Justice in brief
In the Rider-Waite tradition, Justice stands for fairness, truth and accountability, the law of cause and effect in which actions carry consequences. Modern readers often take it as a call to act with integrity and weigh a decision with care, while the reversed card points to unfairness, dishonesty or a reluctance to take responsibility.
In Waite’s deck, Justice is card XI, having swapped places with Strength, which older packs placed at XI. Waite counted Justice among the cardinal virtues in the Major Arcana, alongside Fortitude and Temperance.
The card’s picture
Waite wrote that this card “follows the traditional symbolism” and carries its obvious meanings above all, so he said little about its design. Waite noted that the figure is “seated between pillars, like the High Priestess,” and drew a line between the two: “the pillars of Justice open into one world and the pillars of the High Priestess into another.” In Waite’s reading, Justice is the moral principle that deals with each person “according to his works,” which differs from the spiritual justice of grace.
In his notes on older packs, Waite wrote that the female figure is said to be Astraea, the classical goddess of justice, though he added that the tarot “is not of Roman mythology, or of Greek either.”
Modern guides describe the details. Biddy Tarot reads the sword in her right hand as clear, logical thinking and the scales in her left hand as intuition balancing logic, a sign of impartiality. Biddy Tarot reads the double-edged blade as a reminder that actions always carry consequences, the purple veil behind her as compassion, and the square on her crown as well-ordered thought. Labyrinthos reads the small white shoe peeking out from beneath her robe as a spiritual reminder that what she delivers is the outcome of people’s own actions.
Upright meaning
Waite’s divinatory list for the upright card is equity, rightness, probity and executive power, with “triumph of the deserving side in law.”
Labyrinthos reads upright Justice as decisions that have long-term effects for oneself and others, and as a time when past choices are weighed fairly. Labyrinthos also reads the card as truth based on facts rather than gossip, and as a call to be fair in all one’s deeds.
Biddy Tarot reads Justice as being called to account for one’s actions, with compassion and understanding also present. Biddy Tarot also reads it as an important choice with long-term effects, and suggests asking whether one can stand by a decision and its consequences. Biddy Tarot adds that at its core the card is about the search for truth, which may turn out less clear-cut than expected.
Reversed meaning
Waite listed reversed Justice as law in all its departments, legal complications, bigotry, bias and excessive severity.
Labyrinthos reads the reversed card as living in denial and refusing to accept the consequences of one’s own or others’ actions. Labyrinthos also reads it as a chance to make up for wrongs and stop judging oneself, by acting differently now.
Biddy Tarot reads reversed Justice as knowing inwardly that something was not right, and as an unwillingness to take full accountability. Biddy Tarot also reads it as a harsh inner critic, met best with forgiveness and self-acceptance, and as a prompt to check for any bias before a decision that affects others.
Justice in love
In love, Labyrinthos reads upright Justice as karma in relationships, where kindness and support given come back in kind. Labyrinthos also reads the card as a reminder to treat a partner fairly, with compromise, understanding and tact during conflict.
Reversed, Labyrinthos reads the card as love feeling unfair, and as a prompt to check whether one’s expectations of a partner are fair and realistic. Labyrinthos also reads it as a difficult time for couples, when fairness and compromise matter more than ever and blame is best avoided.
Justice in career
For work, Labyrinthos reads upright Justice as a reminder to act with integrity and take responsibility for one’s actions, even after a mistake. Labyrinthos also reads it as fair and balanced dealings at work that build trust and respect.
Reversed, Labyrinthos reads the card as unfair situations at work, such as taking the blame for someone else. Labyrinthos also reads it as a sign that one has not been fully honest about work, and as a prompt to make amends and learn from mistakes.
Justice and money
Labyrinthos reads upright Justice in money questions as a reminder to keep dealings honest, just and fair, with what is taken balanced by what is given.
Reversed, Labyrinthos reads the card as some dishonesty around money matters, and as a reason for care about whom to trust. Labyrinthos also reads it as avoiding accountability for a difficult situation.
Justice as feelings
As feelings, Labyrinthos reads upright Justice as level-headed, considered feelings that reflect how two people have treated each other. Labyrinthos also reads it as one’s own reflection on fairness, balance and integrity.
Reversed, Labyrinthos reads imbalance and confusion, with feelings clouded by past grievances or a sense of unfairness. Labyrinthos also reads the reversed card as one’s own self-doubt and questioning of whether one has acted justly.
Questions to reflect on
- Is there a decision ahead whose effects could reach beyond today?
- Where would honesty, with oneself or others, bring balance back?
- Is any judgment, inner or outer, harsher than it needs to be?
- What responsibility is ready to be owned?