Justice

"All rise, court is in session!" Justice is a card of personal responsibility and the manifestation of karmic justice in life, the need to work off debts and pay the bills. The time has come to answer for your actions. Our thoughts and deeds are, so to speak, passed through a special prism to be checked for correctness. The card can be both very good and very uncomfortable. When Justice appears, we can be sure that we will get what we deserve—the only question is what exactly we have deserved. This is the case where there is a chance to understand what you have sown by what you are reaping.

Under Justice, we receive an EVALUATION of our activities and behavior, and the situations can look different (surrounding cards might give a hint)—exams, job interviews, a visit to a specialist (doctor, academic advisor, etc.), simply a conversation with a wise person about some situation, or, finally, an attempt to evaluate oneself, take stock, and figure out who is to blame and what to do.

Under Justice, we ALSO EVALUATE certain situations OURSELVES, and the appearance of this Arcana can emphasize that we are currently making a decision that will have far-reaching consequences. Appearing in a spread, Justice most often indicates that we are acting based on "what is right" (and then it promises help and reward), or we are trying to "outsmart" our own fate in some way, aiming for what cannot belong to us (and then it warns that nothing will come of it and retribution will follow).

Its appearance in a spread is also advice to think about how deeply this situation has affected us and whether we are capable of seeing anything in it other than our own truth. If this card becomes the significator of the querent, it is a sign of their righteousness and accurate vision of the situation.

The energy of this card brings insight and clarity, a sober perception of the situation, reasonableness, subtle intuition, and a sense of responsibility into life. Since very few can in all good conscience call all these their strengths, Justice also brings us face to face with the consequences of neglecting these things. In the field of this Arcana, ends and means, the desired and the required, word and deed are weighed against each other.

This is a strict card, and if we are not flawlessly pure, its appearance is more alarming than joyful. It is another matter if we are confident in our righteousness and that we have done everything properly, but have been treated unfairly. Then Justice promises a favorable outcome for the victim, the triumph of the truly right and worthy side (and giving all unworthy sides their just deserts). Justice brings everything out into the open... into the clear water where we do not always feel comfortable. This is the very "naked truth" that "hurts the eyes." Sometimes this card in a spread simply accentuates the fear of retribution.

However, its appearance might not necessarily be a "subpoena." Justice reacts with its appearance to situations where we agree on something with other people, form alliances, make treaties, contracts, conduct negotiations and mutual settlements.

Justice responds sensitively to any contentious matters—lawsuits, division of inheritance, divorces, damage compensation, copyright issues, etc., generally foreshadowing legal activity that will somehow touch the querent. This is a "trial" (which does not necessarily have to take place in a courtroom; it could just as successfully happen in the kitchen of a student dormitory). In the situation described by the spread, the outcome will be absolutely fair. Justice symbolizes the victory of law as a whole. As the resulting card of a spread, it brings the fairness of the outcome, whether favorable or not, to the person concerned.

Under Justice, you have to pay taxes, compensate for losses, report on the work done, or play the role of a mediator in contentious matters. But you can also receive a well-deserved reward under this card.

Under Justice, one can get valuable advice, consultation, or expert assessment. All sorts of conclusions, diagnoses, exams and certifications, commissions and councils fall under it.

As a "cause," it indicates the presence of objective reasons, that we are getting what we deserve. But with complete honesty and acceptance of responsibility for our mistakes, things will improve and everything will work for us. Justice looks at the root, and if we truly want to do things right, it is she who tips the scales in our favor. Sometimes dealing with the consequences of our own actions and "paying the bills" seems like an incredibly difficult task, but if we seriously repent and mend our ways, Justice turns from a prosecutor into a defense attorney. Through it, we learn to honestly acknowledge what is good, what is bad, what must be done, and what must not be done.

The highest gift of Justice is the attainment of balance between different areas of life in general, and in relationships in particular. Besides, since every action has a consequence, if we act, it will produce a result.

There is an opinion that the cards on either side of Justice in a spread show the factors that should be balanced or between which a choice must be made (similar to The Lovers).

Justice represents such life phenomena as laws, regulations, police, and legal documents.

Strict and fair. If this card appears as the significator of the querent, it means they currently see the situation soberly and clearly, without illusions and delusions, perceiving people and the state of affairs correctly, in accordance with what is actually happening.

Under Justice comes objective thinking that is not subject to temptations, the ability to judge coolly and impartially. It reflects the ability to adequately assess any situation, practically without resorting to the help of others, as well as self-criticism. This is a card of correct decisions and precise behavior; it describes the happiness of living while acting flawlessly, guided by honor and conscience. Good intentions and noble deeds correspond to it.

Under Justice comes a gravitation towards the truth and, in this sense, towards the norm, following it despite opposition, personal inclinations, and desires, as well as objectivity and decency. The ability to make a truly right decision and not succumb to any delusions.

The keywords of Justice are not order, reasonableness, harmony, and responsibility, and not even justice. All of this is right and important, but not the most crucial. The most important thing is objectivity and impartiality. There is no emotional involvement here, but rather a vision of everything "as it is," that is, as it is seen from above, with cosmic eyes. Through Justice, we achieve the highest degree of objectivity possible and make the most well-considered decisions, bordering on flawlessness (which will not necessarily look intellectual and logical on the outside).

Naturally, when a person soberly perceives the state of affairs, they are capable of making the right decision. In Justice, the will to achieve harmony is strongly expressed, as well as a gravitation towards order and balance, firmness of intentions, recognition of the truth, and full responsibility for one's decisions. Precision, strictness, a clear vision of what needs to be done to level the situation (and not what one wants to do). At the same time, the person is completely ready to bear the entire burden of the consequences of this decision, no matter how unpleasant they may be. Whether it is a decision to get a divorce, take care of one's health, go on a pilgrimage, or clear up backlogs at work, the primary consequences for a person are usually difficult—one has to rebuild their life, give up certain habits, take on additional responsibilities, etc. But the inner certainty that "this is how it must be" gives a person determination, ultimate self-control, and a special power (the presence of Strength in the spread is especially indicative in this case).

Justice speaks of a striving for development, balance, freedom, and independence. It is associated with firm decisions, well-founded and motivated intentions, which are often aimed at acquiring these things. For the person of Justice, all this ceases to be an abstraction; they feel very clearly what is good and what is bad, and seriously fight against what is bad, sometimes literally "acting on principle." Justice is in charge of honesty, incorruptibility, and the unyielding pursuit of the ideals not of conditional, but of essential morality. However, professional ethics, officer's and nobleman's honor, and similar concepts fall under this Arcana.

This is the "card of virgins and righteous ones," of inner purity and service to duty. The person of Justice is chaste in the sense that their ideas, feelings, and actions represent different sides of a single whole. For the average person, there are plenty of gaps; there is always the hope that they think one thing, want another, will say a third, and will do a fourth. The person of Justice, in this sense, resembles a smooth rock with nothing to hold on to. Naturally, they often hear reproaches of callousness, coldness, a lack of understanding of the living meaning of things, and so on.

Chastity essentially means that harmony and consistency are present not only in a person's rational actions but also in the depths of their unconscious. This person expresses themselves through responsibility for themselves and their deeds; they may act badly, but they will not evade punishment because they are morally scrupulous. Having acted "wrongly," they agonize over the need to cleanse themselves, because they literally feel soiled and cannot live with it. This person will never take advantage of any benefits with bad intentions. This ability to mute one's impulsive ego to a state where it seems that nothing is left of it characterizes the highest Libra. The biggest mistake one can make is to decide that this person has their own point of view and acts as they see fit. The astrological weakness of the Sun in Libra is the ability to tune into the spirit of the situation, to impersonally listen to its voice, and to do what is necessary. But it is not necessary for them, but for the situation.

Justice describes the ability to govern impartially, defending moral foundations, and doing so in the interests of the people concerned.

In a certain sense, Justice is the opposite of The Moon. It teaches internal and external honesty, does not allow misleading others or engaging in self-deception. It never slips away, never hides from contradictions. It is an unbiased look at the world and oneself, the ability to see what is, rather than what we would like or hope to see. The Moon sees what is not really there (suspiciousness) and does not see what is (hence the mistakes, deceptions, betrayals, and thefts in interpretation books). Justice, however, does not allow closing one's eyes to anything (unlike Themis, the Justice of Tarot is emphatically NOT blind). "Wake up!" it says. You can rush head-on into the world with your illusions and dreams, but do not expect it to swerve first. It actually exists, it is huge, and it is not what you imagined it to be. Therefore, shake yourself up and make an effort to see it as it really is. Then, perhaps, one fine day it will become a little more like your dreams. Justice always seeks to establish a connection between the ideal and the earthly (the feasible).

In the psychological sphere, this card is a symbol of spiritual balance and the ability to find common ground with other people (especially in important matters, conducting difficult negotiations); it signifies maturity and life experience. Evaluating the situation from all possible points of view, the ability not to lose one's head and self-control in the most heated situations.

From an esoteric point of view, the main meaning of the Arcana Justice is the ordering and organizing of Chaos, and finding a balance between the personal will of human beings and the will of the Universe, between the individual and the universal. If The Chariot shows how balance and self-control are achieved, the next Arcana, Justice, teaches how to maintain them.

She is a guardian; she restores balance over and over again, no matter how many times and how severely it is disrupted, and in this lies her great power. She reminds us that everything in the world is interconnected, that any actions cause a certain resonance and echo in the Universe, that the divine principle maintains balance on the subtlest level, and the flap of a butterfly's wings can sometimes cause a hurricane.

Justice clearly demonstrates how the law of karma works. Its essence is merely the impartial leveling of balance. In this sense, the eyes of the world are always open.

The appearance of Justice in a spread may report that in this case, they are open wider than usual. The person is generally invited to do the same—open their eyes and see the meaning of restoring the disrupted balance in this situation. This card often puzzles as much as The Hierophant, but this happens simply because we rarely evaluate our actions in direct categories of good and evil, and do not particularly think about where and when we acted badly or well. We just acted... Justice confronts us with the fact that every action has a consequence. As stated in the treatise by Papus: "Remember! For every action causing a reaction, the will must foresee the shock of opposing forces to at least soften the collision." In a magical sense, this is the ritual of weighing the heart on the scales in the courtroom, reflected in Egyptian mythology. Spiritual justice is administered according to the mystical order of Providence. Divine justice, as opposed to human courts, is completely incorruptible and impartial.

It can be neither bypassed nor avoided. Its attributes are the scales, the sword, and open eyes. And the measure of its scales may not at all correspond to ordinary human concepts about the severity of a particular sin. When it is said that a person sees the situation exactly "as it is," this essentially means that they currently see it approximately as it is seen from above, as it appears to the eyes of cosmic law. Divine or karmic justice is truly seeing and impartial and is not guided by earthly standards. Justice corresponds to the so-called law of Threefold Return (or the Law of the Boomerang) and the sacred vows associated with it. Justice also reflects the symbolic "eighth sacrament"—the ritual of knighting and taking knightly vows. Justice is represented by a female figure but embodies the "male" principle of the head ruling over the heart. With delicate scales and a sharp sword, she presents a combination of the feminine and masculine, the passive and the active, the sage and the warrior.

The Arcana Justice describes a stage of spiritual development at which a person must learn to look at things honestly and impartially, not as it benefits them, and make balanced, objective decisions without being willful or ignoring their preferences. This is the stage of mastering flawless inner honesty that does not yield to any self-deception. They must fully recognize themselves as subordinate to a higher order, the law of karma, realize that punishment for making ill-considered decisions is inevitable, and reap what they have sown, paying the bills. It is believed that at the stage symbolized by this Major Arcana, a person is born for a new Destiny and, receiving a blessing from above, comprehends the mysteries of spiritual activity. Perfection implies a balance of forces. The nobility of an integrated personality, balancing its own rational egoism and mercy for others, makes it possible to direct one's will toward the universal good. The card symbolizes human power to say "no"—in order to assert the right of their free choice, and in this, it corresponds to the astrological sign of Libra. Justice defends the right of any existence to self-expression, regardless of how much she likes it.

She embodies the principle of democracy—I may completely disagree with your opinion, but I am ready to give my life for your right to express it. The sword of Justice symbolizes its strictness and impartiality (sometimes perceived as sheer inhumanity), and the scales—precision and measured judgment. True Justice is not always lawful from the point of view of human law (""Not according to the law, David Markovich..."" - ""Not according to the law. But according to the soul!"").

The throne of Justice is located between two pillars: the pillar of Mercy and the pillar of Severity (in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Chesed and Geburah correspond to them). The scales of Justice also say that the constant "fluctuation" between concentrating on the external and the internal is a natural life process that teaches us to transition more consciously from one moment to the next, to preserve the found inner peace and clarity and carry them while moving through the turmoil of everyday affairs.

This card is reminiscent of the judgment of souls in the hall of Osiris. "Hearing"—the ability to hear the verdict—is associated with this path. She teaches that only balanced forces can continue to exist, and that eternal justice will destroy with a sword what is not balanced. Sometimes Justice is depicted with a scythe around her neck, resembling a hangman's noose. This is a hint that humanity is the cause of its own destruction, for most of its actions lead to ruin. Regarding the Kabbalistic interpretation of the Arcana: "This is that man-invented, artificial rope with which we bind one to another, and which can fail us at any moment, turning into a whip, a noose, or a sting. Very often people become slaves of their own laws: thus the creative fire of the master-Hephaestus forges the chains of Prometheus. The flame that the hero passes on to people so that their existence would become more humane, transforms into a new order of their interaction, in which there is no longer freedom left for him. By giving the fire to others, we lose our creative powers and find the peace of a more civilized existence in exchange for freedom and passion.

From a moral point of view, this situation poses the problem of choosing between action and inaction, since for a person who lives not by habit, but according to the right of free choice, aware of every step and accepting responsibility for it, it is equally difficult to act and to do nothing. But this path is ruled by the reason of fidelity, which multiplies the spirit in man. By igniting the fire within oneself, a person returns to the world the energy they used when building their worldview. And the sting of passion tests a person's views, showing in practice what their choice is, and whether they are true to their ideals—therefore, this path also symbolizes a test."

According to Kabbalistic tradition, when the Sun entered the constellation of Libra, the first man stood before the judgment of the Almighty for violating the commandment not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Then the Creator said to the man, "Just as you have stood before My judgment at this hour, so will all your descendants pass before My judgment at this hour." Justice is a harsh card. It is through this Arcana that a fundamental leveling of a balance disrupted somewhere at some time occurs, and this leveling usually takes place through a change in a person's status, literally as upon leaving the courtroom (or being expelled from Eden).

Under Justice, there is a change of body and gender according to karma. Under Justice, former princes become restless emigrants (but it could also be the other way around). Under Justice, what is important to a person is lost or acquired. The pans of her scales are the Alpha and Omega by which everything is weighed in the Universe.

Esoterically, Justice correlates with time and space, the mathematical keys of world harmony, sacred geometry, sacred architecture, and temple consciousness.

Of course, professionally, lawyers of all sorts, judges, advocates, as well as people connected with the legal system, including the police, fall under this card. Armed peacekeepers. Sports arbiters, judges, referees. People whose work involves resolving disputes and restoring an objective picture. Also accountants, financial inspectors, officials. Professions that presuppose flawlessness of actions, requiring attentiveness, high concentration (this could be a sapper or a conductor).

There is an opinion that Justice has a special relationship to working with the word and to writing.

Fair play.

Conscientious work.

A fair alignment of forces, a reasonable distribution of duties and responsibilities.

Solving problems within an organization, intelligent change management, easing tension, resolving tangled issues (and most likely by formal legal means; this does not necessarily mean lawsuits and courts, perhaps just consulting documents). Comprehensive assessment, thorough critical checking.

The correct and accurate decision. Setting priorities, seeking balance and clarity, not taking our eyes off the "dashboard instruments," avoiding the extremes of everyday life, ill-considered actions, and fuss.

A Professional with a capital P.

The triumph of the worthy side in court.

Equal and fair distribution of income. Getting money honestly. The triumph of the worthy side in court when resolving a legal issue regarding property or money. This card can describe both the payment of a debt and the receipt of monetary compensation. Financial balance. Resolving tax issues.

Once again – fair play. No marked cards.

Balance, sincerity, mutual respect, and observance of interests.

The objectivity, unbiased nature, and impartiality of Justice do not dispose one to romantic tenderness – rather to the conclusion of marriage contracts and compliance with reasonable rules. Depending on the neighboring cards, it may indeed imply marriage, the legalization of an existing connection, the legitimization of a relationship.

The unconditional plus of Justice is honesty and decency overcoming egoism (however, the other participant in the connection will quickly discover that their own egoism is also left no room for maneuvers).

To love a person described by the Arcana Justice is very difficult. It is a lot of work (and a great gift). A knightly honest and very decent person. Often seems too reserved, but one can rely on their nobility. They are used to taking on the full measure of responsibility. They can wound deeply – but only with impartiality, objectivity, and this strict personal decency. Their honor actually exists. They cannot be buttered up, persuaded, or seduced – this often turns out to be a very unpleasant discovery for the one who desires them, since no tried-and-true tricks work. They are impossible to manipulate because they easily see right through everything. If Strength is also nearby – you can neither bypass nor drive around them; they will still do only what they consider necessary and will not do anything they do not consider necessary. If they do not consider it necessary – nothing will happen, and thoughts begin to creep into the head of the desperate second party: to kidnap, to rape, to explain in detail why they themselves are to blame, and only then to shoot them.

This is the biblical Joseph, whom Potiphar's wife sexually harassed. The neutrality, composure, and self-control of this card do not predispose one to Shakespearean passions, but they can nevertheless happen.

The person of Justice does not lose their head and is not afraid to evaluate relationships critically. They will not look for flaws and will give full credit to a worthy partner, but it won't be possible to throw dust in their eyes with a couple of flashy gestures. They will not allow themselves to get carried away and draw overly hasty conclusions.

The person of Justice is faithful and chaste. They are easily capable of acting contrary to momentary impulses. Whims and caprices are clearly not what they will take into account.

This is the ideal of moral strength, an aristocrat of the spirit. Their presence imposes the difficult obligation to remain a decent person who keeps themselves in check. Sometimes they seem completely unbearable. In a moment of rebellion of their own weaknesses, they are reproached for lacking any, yelled at that they are not a human being (not a woman, not an earthling...), and that a sense of duty replaces everything else for them. Their reaction differs little from the reaction of a supreme judge – they adjourn the session, not considering it possible to continue on such vibrations. At the same time, their intentions are righteous; they act with the best of motives and, when continuing the session, will not bring up the hysterics that occurred.

Nobility is their way of showing cordiality.

This card also symbolizes the balance between the masculine and feminine approaches to reality, the balance between hardness and softness.

Justice restores balance and teaches keeping health in order (for example, paying the price for connivance).

As an indicator of illness, it points to disorders of balance and metabolism in the body, metabolic issues, avitaminosis, intoxication, liver disease. It is interesting to note that liver diseases are psychosomatically linked to the emotional state of anger, and anger, in turn, is linked to issues of justice ("For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God"). Injustice is essentially power without justice... and perhaps it is no coincidence that the positions of Strength and Justice in Tarot "switch places" in different decks, meaning they remain a controversial issue.

Under Justice confidently fall all sorts of medical tests, examinations, diagnoses, accurate medical conclusions, hospitalizations, and surgeries (especially if Swords are present in the spread).

Sometimes the interconnection of health problems and legal consequences is accentuated (lawsuits over health damage caused or improper treatment).

Dishonesty, violation of vows and obligations. Complications with the law or completely ignoring it, a violation in the situation related to the question. This card naturally indicates that something illegal is happening.

Under reversed Justice, a person "steps out of bounds" and achieves their goal through questionable means (while trying to justify these actions by claiming the system is imperfect), or becomes a victim of violations themselves (for example, unlawful dismissal or non-payment of salary). Something considered unshakeable and correct is called into question, or even under threat. Sometimes under reversed Justice, a person simply refuses to put up with what is accepted in society and to conform to social expectations. But could it be they are genuinely acting irresponsibly and ignoring the consequences?

In a reversed position, the card means a rupture, but not a legalized one, rather a prolonged legal battle with all sorts of legal complications. A characteristic situation is divorced spouses continuing to live under the same roof due to housing space problems.

Unfair punishment, destructive criticism, excessive strictness, abuse of justice, complications in legal cases, false accusations. Certain loss of a court case, a guilty verdict. There might be shame, humiliation due to the consequences of one's actions.

Fanaticism, bias, tendentiousness. Intolerance, prejudices, subjectivity. Harshness in judgments, truth told insultingly.

However, there is also an opinion that this Arcana in a reversed state points to timidity and indecision, and a constant search for support and approval at the slightest life difficulties.

Under reversed Justice go rather harsh lessons, something akin to the compulsory collection of debts with additional interest. These lessons will clearly not bring pleasure, although they might possibly do some good. If the spread was about a romantic relationship, it will most likely be severed. In the mental sphere - instability of character, bitterness, touchiness, discord between feelings and reason.

There is an opinion that the cards on both sides of reversed Justice show exactly what needs to be balanced and correctly evaluated.

With The Fool - the search for truth will be crowned with success. Tendency to lead a risky lifestyle. With The Emperor - fair settlement, commitment to the letter of the law With Wheel of Fortune - clear awareness of one's own destiny. With The Devil - not the time to seek justice. Inability to establish the truth, to restore justice. With Judgement - determination, admission of past mistakes. Triumph of justice, receiving a well-deserved reward. With The World - success. Victory is near, a well-deserved reward. With Three of Wands - unpredictability of actions (according to Guggenheim) With Ten of Wands - acceptance of responsibility, reliability With Two of Swords - denial of one's involvement in something With Five of Swords - dishonesty, unrighteous deeds With Seven of Swords - evasion of responsibility With Seven of Pentacles - accurate analysis and choice of course for the future

Nemesis, Themis, Astraea - goddesses of justice in Greek mythology. Pallas Athena Goddess Maat King Arthur's Round Table, where equality reigned The Ten Commandments QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES (Who will guard the guards themselves?) LAW AND ORDER "A mind that cannot be balanced is like a failed sun" "Fear your desires"