In Tarot, the card called ‘Justice’ shows an enigmatic character. Who is she and what does she have to offer for our spiritual development?

At some stage in our lives we have all watched the scales of justice weighing our actions. If we dread the outcome, it’s because we know we have failed ourselves and others with our words or deeds. At other times we know we are about to receive a reward for choosing the right path, or we might hope for compensation when others have acted unjustly towards us. In either case, we expect Lady Justice to have taken into account all of the circumstances and to bring results swiftly and fairly.

In the Rider-Waite deck, the card called Justice is shown with all of the familiar symbols of the Goddess of Justice. She holds a sword and scales, and she is robed in official gowns of authority. The other key symbol for this card is not hidden, but it’s not obvious either — it’s the blue square on her crown. This patch of blue represents insight. Justice perceives the situation with calmness and clarity. She maintains an objective manner and her decisions are based on wisdom from within.

One of the key qualities for this card is ‘balance’. When this card turns up in a reading, look at all aspects of the situation so you can gain a balanced and fair opinion. And by listening with your heart, you can provide an extra dimension to your decision-making ability, bringing about a balance between feelings and rational thought.

Truth is the spiritual lesson of the card called Justice. The sword in this card is held upright, it is not wielded maliciously. The twin-edged blade is a symbol reminding you there are two sides to every argument. Hardly any situation can be seen as black or white, or completely right or wrong. The discerning mind will look at both aspects of a situation and will recognise the darkness and light of each side. The Higher Truth summoned through this card is to see the circumstances of any condition and know the needs, desires, and fears binding it. Learning how to connect with the essence of your inner self can lead you to discover a well of truth you can draw from and express to the world.

Here’s a beautiful quote about insight that I found in a book called ‘Your True Home: The Everyday Wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh’. It ties in nicely with the main principles represented by the card called ‘Justice’: “Insight is a mysterious, almost miraculous experience. A flash of insight can come upon us in a moment, without warning, like the opening in a cloudy sky that suddenly illuminates the landscape below. We see simply and clearly what before had been hidden in the shadows of concepts and confusion.”

In the coming months, when you have to pass judgement on another person’s actions, think of Lady Justice and the blue square on her crown. Wait for that ‘flash of insight’ before you make your decision and bring down the sword.