Justice | Symbology & Interpretations | Tarot Card Meanings
- Amber Jayne Benjamin
- Feb 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 14, 2024
The Justice tarot card typically depicts a figure seated or standing, holding a sword upright in one hand and a balanced scale in the other. This card embodies themes of fairness, balance, and impartial judgment. It symbolises the consequences of one's actions and the need to take responsibility for them.
Justice is about cause and effect, indicating that decisions will be made based on logic, reason, and ethical considerations rather than emotions or biases. It suggests that equilibrium will be restored, and righteousness will prevail.
The Justice card encourages introspection, accountability, and making choices that align with one's moral compass. It reminds us that fairness and integrity are essential principles to uphold in all aspects of life.
Justice Keywords
Upright Keywords | Reversed Keywords |
Fairness, legality, order, honesty, fairness, the scales tipping in your favour, karmic justice, balance, contracts, marriage. | Corruption, being unethical, avoidance of karmic justice, dishonesty, divorce, unfairness, unaccountability, bias, prejudice. |
Imagery & Symbolism
The imagery on the Justice card in a tarot deck typically features a seated figure, often a woman, holding a sword upright in one hand and a set of scales in the other.
The figure is usually depicted wearing a robe, and the overall composition exudes a sense of regality and impartiality. The scales are positioned evenly, and the figure's gaze may be directed straight ahead, emphasising a stoic and unbiased demeanour.
The sword and scales are the central focus of the imagery, and they are often held with a sense of balance and precision.
Red and Yellow: The vibrant blend of red and yellow hues on the Justice card embodies the delicate equilibrium between love and passion, juxtaposed with reason and will.
Double-Edged Sword: The double-edged sword she holds represents her hallmark of fairness and logic in decision-making, capable of both destruction and consecration.
Scales: The scales she balances symbolise the integration of intuition with logic, ensuring impartiality in her judgments.
Crown: Adorning her head, the crown signifies disciplined and decisive thinking. It underscores that the Justice card's rulings stem from a profound understanding of what is just and right, rather than arbitrary whims.
Pillars: Flanking the figure, pillars stand as symbols of balance, law, and structure, evoking authority and the higher wisdom from which she draws her strength.
Justice Tarot Card Meanings
UPRIGHT
A card of karma and consequence, Justice signifies that the truth will be revealed through the eyes of the law of the universe. The fairest outcome will be revealed in a situation, so it is important to make sure you stay honest and truthful about your actions. This is an important card that tells you that it's time to take accountability for your actions.
This also means that there is a cause and effect that happens, so if you have acted for the greater good, there is no need to worry, however, if the universe decides that you have not acted appropriately, it will mean that you will be judged accordingly and treated fairly by the consequences.
REVERSED
Justice can indicate an avoidance of karmic justice that you won't be able to escape from, this can also suggest that you are not taking accountability for your actions. It is important, to be honest with yourself and be truthful. You need to remember to make balanced and fair judgments, as Justice can indicate corruption or unfairness happening to you or around you.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
UPRIGHT
Justice can represent legal contracts, marriages, divorces, and long-term commitments. As a card of cause and effect, positive efforts within relationships are rewarded and can suggest fairness and compromise in relationships.
As a card of balance, Justice usually signifies partners being able to treat each other equally and effort within a relationship is being given and received by both partners.
REVERSED
Justice can signify a lack of equality in relationships, as well as unfairness and lack of compromise. In some cases, Justice in reverse can signify legal battles such as divorce proceedings.
Justice appearing can suggest that one partner may be putting all the effort into the relationship, and the other partner is not which causes a lack of fairness. Justice can also signify unfair treatment or blame put unfairly on one partner, as well as victim blaming.
CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS
UPRIGHT
Justice appearing in career, job, or business readings can signify that important business contracts and partnerships are coming into your life. If there are no contracts or partnerships, Justice is a card that suggests your hard work and effort is being recognized and will be rewarded fairly in the eyes of the universe.
This is a very positive card to receive if you have put in consistent effort in your job, and are being truthful, integral, and ethical, as this means you will likely reap the rewards you have sowed. However, this also means that any unethical or illegal activities within jobs will be revealed, and Justice will act accordingly.
REVERSED
Justice can signify corruption or illegal activities taking place within your job, a business, or your career. It is important to thoroughly check any jobs you may be applying for, and receive professional advice when it comes to contracts and partnerships, as there could be something you are not seeing.
Sometimes, Justice can signify corruption in the workplace due to a lack of equality, unfair dismissal, or being treated unfairly compared to other workers. In these cases, Justice asks you to step up and seek Justice - it is also important to know that when Justice appears, the Universe is overseeing the situation, so any corruption will be revealed so Justice can be served.
FINANCES & MONEY
UPRIGHT
Regarding finances, Justice appearing can suggest important financial contracts, agreements and partnerships can be occurring. As a card of the astrological Libra, the scales in Justice represent the balance that both parties in a partnership must receive. It is important to stay truthful and integral to your contract and reach mutual decisions.
REVERSED
This card in reverse can indicate concerns about financial corruption, embezzlement, or illegal financial gain in the eyes of the law. It is an extremely important time to get professional legal and financial advice when it relates to your financial income and make sure you only receive financial income from legitimate sources.
Justice appearing is a sign that the truth will soon be revealed, so you need to shift your karmic justice in a positive direction and tip the scales in your favour so that you don't end up receiving financial repercussions.
WELLNESS
UPRIGHT
Justice can suggest that balance is needed in certain areas of your life which may be out of balance, perhaps your physical body is out of balance, but your mental, emotional, and spiritual body is in balance. Justice can mean there are multiple reasons, but it is more of a card to remind you to have moderation and find balance within your life.
REVERSED
In reverse, Justice can indicate a lack of balance within your well-being and energy system which could be causing wellness issues. I would also interpret Justice in reverse as your work-life balance affecting your well-being, and maybe you are overindulgent in one area but are neglecting others, which is causing the imbalance.
PERSONALITY & ARCHETYPES
As a personality, a Justice individual will be fair, righteous, and seek Justice in the eyes of the law. They most likely adhere to societal expectations and are unlikely to do anything out of the ordinary.
These individuals are very honest, and truthful, and seek to respect others in a way they will receive respect in return. Justice individuals know that their words and actions will bring consequences, so they think carefully before making any decisions.
POSITIVES & ADVANATAGES
The Justice card heralds a multitude of positives and advantages. Its presence in a reading signifies fairness, balance, and impartiality. It indicates that decisions will be made with logic, reason, and ethical considerations, ensuring that justice prevails. This card encourages accountability, reminding us to take responsibility for our actions and make choices that align with our moral compass.
With the Justice card on our side, we can expect outcomes that are just, equitable, and reflective of our integrity and values. It also suggests a need for harmony and balance in our lives, guiding us towards making decisions that lead to greater equilibrium and stability.
NEGATIVES & DISADVANTAGES
If the Justice card appears as a negative or disadvantage, it means fairness and impartiality may lead to a sense of rigidity or inflexibility. This card may indicate situations where decisions are made strictly according to the letter of the law, lacking empathy or understanding of unique circumstances.
Additionally, the Justice card can signify the consequences of your past actions catching up with you, highlighting the need to face accountability for your deeds. In some cases, its appearance may suggest legal issues or disputes that require resolution, adding a layer of complexity or challenge to the situation at hand.
Overall, while the Justice card offers clarity and guidance, it also reminds us of the complexities and responsibilities that come with seeking justice and balance in our lives.
