XI – Justice or Strength

Some decks place Justice in the 8th position, and some Strength. Both descriptions are included here and in position 11, where the other cards is placed.

Justice

Justice is the card of balance, karma and “cause and effect.” You reap what you sow with this card, for better or worse. The obvious significance of Justice in a reading concerns legal matters, but that literal interprertation isn’t necessarily the right one. With the scales in one hand, Justice reminds us of the classic image, except without the blindfold — this form of Justice is NOT blind.

The symbolism is reminiscent of Maat in Egyptian lore, the weigher of souls. The hearts of the dead were weighed against her feather, with only “light” hearts passing on to a paradise in their afterlife. That’s why even though all other organs are removed, the Egyptians left the hearts in mummies.

When Justice appears, be sure to act with honor and integrity, which is a good idea even when this card doesn’t appear in a reading. But take this as a warning of cause and effect, and be mindful of the karma you create.

“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Strength

The traditional imagery of Strength is a woman putting her head in the mouth of a lion, creating a number of possible interpretations. Some see it as inner strength manifested with quiet determination, while others see this card as trying to impose your will on that which should be wild and untamed. Trying to “tame the beast within” so to speak.

Regardless, Strength in a reading calls for diplomacy and patience over brute force, or even simply mastering ones’ emotions over their animal nature. William Blake said “the wrath of the lion is the wisdom of God,” so while one may be seeking the divine, there’s a certain amount of danger and fear to overcome.

Another possible interpretation of Strength is having the courage to face your fears and even your own primal nature, which may frighten us.

“There is nothing so strong as gentleness and nothing so gentle as real strength.”

St. Francis de Sales

“The lion who breaks the enemy’s ranks is a minor hero compared to the lion who overcomes himself.”

Rumi

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