When Justice and Judgement Appear in a Tarot Reading

Justice and Judgment from the Light Seer's Tarot. Photo by author.

There are some tarot card combinations that cause a frisson of uncertainty when they show up in a reading. Justice 11 and Judgement 20 are such a pairing. Surely their meanings, so clearly linked to authority, are very similar? I’m going to take a look at the two cards; what they represent and how they work in synergy. And how to find a clear interpretation when they turn up in the same reading.

The Justice Card 11

Depicted in traditional decks as a blindfolded woman holding a sword and scales. The blindfold represents the neutrality of Justice’s position. She can’t see either the accuser or the accused, Therefore her conclusion will be based on unbiased and logical reasoning.

The scales represent balance and the weighing up of evidence and information. The sword indicates the importance of truth and the idea of cutting through the flim-flam to get to the facts.

On its own in a reading, it tells the seeker they must take a step back from the situation and weigh up all sides of the argument. In a practical sense, it may show the likelihood of a legal scenario taking place. This would also apply to such events as a contractual issue, a legal agreement, or even a marriage or divorce.

As number 11 in the Major Arcana, it reduces to 2 and so is connected to the High Priestess. The High Priestess keeps her counsel, whereas Justice expresses it.

The Judgement Card 20

The Judgement card is illustrated as an angel calling the dead from their graves. The image confers that the dead will be required to account for their actions during their lives. It is somewhat terrifying.

When it appears in a reading, it may represent the concept of karma; the idea that in this life or the next the seeker will have to face the consequences of their actions and endure the punishment accordingly. The card might suggest that their current situation is the result of karmic re-balance.

Judgment can also herald a spiritual awakening, but this will not necessarily be a comfortable experience. The seeker may have to acknowledge responsibility for their actions and behaviour towards other people and their impact on the world.

They may be given the opportunity to face the truth, make amends, and turn their life around in a more positive direction.

As number twenty in the archetype procession of the Major Arcana, Judgement also reduces to two, making another strong connection to the High Priestess. The High Priestess remains passive in her assessment, while Judgement acts on that assessment and calls for action.

Justice and Judgement from the Universal Waite Tarot. Photo by author.

When Justice and Judgement Appear Together

If Justice and Judgement are present in the same reading, you can bet your life that the seeker is under severe scrutiny. And that in-depth, truthful, self-scrutiny is required. It’s a cosmic court case and the seeker is the one in the dock.

The message is powerful and compelling, and cannot be ignored. It’s a time of reckoning, change, and transformation. Your caterpillar self is about to undergo metamorphosis but you have to go through the pain of dissolving your ego before you can experience a rebirth and become a beautiful butterfly being.

On a practical level, you may find yourself directed to a new course of action, a career change, or a calling to make a positive difference within your community.

Like a combined judge and jury, Judgment and Justice work in harmony to deliver their verdict. You might not enjoy the message, but you will reap the rewards if you face up to the truth, take responsibility for your actions, and are prepared to move forward. Forgiving yourself is the first step to take in your new life.

On a practical level, if the question is about a mundane, yet significant issue, then the appearance of these two suggests a challenging legal situation with a positive decision in favour of the seeker. Justice tells you there will be balance and fairness, and Judgement represents the final outcome. Remember that, sometimes a decision appears to go against the seeker, yet it is possible it will result in a positive change in the seeker’s life.

An important point, briefly touched upon above, is that these cards are both ‘two’ cards and can be connected to the High Priestess. So there is a good case for incorporating that card’s influence into the reading even if it didn’t appear. Just keep it in mind.

As always, the reader must take into account the question, circumstances, and surrounding cards.

Justice and Judgment from the Good Tarot. Photo by author.

Reading Based on the Energies of Justice and Judgement

If you want to try a reading based on this tarot card combination, here is a suggestion on how to go about it. It’s a good spread to help cut through confusion and uncertainty, though perhaps not for complete beginners.

Remove Justice and Judgement from the deck and lay them down in front of you. Shuffle the rest of the cards and then lay five down, left to right, below the two Arcana.

Interpret each card in conjunction with Justice and Judgement. Justice will be most connected to the two left-hand cards, while Judgement is aligned with the two right-hand cards. The central card, the third, is a combination of the two and should be examined in that context.

Card 1. The present situation. This card should help you clarify the issue down to its essence. To get the answers you need, discard all the other distractions.

Card 2. The obstacles. This card shows the obstacles or blocks that prevent the seeker from moving forward. These obstacles may be practical or just in the seeker’s mind.

Card 3. The lesson. This card illustrates what needs to be addressed, using the energy and perspectives of the two Majors. For instance, to apply a neutral balanced view, or to make an effort to take another’s perspective into account.

Card 4. The unseen opportunity. There is always an opportunity and this card should point the way. The situation may appear unwinnable, but that is never the case. Every obstacle or disappointment has its opportunity.

Card 5. The outcome if the seeker makes the changes. If it appears to be negative, then know it is another opportunity.

I hope this reading will be useful to you and that when Justice and Judgment turn up in your reading, it will result in positive and uplifting changes in your life.

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