The card of balance, Justice, depicts a female figure holding scales and a sword. This figure is still a familiar one, although she is usually blindfolded nowadays. In Ancient Egyptian mythology the goddess Maat weighed the souls of the dead against her Feather of Truth. Her name means truth and justice, which were thought to form the basis of an ordered universe. Other cultures saw her as Fate incarnate, who presided over the laws of karma - or cause and effect - and dealt out retribution or honours accordingly. Libra, the sign of the scales, is associated with harmony and balance - particularly of a mental kind. Because it is an airy sign it relates primarily to the mental realms, and mental balance rather than emotional concerns. Libra governs the seventh house of the natural zodiac, the house of partnership. There is some dispute about the true position of Justice in the Tarot. Some experts suggest she should be placed in the eighth position, between the Charioteer and the introspective Hermit. This would then give a message of balance between the inner and outer worlds. The number eight is associated with the idea of justice. There is an old belief that there were eight blessings for the chosen and eight punishments for the damned. Eleven suggests that luck and popularity will come out of adversity, and could therefore be considered more appropriate for Strength. Placing Justice between the Chariot and the Hermit also denotes the transitory nature of worldly glory, or attachment to material values. Inner development must be accomplished too, or fate may weigh you in her scales and find you lacking in humility. Some modern packs have replaced Justice in the eighth position, while in others you will find this card numbered eleven. The Waite and Hanson-Roberts decks place Justice in the eleventh position, while the one depicted here, the Barbara Walker deck, shows her in the eighth. Interpretation Justice Justice can sometimes indicate a choice of decision. This kind of decision is primarily logical, and can be worked out accordingly. A list of pros and cons should soon make the choice clear; a sharp mind is what is required when you draw this card. Psychologically, you are balanced, with a fair, clear-sighted view of life. You are not overdoing things in any area, or neglecting some part of your life in favour of another. Justice often appears in answer to questions connected with the law, contracts, or formal arrangements. This card can symbolise important legal documents requiring signature, a court case, or negotiations. It can indicate accountants, judges, solicitors, union leaders and people who make laws. When Justice manifests as a person, you can expect him or her to be involved in this type of career, or possess the type of mind ideally suited to calm, logical negotiation. If you are currently involved with some kind of litigation, Justice suggests that the matter will probably be resolved in your favour. However, if you are making unreasonable demands or being greedy then you may get less than you hope for. Reversed You may well experience injustice, imbalance and delays. Any legal process in your life will be slow and painful. You may have to pay more than you bargained for, or wait a long time until your case is finally resolved. If you are getting divorced, there may be an unfair judgment against you in court. If you are buying a house, be prepared for complicated negotiations and much correspondence. Tax matters may be confused. Emotionally, you may separate from your partner - especially if you are legally married. This kind of parting in unlikely to be very messy, or filled with recriminations. You could both decide time has come to part, and be able to do so on a friendly basis. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World