Major Arcana
Justice
Justice is one of the 22 Major Arcana in tarot. Upright, it speaks of balance, truth and cause and effect. Reversed, it points to injustice, dishonesty and avoiding accountability. In yes-or-no questions it stays open (maybe).
- Number
- 11
- Element
- Air
- Astrology
- Libra
- Yes or no
- Maybe
Symbolism
Seated between two pillars before a purple veil, the figure of Justice holds an upright sword in her right hand and scales in her left. The sword symbolizes clarity and the decision that cuts, while the scales weigh facts and consequences. She wears a square crown and a red robe, and the tip of her foot peeks from under her dress, a sign of action. The number 11 is the law of cause and effect.
Affirmation
“I act with truth and take responsibility for my choices.”
Upright meaning
- balance
- truth
- cause and effect
- accountability
- fairness
- General
- Justice asks you to look at the facts honestly and take responsibility for your choices. Everything sown returns, and now is the time to reap the result, whether recognition or adjustment. The card favors fair decisions, balanced agreements and truth. Adjusting course with integrity brings peace.
- Love
- A relationship based on honesty, reciprocity and balanced commitments. As a couple, it is time for frank conversations and for reviewing how effort is shared. If single, you see clearly what you deserve and what you do not.
- Work & money
- Favors contracts, agreements, legal matters and fair evaluations, with results proportional to your effort. Document, read carefully and act ethically. Consult a qualified professional on legal or financial matters.
- Advice
- Be honest about the facts and with yourself, and decide by what is fair. Own what is yours and ask for what is due to you.
Reversed meaning
- injustice
- dishonesty
- avoiding accountability
- bias
- imbalance
- General
- Reversed, Justice suggests imbalance, biased judgment or running from consequences. It can be a situation perceived as unfair, or difficulty admitting a mistake of your own. There is also the risk of being too harsh, with yourself or others. Truth may take time, but it asks to be seen.
- Love
- Imbalance in the relationship, where one gives a lot and the other little, or lack of honesty. Avoid blaming without looking at your part. If single, do not ignore signs of inconsistency in someone approaching.
- Work & money
- Possible delays or results that seem unfair in evaluations, contracts or disputes. Read everything carefully and seek expert guidance if legal matters arise. Prefer transparency.
- Advice
- Review your part in the situation frankly. Look for the facts before judging.
Guides about Justice
- What Does the Justice Card Mean in Tarot?Understand the Justice card (XI) in tarot: balance, truth and responsibility in your choices, in love, at work and when reversed.
- Is Justice a Yes or a No in Tarot?Learn why Justice is a maybe card in tarot, what tips the answer toward yes or no, and how to ask a yes-or-no question that Justice can answer well.
- Justice and Judgement together: what does the combination demand?See what Justice and Judgement mean together in tarot: responsibility, a reckoning with past choices and a call to act with consistency.
- What Does Justice Mean as Someone's Feelings for You?See what Justice says about someone's feelings for you, upright and reversed, with examples and an honest look at what the card cannot tell you.
- How can you tell if a tarot reading was useful?See practical criteria for judging whether a tarot reading was useful: clarity, a possible action, honesty and respect for your autonomy.
- What Does The Hanged Man Card Mean in Tarot?Understand The Hanged Man (XII) in tarot: pause, surrender and a new point of view, in love, at work and when it appears reversed.