Justice is one of the four Cardinal Virtues (along with Temperance, Fortitude/Strength, and Prudence—though Prudence is usually missing from standard tarot decks). In the Visconti-Sforza decks, Justice was depicted traditionally: a woman seated on a throne holding a sword (punishment) and scales (weighing of truth). Some variations included a knight riding behind her, reinforcing the connection between justice and the enforcement of law by the state.
In the Tarot de Marseille, Justice was numbered VIII (8). The figure sits squarely facing the viewer, creating a sense of direct confrontation. Her sword points straight up, symbolizing the active decision of the intellect, while the scales in her left hand remain balanced. She is the embodiment of earthly law and order.
The most significant change in the RWS deck was the renumbering. The Golden Dawn, seeking to map the tarot trumps to the Hebrew alphabet and the zodiac, swapped Justice (traditionally 8) with Strength (traditionally 11). Since Justice corresponds to Libra (Scales) and Strength to Leo (Lion), and Leo comes before Libra in the zodiac, the numbers were switched. Waite's image of Justice (now XI) sits between two pillars, similar to the High Priestess and Hierophant, implying she is part of a spiritual triad. A purple veil hangs behind her, suggesting that the workings of cosmic justice are often hidden from human eyes. She wears a square clasp, representing the stability of the number 4 and material reality.
Crowley’s Thoth card, retitled *Adjustment*, moves away from the concept of human law entirely. He depicts the figure as Maat, the Egyptian goddess of cosmic order and truth. She is masked (because justice is blind/impartial) and balances delicately on her toes. Her sword points downwards, representing the descent of spirit into matter to create equilibrium. She is surrounded by a web of alpha and omega spheres. For Crowley, this card was not about courts or judges, but about the precise, automatic balancing mechanism of nature—Karma as a law of physics rather than a moral judgment.
Justice Tarot Card Meaning
Justice represents the absolute truth, fairness, and the law of cause and effect. It indicates that the fairest decision will be made and that cosmic balance is being restored in your life. You are being called to account for your actions, both past and present, and to take responsibility for your choices. If you have acted with integrity and honesty, you have nothing to fear—the scales will tip in your favor. Legal matters, contracts, and disputes will likely be resolved positively and impartially. This card asks you to weigh your choices carefully and consider the long-term consequences of your actions before proceeding. Truth is the ultimate currency here; do not try to hide from it or manipulate the outcome. Stand in your integrity, speak the truth, and trust that the universe is aligning things exactly as they should be. It is a time for objective thinking and removing emotional bias from your decision-making process.
Core Meanings
Upright
Justice represents the absolute truth, fairness, and the law of cause and effect. It indicates that the fairest decision will be made and that cosmic balance is being restored in your life. You are being called to account for your actions, both past and present, and to take responsibility for your choices. If you have acted with integrity and honesty, you have nothing to fear—the scales will tip in your favor. Legal matters, contracts, and disputes will likely be resolved positively and impartially. This card asks you to weigh your choices carefully and consider the long-term consequences of your actions before proceeding. Truth is the ultimate currency here; do not try to hide from it or manipulate the outcome. Stand in your integrity, speak the truth, and trust that the universe is aligning things exactly as they should be. It is a time for objective thinking and removing emotional bias from your decision-making process.
Reversed
When reversed, Justice suggests unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty, or a miscarriage of justice. You may feel that life is treating you unfairly or that you are not getting what you deserve. It can indicate legal complications, a decision made with bias, or someone trying to avoid the consequences of their actions. Be brutally honest with yourself about your part in the situation. Are you avoiding responsibility? Are you blaming others for your own mistakes? This card reversed warns that trying to cheat the system will only lead to further imbalance. It calls for a realignment with your moral compass before things get worse. You may be dealing with a situation where the truth is being hidden or manipulated. Seek to uncover the facts before making a move, and ensure your own hands are clean.
JusticeFairnessTruthCause and effectLaw
Card Details
Element
Air
Astrology
Libra
Number
11
Yes/No
Maybe
Description
A figure sits between two pillars holding a sword (action) and scales (balance). A purple veil signifies spiritual wisdom.
Reading Positions
Past
A significant decision, legal matter, or moment of reckoning in the past has shaped your current reality. You faced the consequences of your actions, or justice was served in a way that altered your path permanently. This event created a karmic balance that you are now living with.
Present
You are currently weighing a major decision or facing a judgment. The situation requires you to be fair, honest, and objective. The truth will come out, so act with absolute integrity. A legal matter, contract, or ethical dilemma may be prominent now.
Future
Justice will be served. The outcome will be fair and balanced, though perhaps not exactly what you expect. If you are involved in a dispute, expect a resolution based on facts and truth. Karma is coming full circle, and balance will be restored.
In Context
Celtic Cross
In the "Advice" position, act with integrity and remove emotion. As an "Outcome," it means a fair result. In "Influences," legal matters or karmic debts are affecting you.
Three Card Spread
Often represents the weighing of options (Two of Swords) leading to a decision (Justice). It brings clarity and finality to the spread.
Yes / No
In Yes/No, it is a "Maybe"—it depends entirely on the fairness of the situation and your own integrity.
Love & Relationships
Fairness in relationship, marriage contracts, getting what you deserve.
As Feelings
Not specified
Career & Finance
Legal matters, contracts, fair treatment at work.
Spiritual & Manifestation
Twin Flame
Not specified
Manifestation
Shadow Work
Examine your relationship with fairness. Do you feel like a victim of life? Or do you judge others harshly? The shadow Justice is the Avenger or the Harsh Judge. Where are you being rigid and unforgiving? Where do you need to balance mercy with justice?
Meditation
Visualize yourself holding a pair of golden scales. Place your heart on one side and a white feather on the other. Watch them balance perfectly. Feel the deep peace of equilibrium. You are centered, balanced, and fair. Affirm: "I walk the path of truth."
Archetypal Journey
The Hero's Path
With the realization of destiny comes the understanding of cause and effect. Justice is the hero taking responsibility for their past actions. It is the calibration of the soul, weighing the heart against the feather of truth to ensure balance before proceeding.
Numerology
11 (Eleven). A master number representing intuition, insight, and illumination. In the context of Justice, it is the higher octave of 2 (balance), representing spiritual equilibrium and the Law of Karma.
Jungian Psychology: Justice
Archetype
The Judge / The Balancer
Shadow Aspect
Justice embodies the archetype of the Judge. The shadow side is Judgmentalism, Prejudice, and rigidity. It is the intellect divorced from human feeling, applying the letter of the law without the spirit of mercy. This manifests as harsh self-criticism (the inner critic on overdrive) or being overly critical of others, seeing the world in stark black-and-white terms. Another shadow aspect is dishonesty or the denial of responsibility—refusing to accept the consequences of one's actions and blaming others to maintain a facade of innocence. It is the refusal to look at the 'scales' objectively because the truth is too painful to bear.
Integration Advice
Integrating Justice requires balancing Truth with Compassion. Justice without mercy is cruelty; mercy without justice is weakness. You must learn to judge actions, not souls. Actionable advice: Notice when you are judging someone (or yourself) harshly. Pause and ask: 'What is the full context here?' Practice 'restorative justice' with yourself—if you make a mistake, focus on how to fix it rather than punishing yourself. If you are avoiding a truth, write it down plainly. Facing reality is the first step to balancing the scales.
Historical Evolution & Symbolism
Evolution Timeline
- 115th Century (Visconti-Sforza): Depicted as a seated woman holding a sword and scales, often with a knight on horseback above or behind her, representing the cardinal virtue of Justice.
- 21650s (Tarot de Marseille): 'La Justice' is numbered VIII (8), seated between pillars, holding a sword upright in one hand and scales in the other, symbolizing balance and executive power.
- 31909 (RWS): Waite renumbers the card to XI (11) to align with Libra (Golden Dawn system), depicting a stern figure with a purple veil and a square clasp, emphasizing spiritual equilibrium and karma.
- 41944 (Thoth): Renamed 'Adjustment', Crowley depicts the figure as Maat, the Egyptian goddess of truth, balancing on the tips of her toes with a sword pointing downwards, representing precise, natural balance.
Academic Citations
- Waite, A. E. (1911). *The Pictorial Key to the Tarot*. 'Justice is not merely the personification of a virtue... it is the spiritual principle of equilibrium.'
- Crowley, A. (1944). *The Book of Thoth*. 'This card represents the Woman Satisfied... she is the ultimate illusion which is Manifestation.'
Notable Card Combinations
The High PriestessIntuitive justice. The spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. Hidden truths revealed.
The Hanged ManJustice delayed. A sacrifice must be made for fairness. You must wait for the scales to balance.
Five of SwordsInjustice. Winning unfairly. Legal battles where ethics are compromised. A hollow victory.
Seven of CupsIndecision and illusion clouding judgment. You need to clear the fog to make a fair choice.
The EmperorStrict legal structure. Authority figures making rulings. The law is absolute.