Ian Parkin is the author of this post.
The Justice tarot card is more than just a piece of the Major Arcana; it's a storyteller, a philosopher, a mirror. From its symbolic number 11 to its upright and reversed meanings, this card tells us that balance is not a destination but a journey. It reminds us of our continual dance with equilibrium - a dance that can shape our personal development, relationships, and career paths.
While upright Justice champions fairness and responsibility, but the card on its head brings a different story. A reversed Justice card may signify injustice, dishonesty, or imbalance. It's a cosmic warning - like a clap of thunder on a clear day - indicating that something in our lives is skewed. Perhaps we're not facing our truth, or we're dealing unfairly with others. In a nutshell, it's a wake-up call, urging us to reassess our actions and choices.
The Rider-Waite version of the Justice tarot card embodies balance, fairness, and truth. Here's a breakdown of the elements:
Central Figure: The card centers around a figure seated on a stone throne. This figure represents Justice and is traditionally a woman. She sits in a position that conveys strength and composure.
Scales: In her left hand, Justice holds a set of scales, symbolizing balance and equality. The scales are in equilibrium to represent fair judgment.
Sword: In her right hand, she wields a double-edged sword pointing upwards, a symbol of rationality and intellect. It suggests that justice is dealt with impartiality and can cut both ways.
Robes and Crown: The figure is dressed in a red robe with a green mantle, and on her head rests a golden square crown with a small white loop at the top. The crown signifies her authority and the loop stands for divine connection and enlightenment.
Throne: The throne on which she sits is solid and large, symbolizing the foundation of law.
Background: The backdrop in the Justice tarot card is a clear sky, a sign of clarity and truth. The curtain behind the figure is purple, a color that indicates wisdom and sovereignty.
Numerologically: 11 is a master number, a divine messenger urging us to align with our soul's purpose. Justice embodies this perfectly, nudging us to weigh our decisions with impartiality and truth.
The Justice tarot card has withstood the test of time, evolving in symbolism and interpretation. Born from the Marseille tradition, the original Justice was a feminine figure, seated between two pillars, wielding a sword in one hand and holding scales in the other—a symbolism carried forth into modern decks.
The Rider-Waite rendition maintains much of this classic imagery, throwing in a dash of color symbolism. The Justice, clad in red and green, balances between passion and growth, action and development, whilst sitting before a purple cloth, signifying wisdom and spirituality. The golden crown she dons signifies mental clarity - the epitome of making judgments based on truth, not bias.
In the Thoth tradition, the card takes on a slightly different flavor as "Adjustment," yet the essence remains the same - balance, objectivity, and truth. The figure is poised on tiptoes, suggesting the delicate dance of balance in life. While the variations are intriguing, the core message stays consistent: fair decision-making and equilibrium are paramount.
Applications in Readings: Career, Relationships and Personal Development
In a career reading, the Justice tarot card may suggest a promotion based on merit, or on the flip side, a need for fairer workplace practices. Within relationships, it speaks to balance and fairness between partners, or perhaps a legal marriage. In personal development readings, it beckons you to foster growth by evaluating past choices and using that knowledge to make future decisions.
The Justice Tarot Card: A Lighthouse in the Sea of Self-Discovery
On the road to self-discovery, the Justice tarot card is a beacon. It prompts us to explore our values, consider our actions and their consequences, and ultimately seek personal equilibrium. From a psychological perspective, it's about embracing the responsibility of our choices and learning from our past to shape a balanced future.
A Just Mirror to our World
When the Justice tarot card appears, it's not merely a happenstance - it's a conversation with the universe, a chance to reflect on our lives. Are we treating others with fairness? Are we making decisions based on truth or convenience? Like a compass, it guides us towards integrity and equilibrium. It's not always a comfortable encounter, but then again, growth seldom is.
What is the meaning of the scales and the sword in the Justice tarot card?
Why is the Justice card numbered 11 in the tarot deck?
How does the Justice card's imagery differ between the Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, and Marseille decks?
How can the Justice tarot card guide my personal development journey?
In a relationship reading, what does the Justice card imply?
In the cosmic realm of star and sky,
Where truth and fairness never lie,
Appears a figure, both bold and grand,
It’s the Justice Tarot Card in our hand.
With scales in balance, and sword held high,
Underneath the vast, watchful sky,
In a dance with life, we understand,
The rhythm of justice, silent and grand.
We discover ourselves, deep and true,
In the mirror of Justice, a life anew,
We learn to walk the righteous path,
Where balance and harmony craft our craft.
Through trials and joys, through love and strife,
The Justice card guides our life,
A beacon of balance, a symbol of might,
It leads us gently into the night.
Embrace its wisdom, cherish its grace,
Find in its reflection your own face,
And as the journey of life unfolds,
Hold tight to Justice, as life’s story is told.
Key Aspects About The Justice Tarot Card
Symbolism: The Justice card in tarot is typically represented by a woman sitting on a throne between two pillars, similar to those of the High Priestess card. She holds a sword in one hand and scales in the other, symbolizing the dual aspects of Justice: decision and fairness. The sword points upwards, expressing a firm and final decision, while the scale hangs in balance, indicating equality and impartiality. The crown she wears is often decorated with a small square, symbolizing well-ordered thoughts.
Main Themes: The key themes of the Justice card include fairness, truth, cause and effect, law, responsibility, and decision-making. It reflects the fairness and honesty required for impartial judgment. The card often arises when there's a sense of being held accountable for your actions and being judged accordingly.
Meaning in Readings: In an upright position, the Justice card represents fairness, truth, and law. It suggests that if you are facing a decision, you need to consider all facts and viewpoints before making a choice. It also indicates that actions have consequences, and if you have acted with kindness and fairness, you will be rewarded, while if you've acted unfairly, you will face punishment. In a reverse position, Justice suggests dishonesty, unfairness, or avoidance of accountability.
Numerology: The Justice card is numbered 11 in the major arcana (in some decks, Justice is the 8th card, with Strength as the 11th). The number 11 is a master number in numerology, often associated with spiritual insight, intuition, enlightenment, and the opening of spiritual doors. In the context of the Justice card, it may refer to the need for spiritual balance and fairness.
Astrology: Justice is linked to the astrological sign Libra, which is ruled by Venus. Libra is all about balance, fairness, and the weighing of options - all traits reflected in the Justice card. Librans also have a strong sense of justice and are excellent decision-makers, again connecting with the symbolism of this card.
Archetype: The Justice card can represent the Archetype of the Judge. The Judge archetype is one that is able to look at all the aspects of a situation in an impartial and just manner. It's about making decisions that are fair, balanced, and considerate, without letting personal emotions cloud judgment. This archetype is associated with wisdom, fairness, ethical behavior, and the rule of law.
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