Twinn Swan

The Justice card asks us a simple yet bold question. What is justice? I am not a lawyer, but if you were to ask one, would they guide you sufficiently well or would their advise be biased? I once read a book written by a lawyer which recommended that clients shouldn’t even trust their own lawyers!

In life, it is generally impossible to be free from all our biases and prejudices. Yet, we try. Well, perhaps not all of us, but some of us definitely try to make decisions in a way that is impartial. We do not allow our biases and prejudices to colour our judgement regarding what ought to be done and what ought not to be done.

Others, however, may well make their decisions based on their likes and their dislikes. If we make all of our decisions solely based on our likes and dislikes, we have, indeed, already made a biased decision. We should endeavour to keep our preferences out of the equation.

Biases and prejudices colour our perception. Due to this, many of us–and many of the people we know–behave in a way that is perceived as unjust and unfair. The worst part is: they don’t even realise that they are acting that way. But for those who are on the receiving end of this unjust treatment, it is all too clear that they are second-class citizens.

Justice, I can hear them cry. Justice!

The Law

Once a contract has been signed, it becomes ‘The Law’. It is laid out in writing and both parties have signed off on it. Ideally, both parties are equally committed to upholding it. Or… is the contract just a piece of paper? Did ‘the other person/parties’ sign off on it or was the decision made without a meeting of the minds?

If you are single or not part of any long-term commitment, the Justice card may herald an upcoming relationship, perhaps even with someone in the legal field. Even if you have been mistreated in prior relationships, the appearance of the Justice card indicates that there is, indeed, someone emerging on the horizon who will treat you fairly and equitably.

Previous imbalances that have occurred in your life will be repaired by the loving partner that you undoubtedly deserve. When the Justice card appears, it implies that those who have mistreated you will be held accountable for their irresponsible behaviour.

Justice is not only about karma. It is an indicator of being exposed for something that you did or failed to do. Even if you feel that you are not to blame for the issues that arose in the relationship, ask yourself if you took on more than you should have or if you didn’t hold up or deliver your end of the bargain.

After all, it is all there in black and white, isn’t it?

Contract

In many cases, the Justice card represents the contract itself. Since this is a Major Arcana card, it may even denote a marriage or a long-term partnership where there are lifelong commitments involved. Till death do we part, indeed! The Hierophant Card represents the ceremonial aspects of that union. We exchange rings, say vows and decide to show–and share with the world–the big and momentous decision that we’ve decided to make.

Think of it this way. If the Justice card represents the marriage itself, then the Hierophant card represents the marriage ceremony. In the Hierophant, we are initiated into a new way of life. In the Justice card, we are discovering how to live in accordance with the commitment we have made. It will undoubtedly not be easy. We will have to make many changes to our lives. Furthermore, many adjustments will undoubtedly have to be made along the way.

The Justice card indicates that a commitment was, indeed, already made. Now, you have to work out how to live and work in accordance with that commitment. If you never made the commitment in the first place, then, this does not apply to you. But if you did make the commitment, the Justice card reminds you that you have to keep your end of the bargain, otherwise there can and will be future consequences.

That’s why the terms and conditions of a contract can change. These days, we all receive updates that ask users to ‘Agree’ to the new user agreement. That is why every contract has an exit clause. And that is why even if we do have all of the terms and conditions laid out in front of us, things can go awfully haywire. Either one or both parties were unable to meet their obligations, thereby resulting in a failure or a fall out.

Honesty

The Justice Tarot card has a significant implication when it comes to our lives. When it appears in a reading, it indicates that decisions or actions that are taken must take into account the present and future interests of all parties involved.

Justice reveals that if any of you has cheated or been dishonest, the truth will be revealed. Do you not remember that when you took your vows, it was in front of your deity and all of your community? Do you not remember signing on the dotted line? Whether Justice is a good or bad sign for a relationship is ultimately determined by how you and your partner choose to stay committed.

In the Hierophant, you made the commitment. The Justice card shows the outcome of the commitment you made. If you are both sincere and moral in your relationship, you will reap the benefits in the form of greater harmony or a stronger commitment. If you don’t take your commitment seriously, there could, indeed, be consequences for all parties involved.

If you have been hurt before–and when you meet someone new–try to strike a balance between your personal life and other areas in your life. If you have been unkind to your previous partners, do not try to reconcile the relationship as it is unlikely that the relationship issue will be solved. In many cases, Justice does indicate a permanent separation (see Judgment). If you decide to give someone a second chance, do not expect that they will be any different this time around.

Remember that the onus is not entirely on you to be honest and transparent. If the others in the contract are dishonest in their dealings, then, even if you choose to be transparent, it may all backfire.

When the Justice card appears, it reminds us that what we perceive as justice may be perceived as an injustice to someone else.