11 - Justice
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Balance, fairness, equity, payment, being right, law, responsibility |
| Reversed Keywords: | Unfairness, unequal, being owed, being wrong, bias, bigotry, irresponsible |
A regal figure sits on a throne draped in red fabric. They wear a red robe with an embroidered golden cape and a sturdy gold crown. In one hand, they hold an unsheathed sword upright. In the other, they hold a set of balanced scales. Their gaze is direct and serious, fixed firmly on the viewer.
The throne is situated between two identical stone pillars. Behind them, a sliver of bright yellow sky can be seen.
In Readings: Upright
As one might expect, the Justice card tends to deal with justice, equity, and balance. The scales held by the figure on the card imply law and order, suggesting that a fair decision is to be made. The implication here is that the "right" side will triumph. Of course, "right" and "wrong" are often subjective; it may indicate instead that the subject of the reading will be victorious in a given situation's outcome, perhaps receiving what they're owed. This may be money, but it may also be another reward.
This card is a patient one that may indicate a person who is willing to weigh all options before making a choice. Once a course of action is decided, the sword comes down to enforce it. Even-handed and even-tempered the judgment may be, but it's final. There is no going back.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Magician: It's your decision to make, and you have all the evidence in front of you to make a fair one.
Ten of Swords: The fear of being on "the wrong side" is causing undue anxiety, and perhaps even nightmares.
Three of Cups, reversed: An unfair assumption will cause problems within your friend group.
Queen of Wands: Self-confidence and an unwavering belief in the righteousness of your actions will help sway an upcoming decision in your favor.
In Readings: Reversed
In reverse, Justice becomes corrupt. The wrong side prevails, perhaps due to bias, bigotry, or a refusal to view all aspects of a situation. When the decision is made, it isn't made evenly or fairly. Some measure of cruelty is at play.
One possible interpretation is that the querent or subject of the reading is being unfair in some way. Perhaps they're deliberately painting someone else in a bad light or refusing the weigh pros and cons honestly. Whatever the reason, Justice cannot prevail. Problems abound.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Emperor, reversed: The asshole in charge won't see things your way no matter how right you are.
The Chariot: A decision has been handed down in haste and without thorough consideration.
Knight of Wands: If leadership's decisions suck that bad, hit the bricks.
Nine of Swords, reversed: At least it's over now, and you can stop losing sleep over it.
Other Perspectives
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