicate that you’ll be recognized for your contributions or that a situation at work will be resolved fairly. It promotes honesty, integrity, and accountability in your career.
Alternatively, the Justice card in a work reading could indicate a legal matter related to your work. It might suggest a contract, a legal dispute, or a decision that needs to be made regarding your career. As always, follow your moral compass to decide.
Key Card Combinations
The interpretation of the Justice card can be influenced by the cards around it.
Combined with The Tower
When combined with The Tower, the Justice card suggests that a sudden change or upheaval will lead to a fair outcome. It might indicate that a difficult situation will ultimately be resolved in a just and balanced way.
In another perspective, the Justice and The Tower combination could indicate a sudden revelation or truth coming to light. It might suggest that a situation that was previously hidden or unclear is now being revealed, leading to a fair and just resolution.
Combined with The Lovers
When combined with The Lovers, the Justice card can indicate a decision in a relationship. It suggests that you’re weighing your options and seeking a choice that aligns with your personal truth.
Alternatively, the Justice and The Lovers combination could indicate a legal union or marriage. It might suggest that a relationship is moving to a higher level of commitment, such as marriage or a formal partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Justice Tarot Card
The Justice card represents fairness, truth, and law. It signifies the importance of balance and integrity in our actions. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we must face these consequences with grace and acceptance. The Justice card encourages us to make decisions based on truth and to seek balance in our lives.
The interpretation of the Justice card can vary depending on its position in a reading and the context of the question asked. However, its core themes of fairness, truth, and balance remain consistent. When it appears upright, it signifies fairness and truth. When it appears reversed, it suggests a lack of fairness or balance. It encourages you to seek justice and balance, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
In a love reading, the Justice card can indicate a need for balance and fairness in a relationship. It might suggest that you’re facing a decision in your love life that requires careful consideration. If you’re single, it could indicate that you’re seeking a relationship that aligns with your personal truth. If the card appears reversed, it could indicate an imbalance or unfair treatment in a relationship.
In a work reading, the Justice card can suggest that a decision will be made in your favor. It encourages honesty, integrity, and accountability in your career. If the card appears reversed, it might suggest that you’re not being recognized for your contributions or that a decision has been made against you.
Last Thoughts on the Justice Tarot Card
The Justice card is a powerful symbol of fairness, balance, and truth. The righteous look of the woman sitting on it reminds us that our actions have consequences!
Whether it appears upright or inverted in a reading, take it as a sign from the divine realm to act with integrity.
Your inner compass is right there to help you make the right choice. Act from a place of authenticity and life will reward you in kind.
Learn the Tarot with Online Flash Cards
Are you looking to dive into the world of tarot and master the meaning of each card? You should check out our post, “Learn The Tarot Cards – Online Flash Cards” by our own Tarot expert Ersa Fay. With interactive flash cards covering all 78 cards in the tarot, both the Minor and Major Arcana, you will learn key facts and the symbolism and meanings associated with each card.
By using these flash cards, you’ll become more comfortable with performing your own readings and enhance your journey into the world of tarot.
In the post, Ersa focuses on the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, known for its rich imagery and profound symbolism. The captivating illustrations in this deck draw from various sources such as mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with the human psyche. So, if you’re ready to start learning, don’t miss out on this fantastic resource. We hope you find it useful and remember to have fun with it!
