11 – Justice

The Justice card almost always shows a female figure, who holds the scales of justice in one hand. In some depictions, she is standing, in others, sitting, sometimes flanked by columns and a curtain, reminiscent of the High Priestess. In the hand not holding the scales, she holds a sword, for fairness and balance sometimes must be achieved by force, or by cutting away of excess. The female figure is almost always wearing a crown, symbolizing the benevolent ruler who decides cases based on their merits.

The Justice card’s meaning is fairly straightforward- its appearance suggests that balance is needed by the querent. Justice is related to Libra, the scales, and Libra is the sign of balance, and of objectively curbing excesses and indulgences to bring balance back into life. Excesses have consequences, and this card serves as a reminder that any excess (even going overboard on "good" and "healthy" things) does not always serve one. Justice offers the advice to the querent that it is time to make adjustments, and to do what is needed to get the scales balanced. Sometimes Justice can also suggest some legal action or activity, and if so, expect the outcome to be very fair, if not always what is desired. Justice can also serve as a reminder that we are not only physical selves, but spiritual as well, and a greater balance of the two might serve the querent in the situation.