Justice: Read the Card

(Tarot Prompts for Writers)

Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading Justice as a card of the day or in a spread.

If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of Justice as I see it.)

Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your justice and my justice may not mean quite the same thing.

Number

Justice is #8 in the old Marseilles deck and in my Balbi deck. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck switched it (with Strength) to make it #11 and many decks have since followed suit. But I don’t care for that move (or for the Golden Dawn gang in general). Justice goes best with the number 8 as we write it (the Arabic rather than the Roman numeral). #8 signifies balance. Nothing is forgotten if you follow its circular path; you’ll have to face your past deeds again. The number also signifies infinity, new beginnings, abundance, victory, and the good. 

Name

Justice stands for fairness, rightness, truth, and integrity. She is worldly justice, not divine, justice in the here and now, not Judgment in the afterlife (that comes later). This is not the internal balance of Temperance either; it’s right and wrong in our relations and dealings with others. It’s about society, not souls. (But how justly you behave as part of society affects your soul and you can’t pretend otherwise.)

Placement

There is no escaping Justice. You’re nearing the middle of your journey and you ought to have learned this by now. The time for indulgence of selfish pursuits is over. It’s time to look beyond yourself. Justice is where your path has led you so far; you can’t continue without reckoning with her. The card is about maturity, recognizing that you are one person in a larger society, and your needs are not the only needs.   

Traditional interpretations

Justice is about redressing the balance between the inner and outer worlds and living a good life (of the old nuance, as in morally good) in a world you share with others. Justice is the voice of conscience.

The card foretells triumph of the deserving side, whether that’s your side or not. A vindication of truth.

The card can signify that an act of judgment, arbitration, or negotiation may be in your future, possibly one that is unexpected. If so, it usually indicates a judgment in your favour, or at least a fair judgement.

What Justice means and how you feel about the card depends on whether your behaviour has been just. Justice can be a card of hope or fear, depending on your moral position and the life you’ve led.  

Reverse interpretations

Reversed, the card suggests legal complications; delays of justice; loss. It can warn of bigotry, bias, prejudice, injustice. Unfair dealings; false accusations; public scorn. You might get no credit for your work; you might face trials that test your character.

Stay strong, brave, and fair. Be honest and face reality. The past may catch up with you. You may be overwhelmed with guilt or fear of punishment. What is fair may not feel fair to you. Take a balanced approach to whatever is coming.

Thematic readings

  • In love, one partner may try too hard to please the other. Don’t take your partner for granted. You may be giving or taking too much. Blocked in love, the card says that you may be in a rationalized partnership that lacks emotion. Love should be reasonable and good for you, but it needs more than that to be real love.  
  • In work, act fairly and use reason to make your decisions. Balance the needs of the moment with long-term objectives. You may be giving or taking too much. Assess and redress.
  • In general life, the card says you need a new direction. This is a time for maturity. You must accept the challenges of the next phase of life. The card tells you to make a decision – you can’t avoid it – fairly, not just with your own desires in mind.

Specific positions

  • Current situation: Harmony. Strive for balance. Reassert your ideals and try to live up to them. Don’t give up on justice. Accept your responsibilities and insist that others accept theirs. Balance will be restored – or it may already be in place, even if you can’t see it.     
  • Past influence: Irresponsibility that has been allowed (either your actions or your allowance) and which shouldn’t continue; face past injustices and imbalances and try to redress them. 
  • Outcome: The card usually has a beneficial outcome, unless badly placed. A balanced view is required to make fair decisions for everyone concerned. This is not a time to be selfish. You will have to account for your actions. Balance will be restored. Make a mature decision.   
  • Blocked: Your place in the world does not fulfill you; you’re missing one of life’s essential ingredients. Perhaps you’re suffering from guilt or fear. The way out is via integrity, not indulgence. You tend to be subjective and emotional; you must learn to be impartial and objective. Change your self-righteous tendencies. 

Questions for the Querent

  • Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
  • Do you see this card as you? As someone in particular?
  • Is there something you feel guilty about? Something you’re afraid will catch up with you?
  • Has there been any delay of justice in your life? Do you feel you have been wronged in a way that has not been faced or rectified?
  • Have you had experiences with the justice system? How has that affected you?
  • Do you believe that we reap what we sow? Do you believe there is justice in this world? (If not, how do you cope with that?)
  • Where do “good guys” finish in your estimation?
  • Do you balance your desires with a sense of right and wrong? Can your morals withstand your desires?
  • Is there harmony between your inner and outer life? Are you living the life you should be? 

Keywords to aid Memory

  • Maturity
  • Objectivity; Balance
  • Decisions
  • Truth

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Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown in the box); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.