Justice Tarot Card Meaning

Keywords (Upright)

• truth
• fairness
• accountability
• balance
• law

Keywords (Reversed)

• injustice
• bias
• denial
• dishonesty
• imbalance

Card Description & Symbolism

In classic tarot decks, Justice sits enthroned between two gray pillars, symbols of impartiality and duality. She wears red—sign of life force and courage—holds a sword upright in her right hand, and balances scales in her left. Her gaze is direct and unwavering. Justice sees through excuses and illusions, weighing only what is, not what we wish it to be.

“Justice is not emotion—it is equilibrium. It cuts through the fog, restoring truth.”

In the Thoth Tarot, this card is called Adjustment, portraying the Egyptian goddess Maat. She balances within a vesica piscis, holding her sword calmly, ready to cut through distortion. Ruled by Libra and aligned with the Hebrew letter Lamed (ל)—meaning “ox-goad,” a tool that guides the will—this card shows karma not just observed, but enacted with graceful precision.

Justice Tarot Card Meaning: Upright

When upright, Justice calls you to stand in integrity. Decisions made now must honor truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Key Upright Interpretations:

• Moral Clarity: Strip away stories and face what is. This is a time for honesty with yourself and others.
• Accountability: Accept responsibility for past actions; doing so frees you from lingering imbalance.
• Fair Resolutions: Legal matters or personal disputes are likely to be settled justly, by facts and merit.
• Alignment: Choices made under Justice’s influence ripple outward—ensure they reflect your highest ethics.

The justice tarot card meaning upright affirms that truth and fairness guide the outcome. Trust the process—but also ensure you are upholding your own side of the scale.

Justice Tarot Card Meaning: Reversed

Reversed, Justice indicates imbalance, dishonesty, or avoidance of consequence. The scales tip—whether by external bias or inner refusal to see clearly.

Key Reversed Interpretations:

• Dodging Accountability: A reluctance to admit mistakes or face uncomfortable truths keeps growth stalled.
• Injustice or Bias: Outcomes may feel unfair, colored by prejudice or incomplete information.
• Distorted Facts: Lies, denial, or half-truths—by yourself or others—are clouding the real issues.
• Need for Self-Correction: When outer justice falters, you are called to restore inner alignment.

“Reversed, Justice asks: where are you out of balance—and what truth are you not willing to face?”

Summary: The Unwavering Measure

Justice, or Adjustment, is the archetype of karmic equilibrium. Upright, it affirms clarity, truth, and rightful consequence. Reversed, it highlights evasion, deception, or imbalance in judgment.

“This card leaves you with a stark but liberating question: are you truly acting in integrity—or just hoping the scales won’t tip against you?”