What does the tarot card of justice mean?

The twelfth card of the tarot deck is Justice. However, this is not the justice we know from our human courts, judges and laws. This is the Justice of the universe in general and all the higher powers that exist. The laws established by these powers dictate that even if life doesn’t offer what we want or what we think we need, it always offers exactly what we deserve.

Every person who walks the face of the earth is subject to the laws of karma and eventually reaps what they sow, so it is increasingly important to sow good things and treat others as we would like them to treat ourselves. According to this doctrine, life, in essence, is always fair, no matter what other schools of thought have you believe. It can also be said that justice represents the basic law of cause and effect. For every action, sooner or later there will be an equal and appropriate reaction. The fruits of the decisions a person makes today may not mature tomorrow, a year from now, or even ten years from now, but rest assured they will sooner or later. It is also important to note that, according to the laws of justice, all actions of a person will not only have an effect ultimately, but will also have an effect on the author of the action in one way or another.

The traditional tarot image attached to the Justice card shows us a regal-looking figure in a robe sitting between two pillars. This composition is, of course, reminiscent of other Major Arcana cards that touch on the concepts of divine knowledge, power, and law as well (like the High Priestess). In one hand, the figure holds a scale to represent balance. In the other, there is a sword to represent the maintenance of that balance. Behind the throne on which the figure sits is a curtain that is said to hide the mysterious workings of the universe that will ultimately bring the inevitable result of every action and decision we make. This image in its entirety reminds us not only of the way things work, but also of the inescapability of the system. No one is capable of mocking the eyes of the universe and, ultimately, you will receive your fair desserts.

When Justice appears in a tarot reading, the querent should take it as a reminder of the basic laws it represents. Actions of the past and present will always bear fruit in the future … always, and they are about to do so sometime in the not-too-distant future. Whether the querent has been sowing well or badly will ultimately determine what results can be expected.

It should also be seen as a call to the client to seek balance in his life in general. Adjustments of some kind are necessary. Perhaps a change in diet or routine is to improve overall health. Perhaps the cards point the way to a fit in a business partnership, friendship, or marriage. Anything is possible and the surrounding cards and Justice’s positioning will help add detail to the overall picture.

Some also believe that when applied to more everyday matters, justice can represent actual court cases, legal proceedings, contracts, agreements, and other things of this nature. While it is true that Justice never promises us what we want or even what we need, it does promise us that the outcome of the matter will be just and deserved. Of this, at least, the querent can be sure.