Justice sits regally in red velvet robes on a stone throne, a long sword in her right hand with scales in the other. The image of Lady Justice first appeared in the United States during the 17th century during colonialization. Following the American Revolutionary War, New York created a state seal consisting of an eagle on a demi-globe which was supported by the figures of Liberty and Justice. This particularly lady was also dressed richly and holding both a sword and the scales, but her eyes were blindfolded to convey impartiality and the ability to remain objective. The women in both images rely on the sword to help them remain rational, intellectual, analytical and most importantly, able to courageously and even ruthlessly cut through deception. The scales aide in their ability to be fair, objective, and able to weigh decisions methodically and meticulously. However, unlike modern judicial blindfolds that symbolize detachment, Justice in Tarot sees everything clearly – including the querent’s personal accountability, karma, and the consequences of past actions in order to ensure a fair and deep evaluation of the querent’s character. Similarly to the High Priestess, Justice sits between two pillars but unlike the Priestess, she is not asking us to look deeply into our intuitive natures but instead she wants us to consider our actions – past and present, and how those actions shape and form who we are.
What makes a decision just? The answer is relative. It depends on which perspective we are taking on a particular crime or choice. Few people are all good or all bad. Instead, we are a complex mix of self-interested impulses, irresponsible desires and fierce passions as well as benevolent motives, altruistic wishes, responsible decrees of duty and courageous, loving or protective urges. Justice (and her dark brother, Injustice) are created through action. This is where the power of Justice sits. For we all know that actions speak louder than words. Actions create who we are. How we react to what happens around us reflects our values, our history, our fears as well as our hopes. We can cleanse ourselves through redemptive acts as easily as we can stain ourselves with acts of selfish greed or rage. What if we are blind to our motivations or even worse, blame our past for our current misgivings and delinquent behavior as if we have no choice? This is a mistake. A falsehood. Justice gazes at us with eyes wide open, unblinking. She sees all of us – past and present. She offers us a more balanced future. But first we must come to terms with our past and take responsibility for our actions. Regardless of what trauma we may be carrying, we cannot be truly free of it until we confront it and master it with decisions that are intentional. We can reconcile our scars. A spark of divinity waits inside each of us based on this very principle.
When Justice appears in a reading, the consequences of our actions are about to germinate. Good or bad, everything is about to fall into place just as it is meant to be. The truth will catch up with those who lied or cheated us. If we acted fairly, then we will be fairly compensated. And visa versa. A story of disharmony has come full circle and is about to close. Now it is time to think logically. We can’t let emotions overwhelm our decisions, even though it may scare us to finally be accountable. Truth will prevail. Are we ready?
An herb that can help us prepare for the power of Justice is Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis). A common ingredient in soups and stews that originates as an evergreen shrub in the laurel family (Lauraceae), Bay leaves are native to the lands around the Mediterranean Basin or what is modern-day Turkey. The leaf of the Laurel shrub has been used for hundreds of years and is deeply intertwined with concepts of justice, honor, and protection in ancient Mediterranean, Roman, and Greek cultures. As a symbol of the god Apollo – who was associated with truth, prophecy, and law, the bay leaf became a powerful emblem of victory, moral righteousness, and protection against injustice. In Greece and Rome, wreaths made of bay leaves were bestowed upon Olympic winners, poets, and military heroes. This act signified the rewarding of merit, excellence, and honor, key components of justice and public recognition. Medicinally, bay leaves are excellent at aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, managing blood sugar, and boosting immunity due to the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and anthocyanins. Rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, they also help alleviate respiratory congestion and offer antibacterial properties. Consuming bay leaf tea or using extracts can support heart health, lower stress, and relieve joint pain.
Justice and Bay Leaf remind us, regardless of what the past has bestowed upon us, good or bad, we are responsible for our own life and present actions. They call for the abandonment of egotistical, self-serving or disillusioned thinking in favor of radical honesty, honor and impartiality. Let the scales inspire us to find balance and harmony in our thinking and may the sword cut through our weak self-denials. Only then will justice truly be served.
*Tarot reading is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith
References
Batool, Saima, Khera, Rasheed Ahmad, Hanif, Muhammad Asif, Ayub, Muhammad Adnan. “Bay Leaf, Medicinal Plants of South Asia.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 20 September 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152419/
Galvao, Antonio. “Lady Justice.” Historical Society of the New York Courts, retrieved 19 March 2026. https://history.nycourts.gov/history-new-york-courthouses/lady-justice/
Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. San Francisco, Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2007. P91-96
Sharon, Alina. “5 Possible Uses for Bay Leaf.” Healthline, 30 September 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/5-possible-uses-for-bay-leaf