By Katrina Rasbold
Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of the Justice card in the Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) tarot deck offers a rich and balanced portrayal of equilibrium, moral clarity, and karmic consequence. As the eleventh card in the Major Arcana (numbered VIII in some traditional decks), Justice sits at the midpoint of the Fool’s Journey, marking a moment of reckoning, truth, and ethical discernment.
This post explores the symbolism and interpretation of the Justice card, including visual details, esoteric meanings, numerological significance, and advice for when this card appears in a reading.
✦ Central Imagery & Symbolism
1. The Figure of Justice A robed, crowned woman sits on a stone throne, facing directly forward—a symbol of impartiality and unflinching truth. Her red robe signifies passion, will, and grounded vitality, while the green mantle beneath evokes compassion and connection to the natural laws of cause and effect.
2. The Scales in the Left Hand The scales, held in her left hand (traditionally the intuitive or receptive side), represent balance, fairness, and objective judgment. They measure not only external evidence but also the internal motives and karma of a situation. The left-hand position suggests that true justice must consider inner truth and moral context, not just facts.
3. The Upright Sword in the Right Hand In contrast, the sword held upright in her right hand (the active, rational side) symbolizes intellect, truth, and decisive authority. The blade points straight upward, indicating clarity of thought, readiness to cut through deception, and the capacity for final judgment. It’s a symbol of lawful consequence, protected by truth and righteousness.
4. The Crown and Square Diadem The crown on her head features a small square—a symbol of rationality and structure—indicating the dominance of reason and the pursuit of order in matters of justice. This reinforces that justice here is not arbitrary or emotional but rooted in higher principles.
5. The Veil Behind the Throne A purple veil stretches behind her, partially obscuring the background. This veil, reminiscent of the one in The High Priestess, suggests that justice, while objective, still has a mysterious or hidden aspect—perhaps referring to divine law or the unseen threads of karma. The veil is also an allusion to the idea that some truths lie beyond the physical realm and are only visible to those who seek inner wisdom.
6. The Pillars Flanking the figure are two gray pillars, similar to those in The High Priestess and The Hierophant, symbolizing duality, balance, and the gateway to wisdom. They establish Justice as a figure not only of legal fairness but of spiritual and universal law.
✦ Number Symbolism: Why XI?
In the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition, Justice is numbered XI (11), whereas earlier decks like the Tarot de Marseille placed Justice at VIII. Arthur Edward Waite switched the positions of Strength and Justice to align the deck more closely with astrological and occult correspondences, especially those found in the Hermetic Qabalah.
The number 11 is considered a “master number” in numerology, associated with spiritual insight, illumination, and moral leadership. It emphasizes duality (1 + 1) and balance, mirroring the scales. It also points to a moment of spiritual evolution in the Fool’s journey—no longer guided by instinct or raw force (Strength), the seeker now faces accountability and moral growth.
✦ Esoteric & Astrological Correspondences
- Astrological Sign: Libra
Justice is aligned with Libra, the cardinal air sign ruled by Venus. Libra governs law, harmony, and relationships, and its glyph—the scales—reflects the core symbolism of the card. Air governs the mind and communication, reinforcing the card’s emphasis on reason and clarity. - Element: Air
As with all swords and the intellect, Justice belongs to the realm of air: clarity, objectivity, discernment, and ethical judgment. - Kabbalistic Path: From Tiphareth (Beauty) to Geburah (Severity)
In Qabalistic terms, Justice connects the beauty of balanced creation to the severity of righteous discipline. This pathway signifies the spiritual need for justice and consequence to maintain divine order.
✦ Interpretation in a Tarot Reading
Upright Meaning:
- Fairness and Truth: You are being called to consider the ethical dimensions of your actions. The situation requires honesty, transparency, and a fair approach.
- Legal or Bureaucratic Matters: This card often appears during legal proceedings, contracts, or official decisions. It advises careful review and integrity.
- Accountability: Now is the time to own your actions. Justice reminds you that every choice has a consequence.
- Clarity and Objectivity: Approach the situation with a clear mind. Remove emotional bias and act with balanced reasoning.
- Karmic Repercussions: What you put out into the world—good or bad—is returning. If you’ve acted with integrity, Justice is on your side.
Reversed Meaning:
- Injustice or Unfairness: You may be facing a situation where bias, corruption, or inequity is at play.
- Avoidance of Responsibility: Someone may be refusing to own up to their role in a situation. This can point to dishonesty or denial.
- Distorted Perception: Your judgment may be clouded. Be wary of projecting blame or refusing to see a situation clearly.
- Legal or Ethical Complications: Problems with documents, court cases, or decision-making may arise, often due to a lack of clarity or fairness.
✦ Advice When Justice Appears
- Act with Integrity: You are being observed—by others, by the universe, or your higher self. Let your actions reflect your highest moral standards.
- Seek the Truth: Cut through illusions, both internal and external. Speak and act in alignment with what you truly believe to be right.
- Balance Emotion with Logic: Don’t allow feelings to override facts. Be discerning and fair, especially when mediating conflict or making important decisions.
- Accept Accountability: Justice does not punish—it balances. Accept the results of your past actions as lessons, and adjust your path moving forward.
- Consider Both Sides: When making decisions or passing judgment, look at all perspectives. True justice requires empathy and discernment.
✦ Justice in the Fool’s Journey
In the narrative arc of the Fool’s Journey, Justice marks the moment when the Fool begins to understand the law of cause and effect on a deeper level. Having emerged from the introspective transformation of the Hermit, the Fool now confronts the consequences of past choices. This card represents the maturation of ethical consciousness and the realization that spiritual progress requires moral clarity.
✦ Justice As An Inner Reflection
Pamela Colman Smith’s Justice card is a profound emblem of ethical awareness, truth, and universal balance. It reminds us that justice is not just a worldly concept—it is a cosmic principle that underpins all actions and decisions. Whether appearing as a harbinger of fairness or a call to take responsibility, Justice offers a clear mirror in which we must examine our conscience.
In practical application, the Justice card identifies human laws and morals while Judgment represents Universal or “God’s” laws. Regardless, both cards speak to what is right and that may shift from person to person. Justice speaks to the Universal balance that makes a person hope that their truth is in line with overall balance and human rightness.
When this card enters a reading, the message is simple but powerful: do what is right, even if it’s not easy. For in the end, truth prevails—and the scales will always find their balance.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.