Card of the Week: Justice

“Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

The Justice card is usually drawn as a figure sitting down, dressed up in long garments with a sword in one hand and a scale in the other. The figure is blindfolded in some decks but is not in the original illustration. This is to show divine justice is at work, but not just human-designed justice, which we know has its flaws and loopholes. When I pull this card, I usually take it as a sign that karma is at play. I say that because karma is divine law. It misses no one and it has no favorites. Everyone in their life will experience some form of karma, either good or bad, on the energy and intentions you put out into the universe. The sword represents swift action taken once justice has been decided, while the scales represent the importance of being fair and looking at all sides before taking that action.

Yes, the Justice card can absolutely represent real legal matters. It depends on your specific situation. Remember, when you are confused, pull a clarifying card or cards. Legal jobs such as a judge, lawyer, or law enforcement can also be at play.

When this card comes out, try your best to be fair and not jump to any conclusions. It is best to look at the situation from a third-party perspective so as to not make you do anything rash that could worsen the matter.

Upright

Past: You could have recently had some huge shifts in your life: marriage, divorce, signing legal contracts, etc. Whatever the case is, your present life is being heavily affected by this decision or shift. However, because the Justice card speaks to divine retribution, you should not worry about this shift. This shift was necessary and will land you where you need to be, which, as we know, is not always where we want to be. You might need to adjust your expectations at this time.

Present: You could be worried about the outcome and the future of a certain serious matter in your life. This is something that is slightly out of your hands. For example, you got a speeding ticket and you contested it. Now you are waiting for an answer; am I guilty or not? See, with the Justice card you have some control over the matter but you still have to surrender and allow divine law to work. Trust that whatever the decision is is not to punish you, but to bring back balance.

Future: It is important that you try to remain neutral in the future. People could be coming to you to choose sides or make decisions for them. You could also be getting a new legal job or meeting someone in the legal field.

Karma will soon be at play for you. If you have been moving with good intentions, then Lady Justice will have nothing but good karma for you. If you have not, then karma will be rectifying that as well.

Now is not the time to make hasty decisions or change your direction in life. Matters will be coming to a close, and whatever you have been struggling with will be handled by the divine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Reversed

*Disclaimer: Reading tarot cards in reverse is totally up to the reader. There are many who choose not to. There is no right way to do it; go with your intuition. For some readers, a reverse means that the energy of that card cannot manifest into reality due to a block. So if you are someone who chooses to not read reversed cards you may skip this part, however, if you are that reader, keep reading!

Remember to always be authentic with your spiritual practices.*

The Justice card in the reverse could represent unintentional actions and swift decisions. If this card comes out, you could be making hasty decisions based on your thoughts and feelings alone instead of considering how your actions could affect others. You could be using your sword to unnecessarily cut off people or resources. Your scales are upside down, which makes them basically useless. Simply put, you could be acting rash and a little selfish. You could also be trying to embody justice yourself. Remember the difference between divine justice and human-designed justice. Are you listening to the divine and allowing time to pass before drawing conclusions, or are you in the headspace that you have everything figured out and that your way is the best way?

Advice

The Justice card in the advice position is calling for you to take the high road and surrender. If you want to get revenge on someone who’s wronged you, and this card comes out, your guides are asking that you be patient and allow them to handle it. Many times people seek revenge because they don’t believe that karma is working fast enough; however, karma catches everything and misses no one. Try to remember it is not our job to act as judge, jury, and executioner but rather the divine’s job. As I stated about the Justice card in the future position, it is best to sit back and enjoy the show.

Work Cited

Alexander, Skye, and Mary Shannon. The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need. 1st ed., vol. 1, Avon, Adams Media, 2019. 1 vols.

- Symone Smith, @aquaa_cunt