As noted at the beginning of the class, these quotes are taken from the work:
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite
XI - JUSTICE
"As this card follows the traditional symbolism and carries above all its obvious meanings, there is little to say regarding it outside the few considerations collected in the first part, to which the reader if referred. *note- this refers to info in the book itself which is available through Barnes & Noble and other sources*
It will be seen, however, that the figure is seated between pillars, like the High Priestess, and on this account it seems desirable to indicated that the moral principle which deals unto every man according to his works--while, of course, it is in strict analogy with higher things--differs in its essence from the spiritual justice which is involved in the idea of election. The latter belongs to a mysterious order of Providence, in virtue of which it is
possible for certain men to conceive the idea of dedication to the highest things. The operation of this is like the breathing of the Spirit where it wills, and we have no canon of criticism or ground of explanation concerning it. It is analogous to the possession of the fairy gifts and the high gifts and the gracious gifts of the poet: we have them or have not, and their presence is as much a mystery as their absence. The law of Justice is not
however involved by either alternative. In conclusion, the pillars of Justice open into one world and the pillars of the High Priestess into another."
Justice
To all things there is the need to balance. The pendulum of life swings to one
side than the other- briefly staying in balance. This card symbolizes more
than any other card the precarious nature of that balance- as we seek to find
in the duality of all things a one-ness. While many decks show the card with
scales at even keel, in truth, we know that this is but a fleeting time and
one that should be savored. Most of the time we find our lives out of balance
totally- or if we are fortunate, with some sense of it although never quite even.
Many equate this with the Law- a sword of justice held in one hand, the scales
balanced on the other...but do how do we mean that word? The arbitrary laws of
our society? our religions? or perhaps the laws that nature inflicts without
mercy or sight? Yet without a law of all these sorts, mankind would sink into
chaos, perhaps the same chaos from which we came.
Note the similarities of this card to the High Priestess...the two colums
again are seen, the figure crowned and robed with the right hand of conscious
holding the sword straight and upright--as if without effort, the scales
perfectly balanced. Perhaps the goal to which we all attain.
Alignment of our energies, our emotions, our thoughts--each day a human finds
itself in the place where the scales have tipped- positive or negative?
Perhaps- perhaps it is simply a matter of difference.
The grey pillars remind us of other cards--take a look at the High Priestess,
the Hierophant, as well as the less obvious pillars in other major arcana. Do
you see the 'eleven' in the two pilars standing there--we have the balance
between the two sides which is attained.
There is a violet veil which can obscure truth, but the noble purple color
indicates the willingness to seek truth and balance. The sword cuts through
all the muck and mire, and finds the bottom line... The grip is in the t-cross
or hebrew 'tau' a symbol of slavation. The yellow color of intelligence and
clarity- light of wisdom. The scales show us that each decision must be
weighed.
Nothing in life is by chance--do you believe this? Can you see where each
action has a re-action...that whether in thinking or not about an action, a
word spoken, a glance given we partake in the world and what happens in it.
Once we begin to see this we begin to both realize the consequences of our
actions, and can move away from being the victim...in doing so we empower
ourselves.The grey floor and throne indicate tranquility, power, solidity while the
green cap show nature. Think of the violent weather storms that show no
partiality in its massacre of property and lives- there is no consideration of
race, religion, wealth, or status. Is nature cruel? Or is this ultimately the
true balance?
The crown is a symbol of authority and a logical mind--squared top to give it
again a feeling of solidity...the heart is covered by a brooch showing that
the logical andemtional are balanced in true justice, while the red robe
indicates the desire to find that which will bring us closer to the middle
road. Her foot moves forward as if to step up and take action. We see the
hands similar to the Magician with one pointing up, the other down.
Often in divination this card brings about first a question of legal action,
need to find a middle road in some adventure or project or emotion. But
taking it deeper look to where this card might indicate that there is the need
to realize that all in life strives to balance...illusive though it might be
it is to be within that 'range' that we seek both spiritually and physically.
Ask about where in the querants life there is an extreme or a feeling of
imbalance- where they feel 'OFF' center. These are the issues, beyonhd the
mundane that often will provide a vehicle for the person to find those answers
within themselves that can bring about tranquility and peace.
