Skip to content

Tarot Card Meanings:
Justice

What is "Justice" in Tarot?

Justice is card number eleven in the Major Arcana. represents fairness, balance, and the law of cause and effect. This card signifies the importance of truth, accountability, and making decisions with impartiality and integrity.

What are the key symbols in "Justice" tarot card?

  • Figure seated on a throne: Symbolizes authority and the power to make decisions.
  • Scales in left hand: Represents balance, fairness, and the weighing of evidence.
  • Sword in right hand: Indicates clarity, truth, and the ability to cut through deception.
  • Crown and robes: Reflect wisdom, knowledge, and the dignified nature of justice.
  • Pillars on either side: Signify structure, order, and the stability of the law.
  • Square on the crown: Represents well-ordered thoughts and a structured mind.
  • Purple veil: Suggests compassion and the influence of higher moral considerations.

These symbols are based on the Rider-Waite Smith tarot. Symbols may differ in other decks! 

justice from the rider waite smith tarot
Justice as depicted in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by A.E. White, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

Justice Tarot Card Meaning

Justice Keywords: Fairness, balance, truth, accountability, cause and effect, integrity, impartiality, decisions.

Justice in the tarot signifies the importance of fairness, balance, and making decisions based on truth and integrity. This card represents the law of cause and effect, emphasizing that actions have consequences and that accountability is crucial. It highlights the need for impartiality and the weighing of evidence before making judgments. Justice encourages you to seek truth, act with integrity, and ensure that your decisions are fair and balanced. It serves as a reminder that honesty and ethical behavior are fundamental to achieving harmony and justice in your life.

Justice Reversed Tarot Card Meaning

Justice Reversed Keywords: Fairness, balance, truth, accountability, cause and effect, integrity, impartiality, decisions.

When Justice appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies injustice and imbalance, where dishonesty and lack of accountability may prevail. This card suggests that fairness is compromised, and decisions are not being made with integrity or impartiality. It reflects situations where corruption or unfairness is present, leading to negative consequences. The reversed Justice urges you to confront these issues, address any dishonesty, and strive to restore balance and fairness. It calls for acknowledging the consequences of actions and taking responsibility to correct any wrongs and uphold ethical standards.

El Tarocchi Insight

Justice is a reminder of what you're actually worth.

In over 20 years of doing tarot readings, I find that Justice most often appears for tarot clients who are on the receiving end of an unfair situation; whether it’s a lopsided relationship, a workplace dynamic that isn’t working in their favor, or any given circumstance where they’ve been quietly accepting less than they deserve. It’s less about punishment or revenge and more about a reassessment and realignment based on what they truly deserve.
What this card is really asking is: do you actually know your own worth, and are you acting like it? Because more often than not, the imbalance on the outside started with an imbalance on the inside.

Gallery: The Magician in Various Tarot Decks

justice from linestrider tarot true black tarot fountain tarot antique anatomy tarot shadowscapes tarot rws tarot
Justice from Linestrider Tarot, True Black Tarot, Fountain Tarot, Antique Anatomy Tarot, Shadowscapes Tarot, and Rider Waite Smith Tarot
A photo of the Justice card from the Hush Tarot
The Justice card from the Hush Tarot by Jeremy Hush