Justice is card XI in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the card of truth and consequences. It reminds you that every action has an effect, and that clear, honest choices lead to fair outcomes.
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What's on the Justice card
A figure in a red robe sits on a stone throne between two gray pillars, a purple veil hanging behind. In the right hand is an upright double-edged sword; in the left, a pair of golden scales held perfectly level. A small white shoe peeks out from beneath the robe, and the figure looks straight ahead, calm and impartial.
- The scales: weighing both sides fairly before deciding
- The upright sword: clear thinking, truth and decisive action
- The straight gaze: honesty, with nothing hidden
- The pillars and veil: law and order, with deeper truths behind them
Justice upright meaning
Upright, Justice says the truth will come out and things will be weighed fairly. It's a good card for legal matters, contracts, decisions and any situation where you want a fair hearing. If you've acted honestly, you can expect a balanced result.
It's also the card of cause and effect, much like the Threefold Law many witches follow: what you put out comes back. Justice asks you to take responsibility for your choices, look at the facts calmly and decide with a clear head rather than a heated heart.
Justice reversed meaning
Reversed, Justice points to something out of balance: unfair treatment, dishonesty, or a decision made with bias. It can also show you avoiding responsibility, or being much harder on yourself than the situation deserves.
Ask where the truth is being bent, by others or by you. Be honest, gather the facts and make amends where you need to. Balance returns when you stop pretending the scales are level.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Justice in love
Upright: Fairness, honesty and balance in a relationship. Commitments may become official, and both people give equally.
Reversed: Imbalance, one-sided effort or dishonesty. It may be time for a frank conversation about what's fair.
Justice in career and money
Upright: Fair outcomes, contracts and legal matters going well, and decisions based on facts. Money matters settle justly.
Reversed: Unfair treatment at work, legal delays or a decision you're avoiding. Read the small print.
Justice as feelings
As feelings, Justice shows someone who is thinking carefully and fairly about you. They respect you and want things to be balanced, but they may be more rational than romantic right now. Reversed, they may feel treated unfairly or be avoiding the truth.
Is Justice a yes or no card?
Yes. Justice is a yes if you've acted honestly and fairly; the outcome will match what you've put in. Reversed, it leans toward no, or toward an unfair result.
Justice correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Air |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Crystals | Lapis Lazuli Amethyst |
| Herbs and incense | Vervain Garden Sage |
| Candle colors | Blue Candle White Candle |
A Justice Balance Spell
For a fair outcome in a dispute, a decision or a legal matter.
You will need:
- A blue or white candle
- Two small dishes and a pinch of salt for each
- A slip of paper and a pen
Steps:
- Write the situation on the paper as plainly and honestly as you can, including your own part in it.
- Place the two dishes side by side, put an equal pinch of salt in each, and set the candle between them.
- Light the candle and say: Let truth be seen and the scales stand level. Let the outcome be fair for all.
- Fold the paper and place it under the candle.
- When the candle has burned, pour both dishes of salt together outside your front door as a sign of balance restored.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Justice FAQs
What does the Justice card mean in tarot?
Justice means fairness, truth, cause and effect and accountability. It suggests a fair outcome when you have acted honestly and asks you to decide with a clear head.
Is Justice a yes or no card?
Justice is a yes if you have been honest and fair. Reversed, it leans toward no or warns of an unfair result.
What does Justice mean in a legal question?
Upright, Justice is one of the best cards to see for legal matters, pointing to a fair decision. Reversed, it can point to delays or bias. Tarot is not legal advice, so always speak to a qualified professional.
Is Justice card 8 or 11?
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, Justice is card XI and Strength is VIII. Older decks such as the Tarot de Marseille place Justice at VIII.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.