Justice card meaning

Symbols in the picture

Scales

The scales in her left hand mean weighing both sides equally. They stand for the balance of not hearing just one side.

Upright sword

The sword in her right hand points straight up. It symbolizes decisiveness and clear judgment that cuts through a murky situation.

Two pillars

Two pillars stand on either side of the figure. They show a seat of balance held between two opposing forces.

Based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909.

When it comes up upright

The choices you've piled up are coming back as results. If you calmly weigh facts over feelings, the right answer shows itself, and the more honestly you act, the more recognition you can earn. Before an important decision, don't rush. Look at both sides evenly.

Love

It's a good time to check whether what you give and receive is balanced. If only one of you is trying, it's time to talk honestly. The more fairly you care for each other, the easier the relationship feels.

Work and study

Your effort is likely to be judged fairly. Clearly sorting out roles and responsibilities cuts down misunderstandings. Keeping careful records of the process will help later.

Money

It's a good time to balance what comes in and goes out. Cleanly settle any money you've lent or costs you've split. A habit of keeping receipts proves useful.

When it comes up reversed

A lopsided situation may bother you: something unfair may happen to you, or your own judgment may be leaning to one side. First write down facts and feelings separately. Admitting your share of responsibility starts to untie the knot.

Love

One person may be doing all the enduring or adjusting. Rather than letting hurt pile up, bring it up calmly. If you only blame the other person, real conversation gets harder.

Work and study

You may feel your evaluation is lower than expected or unfair. Rather than reacting emotionally, gather your evidence. If you made a mistake, it's better to own up quickly.

Money

Money matters like splitting the bill or group dues may cause hurt feelings. It's best to settle the bill clearly on the spot. Agreeing on group costs in advance keeps your mind at ease.

When it shows another person's feelings

Upright

They're weighing the relationship carefully instead of being swept away by feelings. They see you as sensible and trustworthy. A sincere attitude earns you the most points.

Reversed

They may feel they're losing out. They might not be voicing their hurt and could be tallying things up privately. Some effort is needed to share feelings fairly.

If you ask a yes-or-no question

Closer to Yes. It means that if you've prepared properly, good results come back in return, so it reads as positive.

If it comes up as your card of the day

Weigh things fairly and results follow. Put promises in writing.

One-line advice Separate feelings from facts and judge fairly.

Good to know

In the Western astrology tradition (the Golden Dawn system), this card is linked to Libra. It carries the number XI and is card 12 of the 22 Major Arcana.