Justice

'Court is now in session!' Justice is a card of personal responsibility and the manifestation of karmic justice in life, the necessity to work off debts and pay the bills. It's time to answer for one's actions. Our thoughts and deeds are, as it were, passed through a special prism to check for correctness. The card can be both very good and very uncomfortable. When Justice appears, we can be sure we will get what we deserve – the question is only, what these merits are. This is the case when there is a chance to understand what you have sown – by what you reap.

Through Justice, we receive an ASSESSMENT of our activity and behavior, and situations can look different (surrounding cards may give a hint) – exams, interviews, a visit to a specialist (doctor, thesis advisor, etc.), simply a conversation with a wise person about some situation, finally, an attempt to evaluate oneself, sum up, and figure out who is to blame and what to do.

Through Justice, we OURSELVES EVALUATE some situations, and the appearance of this Arcana can emphasize that we are now making a decision that will have far-reaching consequences. Falling in a spread, Justice most often indicates that we are acting based on what is 'right' (and then it promises help and reward), or trying to 'outsmart' our own fate in something, reaching for what cannot belong to us (and then it warns that nothing will come of it and retribution will follow).

Its appearance in a spread is also advice to think about how deeply this situation has affected us and whether we are capable of seeing something in it besides our own truth. If this card becomes a significator of the querent, then it is a sign of their rightness and accurate vision of the situation.

The energy of this card brings into life insight and clarity, sober perception of the situation, prudence, subtle intuition, and a sense of responsibility. Since few can with a clear conscience call all these their strengths, Justice also brings us a collision with the consequences of neglecting these things. In the field of this Arcana, goals and means, the desired and the proper, word and deed are juxtaposed.

This is a strict card, and if we are not impeccably pure, its appearance is more alarming than joyful. Another matter if we are confident in our rightness and that we have done everything properly, and have been treated unfairly. Then Justice promises a favorable outcome for the victim, triumph for the truly right and deserving side (and distribution according to deserts for all unworthy sides). Justice brings everything to light...in which we do not always feel good. This is the very 'unvarnished truth' that 'pricks the eyes.' Sometimes this card in a spread simply accentuates the fear of retribution.

However, its appearance may not be a 'court summons.' Justice responds with its appearance to those situations in which we negotiate something with other people, conclude alliances, agreements, contracts, conduct negotiations, and settlements. Justice sensitively responds to some contentious matters – lawsuits, inheritance disputes, divorces, compensation for damages, copyright problems, etc., generally foretells legal activity that will in some way affect the querent. This is a 'trial' (which does not necessarily take place in a court; it can just as well occur in a student dorm kitchen). In the situation described by the spread, the outcome will be absolutely just. Justice symbolizes the victory of law in general. As a resulting card in a spread, it brings justice of the outcome, favorable or not, for the person concerned.

Through Justice, one has to pay taxes, compensate for losses, report on work done, or play the role of a mediator in disputes. But also through this card, one can receive a deserved reward.

Through Justice, one can receive valuable advice, consultation, expert evaluation. Through it pass all sorts of conclusions, diagnoses, exams and certifications, commissions, and consultations.

As a 'cause,' it indicates the presence of objective reasons, that we get what we deserve. But with complete honesty and acknowledgment of responsibility for our mistakes, things will go well and everything will work for us. Justice sees to the root, and if we truly want to do what is right, it is Justice that tips the scales in our favor. Sometimes coping with the consequences of one's own actions and 'paying the bills' seems an incredibly difficult task, but if we seriously repent and correct ourselves, Justice transforms from a prosecutor into a defense attorney. Through it, we learn to honestly recognize what is good, what is bad, what should be done, and what must not be done.

The highest gift of Justice is gaining balance between different spheres of life in general, and in relationships in particular. Furthermore, since every action has a consequence(s), then if we act, it will yield a result. There is an opinion that the cards on either side of Justice in a spread show the factors that should be balanced or between which one has to make a choice (similar to The Lovers). Justice represents such life phenomena as laws, regulations, police, legal documents.

Strict and fair. If this card falls as a significator of the querent, then they currently see the situation soberly and clearly, without illusions and delusions, perceive people and the state of affairs correctly, corresponding to what is actually happening.

Through Justice go objective thinking, impervious to temptations, the ability to judge coolly and impartially. It reflects the ability to adequately assess any situation, practically without resorting to the help of others, as well as self-criticism. This is a card of correct decisions and precise behavior; it describes the happiness of living, acting impeccably, guided by honor and conscience. It corresponds to good intentions and noble deeds.

Through Justice passes an attraction to truth and in this sense – to the norm, following it despite opposition, personal inclinations and desires, objectivity, integrity. The ability to make a truly correct decision and not succumb to any delusions.

The keywords of Justice are not order, prudence, harmony, and responsibility, and not even justice. All that is correct and important, but not the most essential. The most essential – objectivity and impartiality. Here there is no emotional involvement and there is a vision of everything 'as it is,' that is – as it is seen from above, by cosmic eyes. Through Justice, we achieve the highest degree of objectivity possible and make the most considered decisions, on the verge of flawlessness (which do not necessarily have to look intellectually and logically sound externally).

Naturally, when a person soberly perceives the state of affairs, they are capable of making the right decision. In Justice, the will to attain harmony, an attraction to order and balance, firmness of intention, recognition of truth, and full responsibility for one's decisions are strongly expressed. Precision, strictness, clear vision of what needs to be done to balance the situation (and not what one wants). At the same time, the person is quite ready to bear the entire burden of the consequences of this decision, however unpleasant they may be. Whether it's a decision to formalize a divorce, take care of health, go on a pilgrimage, or clear up accumulated work backlogs, the primary consequences for the person are usually difficult – one has to restructure one's life, give up some habits, perform additional duties, etc. But the inner certainty that 'it must be so' gives the person determination, supreme self-possession, and special strength (the presence of Strength in the spread in this case is especially indicative).

Justice speaks of a striving for development, balance, freedom, and independence. It is connected with firm decisions, reasoned and motivated intentions, which are often directed towards attaining these things. For the person of Justice, all this ceases to be an abstraction; they very clearly feel what is good and what is bad, and seriously fight against what is bad, sometimes literally 'standing on principle.' Under the purview of Justice are honesty, incorruptibility, unwavering adherence to ideals not of conditional but of essential morality. However, professional ethics, officer and noble honor, and similar concepts also belong to this Arcana.

This is 'the card of virgins and the righteous,' internal purity, and service to duty. The person of Justice is chaste in the sense that their ideas, feelings, and actions are different sides of a single whole. In an average person, there are many gaps; there is always hope that they think one thing, want another, say a third, and do a fourth. The person of Justice in this sense resembles a smooth rock where there is nothing to grab onto. Naturally, they often hear reproaches of callousness, coldness, misunderstanding of the living meaning of things, and so on.

Chastity (целомудрие) essentially means that harmony and consistency are present not only in a person's rational actions but also in the depths of their unconscious. This person expresses themselves through responsibility for themselves and their deeds; they can act badly but will not evade punishment because they are morally clean. Having acted 'wrongly,' they suffer from the need to cleanse themselves because they literally feel themselves sullied and cannot live with it. This person will never take advantage of some benefits with bad intentions. This ability to muffle one's impulsive self to a state where it seems nothing is left of it characterizes the highest Libra. The biggest mistake one can make is to decide that this person has their own point of view and does as they see fit. The astrological weakness of the Sun in Libra is the ability to tune into the spirit of the situation, impersonally listen to its voice, and do what is needed. But needed not by them, but by the situation.

Justice describes the ability to govern impartially, upholding moral principles, and in the interests of the people concerned.

In a certain sense, Justice is the opposite of the Moon. It teaches internal and external honesty, does not allow misleading others or engaging in self-deception. It never slips away, never hides from contradictions. This is an unbiased view of the world and oneself, the ability to see what is, not what we would like or hope to see. The Moon sees what is not actually there (suspicion) and does not see what is there (hence mistakes, deceptions, betrayals, and thefts in interpretation books). Justice, however, does not allow closing one's eyes to anything (unlike Themis, the Justice of Tarot is pointedly NOT blind). 'Wake up!' it says. You can rush head-on into the world with your illusions and dreams, but don't hope it will be the first to turn aside. It exists in reality, it is vast, and it is not as you imagined it. So shake yourself and make an effort to see it as it really is. Then, perhaps, one fine day it will become a little more like your dreams. Justice always strives to establish a connection between the ideal and the earthly (the feasible).

In the psychological sphere, this card is a symbol of spiritual balance and the ability to find common ground with other people (especially in important matters, conducting complex negotiations), means maturity and life experience. Evaluation of the situation from all possible points of view, the ability not to lose one's head and self-possession in the most heated situations.

From an esoteric point of view, the main meaning of the Justice Arcana is the ordering and organization of Chaos, and finding a balance between the personal will of a person and the will of the Universe, between the individual and the universal. If The Chariot shows how balance and self-control are achieved, then the next Arcana, Justice, teaches their preservation.

She is the guardian; she restores balance again and again, no matter how many times or how strongly it is disturbed, and in this lies her great power. She reminds us that everything in the world is interconnected, that any actions cause a certain resonance and echo in the Universe, that the divine principle maintains balance at the most subtle level, and the flap of a butterfly's wings can sometimes cause a hurricane.

Justice vividly demonstrates how the law of karma works. Its essence is merely the impartial equalization of balance. In this sense, the eyes of the world are always open.

The appearance of Justice in a reading can indicate that in this case they are open wider than usual. The person is, in general, offered to do the same – open their eyes and see in this situation the meaning of restoring a violated balance. This card often puzzles to the same extent as The Hierophant, but this happens simply because we rarely evaluate our actions in direct categories of good and evil, and do not particularly think about where and when we acted badly or well. We acted and acted... Justice, however, presents the fact that every action has a consequence (or consequences). As stated in Papus's treatise: 'Remember! With every action causing a reaction, the will must foresee the push of opposing forces, in order to at least soften the collision.' In a magical sense, this is the ritual of weighing the heart on scales in the hall of judgement, reflected in Egyptian mythology. Spiritual justice is administered according to the mystical order of Providence. Divine justice, as opposed to human judgement, is completely incorruptible and impartial.

It cannot be circumvented or bypassed. Its attributes are scales, a sword, and open eyes. And the measure of its scales may not at all correspond to ordinary human notions of the severity of a particular sin. When it is said that a person sees a situation accurately, 'as it is,' this essentially means that now they see it approximately as it is seen from above, appears to the eyes of cosmic law. Divine or karmic justice is truly clear-sighted and impartial and is not guided by earthly measures. Justice corresponds to the so-called Law of Triple Retribution (or the Law of the Boomerang) and the sacred vows associated with it. Justice also reflects the symbolic 'eighth sacrament' – the ritual of knighthood and the taking of knightly vows. Justice is represented by a female figure but embodies the 'masculine' principle of the head ruling over the heart. With delicate scales and a sharp sword, she presents a combination of feminine and masculine, passive and active, sage and warrior.

The Justice Arcana describes the stage of spiritual development at which a person must learn to look at things honestly and impartially, not as is advantageous, and to make balanced, objective decisions, not willfully ignoring their preferences. This is the stage of mastering impeccable inner honesty, impervious to any self-deception. They must fully acknowledge their submission to the higher order, the law of karma, realize that punishment for making ill-considered decisions is inevitable, reap what they have sown, and pay the bills. It is believed that at the stage symbolized by this Major Arcana, a person is born for a new Destiny and, receiving a blessing from above, comprehends the mysteries of spiritual activity. Perfection implies a balance of forces. The nobility of an integral personality, balancing its own rational egoism and mercy towards others, makes it possible to direct one's will towards the universal good. The card symbolizes a person's power to say 'no' – in order to affirm the right of their free choice, and in this, it corresponds to the astrological sign Libra. Justice defends the right of any existence to self-expression, no matter how sympathetic it is to her.

It embodies the principle of democracy – I may completely disagree with your opinion, but I am ready to give my life for your right to express it. The sword of Justice symbolizes its strictness and impartiality (sometimes perceived as sheer inhumanity), and the scales – accuracy and balance. True Justice is not always legal from the point of view of human law ('Not according to the law, David Markovich...' – 'Not according to the law. But according to the spirit!').

The throne of Justice is located between two pillars: the Pillar of Mercy and the Pillar of Severe Retribution (in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, they correspond to Chesed and Geburah). The scales of Justice also say that constant 'oscillation' between concentration on the external and the internal – is a natural life process that teaches us to more consciously transition from one moment to another, in order to preserve the found inner peace and clarity and carry it, moving through the hustle and bustle of daily affairs.

This card reminds of the judgement of souls in the hall of Osiris. This cinaroth correlates with 'hearing' – the ability to hear the verdict. It teaches that only balanced forces can continue to exist, and that eternal justice will destroy with the sword what is not balanced. Sometimes Justice is depicted with a scythe around the neck, reminiscent of a hangman's noose. This is a hint that a person is the cause of their own destruction, for most of their actions lead to destruction. Regarding the Kabbalistic interpretation of the Arcana: 'This is that invented by man, artificial rope with which we bind one to another, and which at any moment can fail us, turning into a whip, a noose, or a sting. Very often people become slaves of their own laws: thus the creative fire of the master-Hephaestus forges the chains of Prometheus. The flame that the hero gives to people so that their existence becomes more humane reincarnates into a new order of their interaction, in which he no longer has freedom. By giving fire to others, we lose creative power and gain the peace of a more civilized existence in exchange for freedom and passion.

From a moral point of view, this situation poses for us the problem of choice between action and inaction, because for a person who lives not by habit but according to the right of free choice, aware of each step and taking responsibility for it, it is equally difficult to act and to be inactive. But this cinaroth is ruled by the reason of fidelity, which multiplies the spirit in a person. By kindling the fire within themselves, a person returns to the world that energy which they used when building their worldview. And the sting of passion tests a person's views, showing in practice what their choice is, and whether they are faithful to their ideals – therefore this cinaroth also symbolizes trial.'

According to Kabbalistic tradition, when the Sun entered the constellation Libra, the first man stood before the judgement of the Almighty for violating the commandment not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. Then the Creator said to man, 'As you have stood before My judgement at this hour, so shall all your descendants pass before My judgement at this hour.' Justice is a harsh card. It is precisely through this Arcana that the fundamental equalization of a balance once disturbed somewhere occurs, and this equalization is usually accomplished through a change in a person's status, literally as upon exiting a courtroom (or expulsion from Eden).

Through Justice occurs a change of body and gender according to karma. Through Justice, former princes become displaced emigrants (but the opposite can also happen). Through Justice, what is important to a person is lost or gained. The scales of her balance are the Alpha and Omega, by which everything in the Universe is weighed.

Esoterically, Justice is associated with time and space, mathematical keys of world harmony, sacred geometry, sacred architecture, and temple consciousness.

Again – fair play. No marked cards.

Balance, sincerity, mutual respect, and consideration of interests.

The objectivity, impartiality, and dispassion of Justice are not conducive to amorous tenderness – rather to concluding marriage contracts and observing reasonable rules. Depending on neighboring cards, it can indeed suggest marriage, legalization of an existing bond, formalization of a relationship.

The unconditional plus of Justice is honesty and decency, overcoming selfishness (though the other participant in the relationship will quickly discover that their own selfishness is also left no room for maneuver).

Loving a person described by the Justice Arcana is very difficult. It is a great labor (and a great gift). A chivalrously honest and very decent person. Often seems too restrained, but one can rely on his nobility. He is accustomed to taking full responsibility upon himself. He can deeply wound – but only with impartiality, objectivity, and this rigid personal integrity. His honor truly exists. He cannot be sweet-talked, persuaded, seduced – often this turns out to be a very unpleasant discovery for the one who desired him, as no tried-and-true tricks work. It is impossible to manipulate him because he sees everything through without any difficulty. If Strength is also nearby – no way around it, he will still do only what he considers necessary and will not do anything he does not consider necessary. If he does not consider it necessary – nothing will happen, and the mind of the second party, driven to despair, begins to harbor thoughts: to kidnap, rape, explain in detail why they themselves are to blame, and then shoot them.

This is the biblical Joseph, whom Potiphar's wife solicited. The neutrality, composure, and self-possession of this card are not conducive to Shakespearean passions, but they can indeed occur.

The person of Justice does not lose their head and is not afraid to evaluate relationships critically. They will not seek out flaws and will give a worthy partner their full due, but it won't be possible to dazzle them with a couple of showy gestures. They will not allow themselves to get too carried away and draw overly hasty conclusions.

The person of Justice is faithful and chaste. They are quite capable of acting contrary to momentary impulses. Whims and caprices are clearly not something they will take into account.

This is the ideal of moral strength, an aristocrat of the spirit. Their presence imposes the difficult obligation to remain a decent person, keeping themselves in check. Sometimes they seem completely unbearable. In a moment of rebellion of their own weaknesses, they are reproached for the absence thereof, shouting that they are not human (not a woman, not an earthling...), and that a sense of duty replaces all else for them. Their reaction differs little from that of a supreme judge – they adjourn the session, deeming it impossible to continue on such vibrations. At the same time, their intentions are righteous, they act from the best motives, and when the session resumes, they will not recall the occurred hysterics.

Nobility is his way of showing heartiness.

This card also symbolizes the balance between masculine and feminine approaches to reality, the balance between firmness and softness.

Dishonesty, violation of vows and obligations. Difficulties with the law or complete disregard for it, violation in a situation related to the question. This card naturally indicates that something illegal is happening.

Through reversed Justice, a person 'steps out of bounds' and achieves their goal by dubious means (moreover, they try to justify their actions by the imperfection of the system), or they themselves become a victim of violations (e.g., illegal dismissal or non-payment of wages). Something considered unshakable and correct is called into question, even threatened. Sometimes, through reversed Justice, a person simply refuses to reconcile with what is accepted in society and to meet social expectations. But could they really be acting irresponsibly and ignoring consequences?

In the reversed position, the card is a breakup, but not a legalized one; rather, a prolonged lawsuit with all sorts of legal complications. A typical situation – divorced spouses continuing to live under one roof due to housing problems.

Unjust punishment, destructive criticism, excessive severity, abuse of justice, complications in court cases, false accusations. A predetermined loss of a court case, a guilty verdict. There may be shame, humiliation due to the consequences of one's actions.

Fanaticism, bias, tendentiousness. Intolerance, prejudice, subjectivity. Harshness in judgments, offensively expressed truth.

However, there is also an opinion that this Arcana in reversed position indicates timidity and indecisiveness, and constant searches for support and approval at the slightest life difficulties.

Through reversed Justice come rather harsh lessons, something like forced debt collection with additional interest. These lessons clearly will not be pleasant, although they might be beneficial. If the spread was about a love affair, it will most likely be broken off. In the psychic sphere – instability of character, bitterness, touchiness, discord between feelings and reason.

There is an opinion that the cards on both sides of reversed Justice show what exactly needs balancing and correct assessment.