Tarot Card Symbolism: Justice of the Major Arcana

Justice is the eleventh card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of everything this card implies: truth, justice, fairness, equity.

The Symbolism of the Justice Tarot Card

This card is represented by a severe figure, robed in red, holding the scales of justice in one hand; these represent the ability to weigh one thing against another, and then to render an impartial judgment. In the other hand, he holds a sword. The pillars surrounding him are another reminder of the severity of this card.

Justice bears the number “11,” and is the dealer of justice for the Fool after his encounter with the Wheel of Fortune.

The General Interpretation of the Justice Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies the need for balance and a need for impartial decision-making. However, Justice is often double-edged. Sometimes justice can be too impersonal, and too idealistic. Even the truth can cut.

The Fool must learn to develop all this card represents. Justice, truth, and honor. However, he cannot stay forever in this pure temple. Instead, he must move on, ever learning.

The Inner Meaning of the Justice in Tarot

Justice is the image of reflective judgment and rational thought. The judgments here are not based on emotion or feeling, but on an objective assessment of all factors involved. This card can also represent a need for ethical principles and firm guidelines. Personal desires have no influence here.

To the Fool, Justice teaches the building of character and the development of the mental capacity to deal fairly with all of life’s experiences. He is shown how to think clearly and how to cultivate a balanced mind. When he encountered the Lovers, the Fool was not yet able to weight one thing against another. Now, he must learn to do so, and arrive at impartial judgments whenever possible.

The Fool discovers that justice is not possible unless he learns to respect fairness and truth. He realizes that fairness and truth are to be embraced as ethical principles, not simply as aspects to adopt because they might make him more popular. Justice rises above nature, and teaches the Fool to strive toward perfection whenever possible.

The Fool encounters Justice after he meets the Wheel of Fortune, on the path to his meeting with the Hanged Man.