A deeper dive into the justice tarot card
The Historical Archetype of The Justice Card
Lady Justice, or Iustitia, stems from Roman mythology. The Justice card was likely depicted in her image, as she was associated with Justice. The Justice card has been associated with the sign of Leo and Libra. Members of the golden dawn changed the order of the Justice and Strength card because they believed their energies weren't aligned with their original associations, which may have been done to confuse the general public.
When the Rider-Waite-Smith deck was published, it also depicted the Justice card as the 11th Major Arcana, associating it with Libra. It also depicts the Strength Card as the 8th Major Arcana, associating it with Leo. This order became a standard in most tarot decks published after.
Justice in the Major Arcana
Justice appears within the Major Arcana, where you begin to experience the manifestations of your actions, choices, and intentions. Many people associate this card with the legal system, but it contains much more depth than just the mundane world. The universe operates on the law of correspondence, which states that what you put you, you will receive. Justice reminds you of the importance of acting with integrity to receive the desired experiences.
The Meaning of Justice in Tarot Readings
When the justice card appears in a tarot reading, the card signifies that a decision or outcome will soon be made. If you're unsure of the current state o your life, now is the time for you to let go and allow whatever consequence to occur. When the card appears upright, it signifies that you will benefit from the situation's outcome. You have acted with integrity and have done everything necessary for this situation to work out in your favor.
If the Justice card appears in reverse, it can symbolize a few different messages. First, you may not have acted with integrity or 'just,' and as a result, you will suffer the consequences. Justice in reverse can also signify that even though you have done everything necessary to succeed, there are outside influences that have disrupted the outcome. You may suffer as a result of this.
The Symbolism In Justice
The Justice card depicts a woman draped in a heavy, crimson red robe. She sits on a concrete throne, with a similarly colored red curtain concealing the landscape behind her. From the curtain, you can see a glimpse of a yellow sky beginning to break through. Lady Justice holds a scale in her left hand, symbolizing balance and order. In her right hand, she holds a sword, symbolizing truth, wisdom, and objection.
The Symbolism of Justice's Surrounding
In the background, behind the crimson curtain, a bright yellow sky peaks out from atop. This sky symbolizes the positive outcome as the curtain begins to fall. When the card is reversed, it looks like it's just about finished covering the last remains of the yellow sky. This signifies that the light in this situation is beginning to fade.
Elemental and Natural Associations With the Justice Card
The Justice Card is associated with the sign of Libra. Her sword is also associated with the element of air. Clarity, change, and forward movement is associated with air and the justice card.
Justice is also associated with Venus, the planet of love, relationships, creativity, and money. These are all areas where you may experience the Justice Card appearing.
Contemplations on the Justice Card
When Justice appears in a reading, it's important to reflect on your choices and actions within the particular situation. Have you acted with integrity? Have you manipulated the situation? The position of the card can express this for you within the reading.
If this card appears, you should know that a decision is ready to be made, and you will experience its effects on your life shortly. Usually, this decision comes from an outside source. Hopefully, the decision is made in your favor!