DESCRIPTION

We see an blond androgynous figure dressed in ceremonial robes who sits between the pillars of polarity with a set of scales in one hand and a sword raised in the other. The sword represents discernment while the scales represent balance. This suggests that discerning individuals examine and balance both their mental and emotional prejudices in order to make wise decisions. One side of the scales is our mind, and the other side is our emotions and our desires. The scales universally will signify the weighing of our actions or deeds against our intent or motive, and the function of Justice is to constantly adjust for any imbalances. One could also consider the crown as Kether and the stone bench as Malkuth. Kether is the highest or most perfect state of being on the Tree of Life. She’s said to be crowned with the cap of maintenance. Her job is to maintain equilibrium and purity. The crown worn by Justice is a “mural crown,” which is often worn by the leader of a city, highlighting Justice’s vital role in civil society.

Justice’s robes are red and green indicating Mars and Venus working together. Red is the color of Mars and it symbolizes action or masculine energy. Green is the color of Venus, the goddess of nature and love and beauty. The colors of red and green also complement each other and when they’re combined they make gray, a color associated with wisdom and neutrality. Grey is the color of the foundation, the pillars, and the seat of Justice. Justice is also associated sometimes with the color yellow, which is seen in the background and refers to the element of air and our thinking capacities. Justice extends her foot, showing that she’s ready to act. Psychologically this picture illustrates the law of poise and self-direction. A balanced personality is one that’s faithful, constant, confident, and because of the right use of reason one’s actions are just. Justice is aligned to the middle pillar which symbolizes the achieving of neutrality or having a well-balanced perspective. Justice is our inner voice that’s guides us to make the right decisions and helps us recognize where we need to achieve greater balance within ourselves. The purple veil behind her throne designates the place of judgement. Purple relates to the color of the Wheel of Fortune, and this curtain, which stretches between the pillars and covers what is beyond them, hints at Justice’s role as the guardian at the gate. The pillars form the two sides of a gate, and one’s actions must be weighed in the balance of Justice’s scales before one can pass through beyond that veil. Some of the strengths Justice helps us to achieve include a sense of integrity, responsibility, and being objective.

Justice helps us make the karmic adjustments to come to a greater state of grace. Sometimes this involves forgiveness. It gives us courage to do what we need to do to achieve greater balance in life. Justice helps us with revelations as well as dealing with consequences. At different times in our lives, Justice will also step in to bring balance between two opposing areas of life. The Justice archetype is embodied any time we work to achieve, maintain, or regain balance in life. Examples of careers related to this archetype include a judge, negotiator, lawyer. Justice also deals with publications and weighing our words, so sometimes individuals embodying this archetype thrive as writers or editors.