Lust (XI)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Jupiter/Mars as the capacity for judgment, and Venus in Libra as a symbol of honesty, justice, and equilibrium.

JUSTICE The card of Justice encompasses several themes. It is clarity, the objectivity of cognition, and conscious, fully determined judgment, as well as incorruptibility, equilibrium, and honesty. The card affirms that justice will inevitably be restored. On a mundane level, this means that everything we do echoes back to us through the surrounding world, which answers good with good and evil with evil. If we act honestly and decently, we are rewarded; if we resort to questionable means, sooner or later we get what we deserve. Thus, this card implies a high degree of responsibility for one's actions. It unambiguously shows that nothing is given freely, but neither will there be any obstacles if we are prepared to answer for everything we receive.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

11 (8) – JUSTICE Libra The eighth card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called JUSTICE (also known as FAIRNESS, EQUILIBRIUM) and depicts a figure seated upon a throne. The back of the throne is formed by two columns. Justice wears a crown; in her right hand she holds a sword, and in her left, the Scales. This card recalls the Judgment of Souls in the Hall of Osiris. It teaches that only balanced forces may continue to exist, and that eternal JUSTICE will destroy with the sword that which is unbalanced. Sometimes JUSTICE is depicted with a scythe around her neck, reminiscent of the hangman's noose. This is a subtle hint that man is the cause of his own destruction, for most of his actions lead to ruin. Every person bears the burden of their own destiny and responsibility, which their soul finds for itself in this world, and this is the "merchandise" that it offers to others. The classical TAROT image depicts the goddess of justice Themis, weighing a person's capacity to accept this burden — their prudence. Therefore, "hearing" — the ability to hear the verdict of Themis — corresponds to this cinarot. A person is born for a new Destiny and, receiving blessing from above, comprehends the mysteries of spiritual activity. Perfection presupposes a balance of forces, a balance of the right and left hand, which Themis helps to maintain. The card symbolizes a person's power to say "no" — in order to affirm the right of free choice, and in this it corresponds to the astrological sign of Libra, which develops the concept of evolution. A person says "no" to their former notions of the rigidity and inexorability of the natural laws of the world, in order to find within themselves the strength to bring something new into the world by natural means. The nobility of an integrated personality, balancing one's own reasonable egoism with mercy toward others, makes it possible to direct one's will toward the universal good. Venus and Saturn in their balanced combination — such is the content of the modern Eighth ARCANUM of the TAROT. This ARCANUM is characterized by objectivity, an inclination toward order, and a striving to establish a connection between the ideal and the earthly (the achievable). When interpreting the card JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, EQUILIBRIUM, one must take into account such aspects as the will to knowledge, the search for and attainment of harmony (within oneself and within the cosmos), responsibility for oneself and one's deeds, self-realization and self-expression. Among the vices characteristic of this card are a certain Pharisaism, the typical "Libran" snobbery, and inflated self-esteem. Despite the fact that this card usually depicts the goddess of justice Themis, the Eighth ARCANUM corresponds rather to Pallas Athena, and even more accurately to the Egyptian goddess of truth Maat.

Upright position The card affirms the right of any existence to self-expression; it speaks of a striving for development, a search for freedom and independence. As for actual events, papers and legal matters await you, which will affect you in some way (whether the payment of compensation, or perhaps the finalizing of a divorce). The matters may be contentious — a divorce, and sometimes the recovery of some loss. Depending on the neighboring cards, it may suggest marriage or the legalization of an existing relationship. In the psychological sphere, this card is a symbol of the equilibrium of the spirit and the ability to find common ground with other people — especially in important matters; it signifies maturity and life experience.

Reversed position The card signifies a separation, but not a legalized one, as well as court cases that remain long unresolved. You are being given a rather harsh apprenticeship. You will be taught, however, and the lessons will bring you no pleasure, though they may possibly be of benefit. In any case, you will be taught the acceptance of necessity. If the reading concerned a love relationship, it will most likely be broken off. Characteristic situations are a prolonged legal dispute; divorced spouses living in the same apartment for lack of housing. In the psychic sphere — instability of character, embitterment, touchiness.

"Remember! With every action that provokes a reaction, the will must foresee the impact of opposing forces, in order to destroy or at least to soften the collision." Papus