Welcome to the Justice tarot card. Often, we equate the idea of punishment or reward with the idea of Justice, but this is not the central focus of this card. To understand the real meaning of Justice, we need to accept that the karmic laws of the universe are the ultimate judiciary. Although 'karma' is an Eastern concept, it can also be found in Western religions too. For example, the famous biblical phrase 'you reap what you sow' is a concise description of this spiritual principle.

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Karma is often simplified and therefore misunderstood. The universe does not deliver according to our expectations. It has no regard of whether we approve or dissaprove of an outcome; whether we think we have been fairly or unfairly treated by circumstance. It is undeniable, however, that life is inclined towards balance. This balance is maintained with movement like the subtle adjustments of a tightrope walker.

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From the ebb and flow of oceans to the great cycles of solar orbits, none of us are immune to the idea of balance amid shifting motion. This is a balance that reaches far beyond our lifespans and beyond our concept of time itself. This is Karma.

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This perception may appear to lack emotion, or even be received as unsatisfactory. There is no denying that this influence can be uncomfortable. However, is a truthful representation of the Justice card. Justice is rational to the core. Without objectivity and calm detachment, we are affected one way or another by emotional bias. This can lead to strong extremes. Even if you believe that full commitment to your cause is the answer, Justice begs to differ. For example, a punishing work schedule, a strict physical regime, or a dogged focus on a single ideology can mean the scales are dangerously weighted. Lao Tzu sums it up when he says 'the brittle is easy to shatter'.

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Justice is always looking to the horizon of celestial equalibrium. She encourages a balance of the mind, body and soul. Serious persuit requires a counterweight of joyful play. Time alone requires social interaction. You get the idea. This attitude keeps her consistently steady. She encourages us to do the same. If we become distracted by our own emotion, we can lose balance via a sense of acute persecution or unfounded superiority. If we find ourselves in the middle of a conflict, only cool unbiased perspective will allow us to broker for peace.

 

Even if we are attempting to change a statute of the law, to redress an imbalance in our relationships, or to take a stand for what we believe is right, we must remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. True accomplishments come with first making regular re-adjustments. So strong is this message that the famous Thoth tarot deck renamed the Justice card 'Adjustment'. As with all tarot messages - the adjustment is personal. Our only real option is to be true to our higher judgement. It is fruitless to attempt changing others or try and manipulate external outcomes. At best those changes will be short lived. Like Gandhi said, you must 'be the change you want to see in the world.' To care about how others may perceive our choices is to distance ourself from our own higher Justice.

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Justice can also speak about reprisal. Maybe we feel wronged by unfair behaviour or have allowed too much leeway and compromised our principles. Maybe we have to make a tough call and take action we know will not be popular. Regardless, we must do what is necessary to extrapolate ourselves from impassioned entanglement. We should not seek to punish, but desist contact with negative elements and apply an almost surgical severance in ridding ourselves of any unhealthy karmic ties. Clinical and swift action is timely under the influence of this card. We have the sword of decision and the scroll of truth. Using them is our duty and our responsibility at this time. We can avoid protracted discomfort via objective reasoning and confident action.

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We are blessed with the balance of cosmic perspective under this influence and we must use it wisely to bring equality and fairness into our realm.