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Justice tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)

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Tarot cards are a tool used for divination, offering insights into various aspects of life. Among the 78 cards, the Justice tarot card stands out as a symbol of fairness, balance, and moral integrity. Whether upright or reversed, it highlights the importance of ethical choices and their consequences.

Justice keywords & concepts

Justice upright keywords 

  1. Fairness
  2. Balance
  3. Law
  4. Truth

Justice reversed keywords

  1. Injustice
  2. Imbalance
  3. Dishonesty
  4. Unaccountability

Justice tarot card description & symbolism

The Justice tarot card serves as a powerful symbol of fairness, balance, law, and truth. Often depicted with scales, a sword, and a blindfold, the imagery on the card emphasizes the need for impartial judgment and ethical decision-making. It urges you to approach situations in your life with a sense of moral integrity and a commitment to fairness for all parties involved. Whether you’re grappling with a personal dilemma, a relationship issue, or even a legal matter, the Justice card nudges you to weigh the pros and cons carefully. By promoting a balanced approach and a strong ethical foundation, the card encourages you to make decisions that not only benefit you but also create a fair and just environment for everyone.

Upright Justice meanings

1. Fairness

When you see the Justice card in a reading, the concept of fairness usually takes center stage. This card serves as a reminder that the decisions you make should be equitable and just for all parties involved. It nudges you to look at situations from all perspectives before passing judgment. Are you giving everyone a fair shot, or are you showing favoritism? The card prompts you to act with integrity and ensure that fairness permeates your actions and decisions. It’s not just about you; it’s about creating an environment where justice and impartiality reign.

2. Balance

The scales often depicted on the Justice card symbolize the delicate balance that must be maintained in relationships, work, or any important decision-making process. This isn’t about quick, impulsive choices. Instead, it asks you to carefully weigh the pros and cons, and consider the implications for everyone involved. Balance here isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a practical necessity. Whether you’re reconciling your own inner struggles or dealing with external conflicts, achieving balance requires thoughtfulness and deliberate action.

3. Law

When Justice shows up, it often points to legal matters or rules that need your attention. This could be an ongoing legal battle, a binding contract, or simply the laws of karma coming into play. It advises you to respect established rules and guidelines, as they’re there for a reason. If you’re involved in any legal issues, it’s an encouragement that a fair outcome is likely, as long as you’ve acted with integrity. But law here can also be metaphorical, indicating that there are natural laws and orders you must follow, like the law of cause and effect.

4. Truth

Truth is an integral part of the Justice card. It urges you to be honest with yourself and others. If you’ve been in denial or avoiding a difficult reality, this card acts as a wake-up call. No more sugar coating or half-truths. Justice calls for complete transparency, as hiding or manipulating the truth will only lead to imbalance and unfairness in the long run. By facing the truth head-on, you not only free yourself but also enable justice to be served in the most genuine way possible.

Reversed Justice meanings

Absolutely, let’s dig into the meanings of these concepts when you pull a reversed Justice tarot card.

1. Injustice

The appearance of the Justice card in reverse often signals a situation that feels unjust or unfair. It could be a personal experience or something you’re witnessing in the lives of others. The card tells you that not everything is as equitable as it should be. You might feel wronged, or you could be the one perpetuating the unfairness. Either way, it’s a wake-up call to address this imbalance. It could also signify a legal situation that won’t resolve in your favor. Basically, the card is a red flag that says, “Hey, something’s not right here.”

2. Imbalance

When Justice is reversed, the concept of imbalance takes on greater significance. The scales are no longer steady, indicating that something in your life or situation is disproportionately skewed. This could be in relationships, where give-and-take has become more like take-and-take, or perhaps in a work scenario where effort and reward aren’t lining up. Unlike the upright Justice card, which advises you to find balance, the reversed card implies that you’re currently failing at that or are experiencing the fallout of imbalance. This is your cue to identify the lopsided aspects of your life and try to correct them.

3. Dishonesty

Dishonesty becomes a major issue when the Justice card appears in its reversed form. Whether it’s you being dishonest with others or someone deceiving you, the card warns that lies and deceit are in play. This isn’t just about small white lies; it could be significant untruths that impact larger issues of fairness and morality. The reversed Justice card says, “Cut it out. Get real.” If you’ve been dishonest, it’s a call to set things right. And if you’ve been deceived, it serves as a cautionary note to be wary and seek the truth.

4. Unaccountability

With the reversed Justice card, the concept of unaccountability emerges strong and clear. This means someone is dodging responsibility, either you or someone involved in your situation. It’s a lack of willingness to own up to actions and face the consequences. The card serves as a glaring spotlight on the need for responsibility, contrasting starkly with the upright Justice card, which stands for accountability and owning your decisions. If you’re avoiding taking responsibility for your actions, know that this will only perpetuate the cycles of imbalance and injustice in your life.

Justice meaning for love & relationships

Upright

In the upright position, the Justice card signifies a period of balanced and fair interactions in your love life and relationships. This is the time to be honest with your partner, address any lingering issues, and make decisions with mutual respect and fairness. If you’re single, it might indicate that you’re about to meet someone who complements you well, bringing equilibrium to your love life. Overall, the card encourages you to maintain integrity and openness, assuring that your relationship will benefit from clear communication and balanced emotional investments.

Reversed

When reversed, the Justice card in a love reading can spell trouble. It points to imbalance and unfairness within your relationship or love life. Perhaps there’s emotional manipulation going on, or maybe someone is not being honest about their feelings or intentions. It warns you to be wary of unequal dynamics, advising you to either rectify the imbalance or consider whether the relationship is worth continuing in its current state.

Justice meaning for work & career

Upright

In terms of your career, pulling an upright Justice card could indicate that you’re in a phase where ethical behavior, fairness, and balance are going to be crucial. If you’ve been putting in hard work and acting with integrity, recognition and rewards are likely coming your way. Alternatively, if you’re entering into a new contract or partnership, the Justice card affirms that it will be a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement. It’s a nod from the universe that, as long as you continue to act ethically and responsibly, your career path should unfold favorably.

Reversed

In the reverse position, the Justice card could signal warning bells for your career. It suggests that you might be facing an unfair work situation or that something is off balance. This could manifest as a toxic work environment, unfair treatment, or even unethical behavior either from you or directed toward you. The card advises you to address these issues head-on rather than turning a blind eye; otherwise, you risk letting the situation deteriorate further.

Justice meaning for wealth & prosperity

Upright

When it comes to your finances, an upright Justice card is generally a positive indicator. It suggests that the time is ripe for making balanced and well-considered financial decisions. Whether you’re thinking about investing, saving, or making a significant purchase, the card advises you to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It’s like a financial advisor sitting on your shoulder, telling you to read the fine print and think long-term. The focus here is on equitable transactions and fair dealings. If you’ve been disciplined and prudent in your financial management, expect to see a fair return on your efforts.

Reversed

On the flip side, if you pull a reversed Justice card in a financial context, it’s time to exercise caution. This card warns you that something is off-balance or unfair in your financial world. Whether it’s a bad investment, an unfair transaction, or perhaps even some form of deceit like hidden fees, the reversed Justice card raises a red flag. It’s telling you to take a step back and scrutinize your financial dealings more closely. If you’ve been careless or have made some less-than-ethical choices, this is the time to correct your course to avoid complications down the line.

The meaning of the Justice tarot card in different spreads

The meaning of the Justice tarot card can shift subtly depending on its position within a spread and the cards surrounding it. In a past-present-future spread, if Justice appears in the past position, it often indicates that a past decision or action has set the stage for your current situation. In the present position, it serves as a reminder to act with fairness and integrity now, as your current choices will have future consequences. When found in the future slot, it could signify an impending decision or legal matter that will require your full attention and ethical consideration.

In relationship spreads, Justice usually emphasizes the importance of balance and fairness between partners. In a career-focused spread, it can signify that a significant decision or legal contract might be on the horizon. In spreads that deal with personal growth or spiritual questions, Justice invites you to evaluate your personal code of ethics and consider how your actions align with your deeper values. Essentially, wherever Justice lands in a spread, it introduces themes of balance, fairness, ethical choices, and the consequences of your actions.

Final thoughts

The Justice tarot card serves as a symbolic compass guiding you toward fairness, balance, and ethical behavior. Whether upright or reversed, it addresses crucial aspects of your love life, career, and finances, urging you to act with integrity and be mindful of your decisions. It’s a card that emphasizes consequences, both good and bad, and pushes you to weigh your choices carefully. Overall, when Justice shows up, it’s a call to align your actions with your moral compass.

A complete guide to the Major Arcana tarot cards

  1. The Fool
  2. The Magician
  3. The High Priestess
  4. The Empress
  5. The Emperor
  6. The Hierophant
  7. The Lovers
  8. The Chariot
  9. Strength
  10. The Hermit
  11. Wheel of Fortune
  12. Justice
  13. The Hanged Man
  14. Death
  15. Temperance
  16. The Devil
  17. The Tower
  18. The Star
  19. The Moon
  20. The Sun
  21. Judgment
  22. The World

Wheel of Fortune tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)

The Hanged Man tarot card meanings (upright & reversed)