Major Arcana
Justice: tarot card meaning
Justice, truth, balance and the consequences of decisions.
Yes or no: Maybe
Upright position
Justice holds a sword and scales. The card is about honesty, responsibility and the law of cause and effect. What you have sown is sprouting. The card points toward a fair decision.
More about the card
Justice sits between pillars with a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword cuts through falsehood, the scales weigh the facts. The card speaks of honesty, responsibility and the consequences of your own decisions: as you sow, so shall you reap. It often appears when the matter concerns documents, contracts, disputes or a choice where it is important to be objective. Justice advises looking at the situation soberly, without self-deception.
Reversed position
Reversed Justice points to dishonesty, bias or an unwillingness to admit your own role. Perhaps something is being settled in a way that doesn’t favor you.
Symbolism of the card
Two pillars, a purple robe, a sword in the right hand and scales in the left. The sword means a clear decision, the scales balance and the weighing of facts, and sandaled feet show from under the robe, ready to move once the decision is made.
In love and relationships
Equality in a relationship, an honest conversation. The card can also speak of responsibility and commitment in a relationship.
At work and in finances
Agreements, documents, fair play. Pay attention to details and act honestly.
Reversed in love
Inequality in a relationship, resentment or unfair accusations. One gives more than the other. The card advises discussing honestly whether this balance suits you both.
As a feeling
Respect and a wish for honesty. The card speaks of weighing one’s feelings and of wanting an equal relationship without games.
The card as a person
An honest, principled person with a developed sense of fairness. They weigh all the arguments before deciding and can’t stand deceit. Sometimes someone from the world of law or accounting, or simply a person who always tells the truth to your face.
As the card of the day
Today may be a good day for honest conversations, putting your affairs in order and keeping what you promised. Be honest with others and with yourself. If you need to make a decision, write out the arguments for and against.
Yes or no
It depends on you. The outcome tends to be fair: what comes back usually matches your actions.
Combinations with other cards
- Justice + The Emperor
A decision by the rules: in official matters, honesty and precision count.
- Justice + Two of Swords
A hard choice where facts must be weighed, not only emotions.
- Justice + Judgement
Taking stock of past decisions: time to look honestly at your own path.
Questions to ask yourself
When this card comes up, it helps to answer honestly:
- Where am I deceiving myself?
- For which of my decisions should I take responsibility?
- Is the balance in my relationships fair?
The card’s advice
Tell the truth, even if it is uncomfortable.