Receptive, Not Selective

From the Anna K. Tarot, Justice; from the Meditation Cards, Nonresistance:

When you feel that you are being challenged, step into the center of the problem

Take the opposite line of reasoning

Resolve the conflict by understanding the other side of the argument

—Eric Oberg

Justice implies discernment, clarity, fairness and objectivity. Anyone who's been around for more than a few decades has likely experienced a biased judgment, one born of black and white thinking instead of viewing the whole context of a situation. (On the other hand, we might have been the one in the judge's seat.) Nonresistance asks us to avoid using force; like the martial art of Tai Chi, we yield and receive rather than using force in return. As Eckhart Tolle explains, "Nonresistance doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing. All it means is that any 'doing' becomes non-reactive." By absorbing and redirecting, we can neutralize physical or emotional tension and maintain our balance. Then we can explain, without emotional fury, our side of things while sincerely considering the opposition's view.  

Unnatural Compromise

From the Fey Tarot, Justice; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Ten of Hearts:

Those that first ask us to bend our principles a little will ultimately return to ask for more and more. They will, ultimately, require us to contort ourselves into utterly unrecognizable positions. Moral compromise is never a single act. It creates a precedent…and then another, and another.

—Ryan Holiday

Justice is blind - to outer posturing and ostentation. Her gift allows her to be impartial and fair so that truth is served and ethics are upheld. What is it that allows us to move away from these principles? Is it a desire to secure our own comfort, or perhaps to please someone else? As the Holiday quote notes, this is a slippery slope, and at some point, there will be consequences for our choices when balance is restored. The Ten of Hearts represents a constancy in our love for others. This is not to exclude ourselves, but to recognize that we are all a part of a whole - separation is just a mental delusion. Afflictive emotions - those that cause us misery - all begin with the seed of self-absorption.

A New Objective

From the Animal Totem Tarot, Justice; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Berkana:

Bravery is the choice to show up and listen to another person, be it a loved one or perceived foe, even when it is uncomfortable, painful, or the last thing you want to do.

―Alaric Hutchinson

Like the crane's beak, the sword of Justice points upward - the truth is more inclusive than any personal viewpoint. But lord have mercy, when I am in conflict with someone, it is hard not to feel that my understanding of things is the correct perspective. Yet these times of frustration, according to Pema Chodron, are teachable moments: "They're like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we're stuck." Maybe I'm not as open-minded as I think if I can't at least listen sincerely to the other person's full story before interrupting. Berakana symbolizes growth and new beginnings but warns that we must let go of our resistance before this occurs. The words of Peace Pilgrim are a good guide for resolution: "Have as your objective the resolving of the conflict, not the gaining of advantage. Be concerned that you do not offend, not that you are not offended."

Equity, not Sameness

From the Tyldwick Tarot, Justice; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Stars:

Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need. 

—Rick Riordan

The scales of the Justice card are a reminder that the quality of fairness is what keeps things in balance. But it's not cut and dried, like slicing a pie and giving everyone a piece that's exactly the same size. A person who steals food should not get the same sentence as a person who robs a bank. A homeless person will need more help than a person living in the suburbs with a nice house. Justice is about equity, realizing that people have different strengths, challenges and limitations. The Stars card uses a compass rose that indicates the cardinal directions and their intermediates, suggesting guidance. When wanting to level the field, people at the top may assume they know what the people at the bottom need. But those who are wise will be guided by the answers to questions they ask rather than the assumptions they make.

With Justice for All?

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, Justice; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Lucidity:

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice. ―Amanda Gorman

Justice should be fair and impartial; its laws should apply equally to all. Yet in the U.S. today, it has been corrupted by revenge, power plays, and bribes. Following one's conscience (if a person has a working one) isn't reliable either, since we easily twist its insights to fit our preferences and prejudices. That's why a jury of one is not advisable. Lucidity means seeing things clearly and rationally without being intoxicated by personal beliefs, selfish desires, opinions or emotions. Justice requires clarity, recognizing that we live in an interconnected, interdependent world. As Helen Keller stated, "Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other's welfare, social justice can never be attained."

Sliding to the Middle

This week I'll be using the Light and Shadow Tarot; the artwork was created by Michael Goepferd, its booklet written by Brian Williams, and its publisher is Inner Traditions. The oracle deck I'll be using is one I created called Art Rounds using pen and watercolor. Today's draws are Justice and Zinnia:

My relationship to reality has been so utterly skewed for so long that I don't even notice it anymore. It's just my reality. —Ethan Hawke

This Justice has the symbols for Alpha and Omega on her scales, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. There is a continuum of thought and behavior, from one extreme to another, and sitting at either end for very long can quickly unbalance those scales. There are times when an extreme may be necessary, but we aren't meant to stay there. If we do, we begin to view life from a skewed perspective. Zinnia is an easy-to-grow, sun loving flower that bees and butterflies love. Available in a range of bright colors, it is a cheery addition in the garden. Zinnia represents warmth, beauty and joy; if we've been without any of these for too long, our attitude and outlook will end up on one imbalanced end or the other. It's time to make these things a priority.

Intoxicating Focus

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, Justice; from the Pages of Shustah, Scorpio:

What we need to strive for is not perfection, but balance.

—Ani DiFranco

What does balance look like in an individual life? At times our focus gets caught up in a project or crisis and loses track of everything else. Bills don't get paid, bodies don't get exercised or rested, and connections with others become frayed. Our world shrinks down to whatever focal point has intoxicated us. Justice looks like she wants to poke us with that big sword to get our attention. Scorpio tells us it is time to investigate and discover where our scales are out of balance, but without any pettiness. It might appear that someone or something else is to blame, but we ultimately have the final say in how we direct our attention.

Stay Calm and In Front of a Fan

From the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the Huntsman (Justice); from the Mushroom Spirit Oracle, Lion's Mane:

It is essential that justice be done, and it is equally vital that justice not be confused with revenge, for the two are wholly different. —Oscar Aria

The Huntsman protects the forest and appears when something has upset the natural order of things. Is it ever anything but a human cause? People have plans and often don't care who or what they abuse and damage in order to be successful. But there is always a reverse in the pendulum swing, even though it rarely happens quickly. Climate change comes to mind (I'm in the purple zone):

Lion's Mane is a species of tooth fungus that tends to grow in a single clump with dangling spines. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and may help with inflammation. This fungus looks like a small fountain of water and represents calm. When there is injustice, it is tempting to act from a place of hatred and revenge. But first we must attend to the hurt and harm done, focusing on preventing it in the future.

Choice Makers

From Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Justice; from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Shark:

Fear, hatred and greed are unwise choice makers. —BK

Humans have it drilled into them from an early age to be successful, which in today's world means make a lot of money. It should be no surprise that we often let our honesty and ethics slip if it means a chunk a change. Whether it's people or the earth itself, we've lost our moral compass when it comes to wealth. Justic arrives to show us just how out of balance we are; unless we correct our course, we'll end up paying a heavy price that costs us dearly. Sharks use their nostrils to draw in water and detect dissolved scents, allowing them to locate prey by scent over long distances and in murky waters. They warn us to sniff out our motives and check our intentions before acting. It might also help to talk with a neutral person to see if we're rationalizing our plans. As Jordan Peterson said, "No one gets away with anything, ever, so take responsibility for your own life."

Balanced Order

From the Mary-El Tarot, Justice; from the OH Cards, Post and Line:

Truth is what imposed order, law, justice, morality and balance upon primordial chaos.

―Marie White

Justice is illustrated with Ma'at, the goddess of truth, justice, balance, and order. Things get out of balance because we think there some things/people more special and important than other things/people. But Ma'at asks us if the weight of our heart balances with the feather of Truth. Not our personal truth (opinions and beliefs), but the universal, capital 'T' one. Post and Line also brings up the idea of balance and adjustment - that line won't stay taut unless it's attached to another firmly grounded post. Likewise, justice must be balanced with mercy just as wisdom must be with compassion. 

Justice and Joy

From the Shadowlands Tarot, Justice; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, "Pleasure Bright:"

It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have. ―James Baldwin

Justice relies on the triad of equity (freedom from bias or favoritism), equality (having the same rights and opportunities), and ethics (moral principles of conduct governing an individual or a group). If one of those legs is missing, it tips over. How did this happen? We can look to the past to see why we are where we are in the present (bird in the nest). If we want to know what's going to hatch in the future - if nothing changes - we look to the present. The Brownie's "Pleasure bright" card isn't a call for toxic positivity, but a call to check the condition of our hearts. Neither entitlement nor revenge will bring justice or joy. 

 

Eyes of Mercy

From the Fey Tarot, Justice; from the I Misteri Sibilla, the Jack of Hearts (the Lover):

Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.

― Cornel West

This fey of Justice sees with her third eye; discerning insight rather than personal opinion is what she relies on. The ego is far from impartial, and it can be LOUD when it thinks it isn't getting a large enough piece of the pie. But it helps not to take this mental construct so seriously, as Denis Kelly explained: “We can smile and nod when our ego, like a slightly unhinged relative who means well, offers its endless array of opinions, judgments, and knee-jerk reactions.” Instead of remaining self-absorbed, the Jack of Hearts suggests we give our attention to others, seeing them through the eyes of compassion and kindness.

 

Changing Times

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Justice; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Gorse (Onn):

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. 

―Jimmy Carter

This fairy engages in quite a balancing act; if the wind or currents shift, she must adjust so that she doesn't fall. Thoth decks call this card Adjustment, which acknowledges that true justice cannot be set in concrete but must alter itself according to new knowledge and changing circumstances. As Carter said, we don't lose our principles just because we adjust our laws. Gorse (Onn) is a shrub that burns fast and bright. Its ogham, Onn, is derived from the Irish word fonn, meaning the sole of the foot and is connected to movement. No law or rule that is unjust should stand for long without being replaced with one that is fair to all. 

Portion Size

This week I'll be using the Animal Totem Tarot, created by Eugene Smith with a companion book by Leeza Robertson; the set was published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Blum/Gern Rune Cards created by Ralph Blum and illustrated by Gabrielle Gern with publishing by Connections. Today's cards are Justice (Crane) and Perth/Perthro:

Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.

―Oscar Wilde

The crane exhibits a posture known as an arch display: wings held high and back arched, beak pointed toward the sky, and the red patch expanded and displayed prominently. He felt his territory was threatened and reacted. It would be nice if Justice truly meant that everything was perfectly balanced, 'fair and square.' But there are too many perspectives and sides with numerous players in every situation for such exactness. Yet we all seem to feel entitled to demand what we think our 'share' should be. The rune Perth/Perthro suggests outcomes that we can't foresee. However, if we are patient and attentive, what has been hidden will come to light. Perhaps if we sincerely listen to other viewpoints and attempt to stand where they do, we might see that our portion doesn't need to be nearly as big as we thought. 

From Surviving to Thriving

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, Justice; from the Nature's Pharmacy, Cranberry:

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion is safe.

—Edmund Burke

Anyone who vows to act fairly, objectively and truthfully will need the courage and strength of the lion to stand their ground. The underlying stumbling block to justice is when one group believes their freedom and rights are infringed upon if another group is given civil rights. In other cases, liberties are given parameters (such as gun regulations) in order to protect the masses, and those who do not agree cry foul. Cranberries have been used as a food staple, medicine, and dye for centuries. The indigenous people of the Lenni Lenape saw them as a symbol of peace and goodwill. Justice ultimately seeks peace and goodwill; the rights of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" include the well-being of all, allowing everyone not just to survive but to thrive. 

According to the Declaration, the extended quality of happiness — what we might call the good or flourishing life — is or should be a primary concern of government. That means it isn't just about my happiness, especially idiosyncratically defined, but about all citizens' happiness.

—Brent Strawn

Justice for All?

From the Dark Mansion Tarot, Justice; from Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, Ship:

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (original Pledge of Allegiance written in August 1892 by Francis Bellamy)

This staid and starchy judge reminds me of how important it is to know the people who are creating and enforcing 'justice.' That line, 'with liberty and justice for all,' doesn't ring true when one group's beliefs are imposed on a minority group. Personal freedoms can easily be eroded when the those in power feel their preferences are the right ones. The addition of 'under God' by Eisenhower underscores this narrow perspective. The Ship card suggests travel or expanding one's horizons. It implies that befriending people of different races, cultures, religions, etc. than our own can be helpful in widening our views; understanding how other people think and live can help develop clarity and compassion. 

Do the Right Thing

This week I'll be using the Slow Tarot, created by Lacey Bryant and published through Modern Eden Gallery. Paired with it will be the ROAR Oracle, created and self-published by MJ Cullinane. Today's draws are Balance (Justice) and Irene Sendler:

A monk asked Yun Men, “What are the teachings of a whole lifetime?”

Yun Men said, “An appropriate response.”

~Blue Cliff Record

Bryant writes that Balance (Justice) asks us to make a measured and deliberate response, understanding that the effects of our response will reverberate, rippling outward with external consequences. Our reactions are usually self-oriented to what we like, dislike or feel indifferent toward. That means our preferences and prejudices take the driver's seat instead of mercy, fairness and objectivity. But if we set aside our opinions, wishes, and emotions, what would the appropriate response be? Irene Sendler was a nurse who saved 2500 children as a part of the Polish Underground Resistance during WWII. She hated the term 'hero,' believing that people should be helped regardless of religion or nationality. Her actions were without desire for recognition but rather motivated by love and the aspiration to do the right thing. Justice should follow suit. 

One can not be just if one is not humane.

~Luc de Clapiers

Freedom for All

This week I'll be using the RainShadow Tarot, created and self-published by Claire Mack. I'll also be using the Liminal Spirits Oracle, created by Laura Tempest Zakroff and published by Llewellyn. Today's draws are Justice and Walnut:

I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.

―Coretta Scott King

Anthropologist Ruth Benedict wrote that the purpose of her field was "to make the world safe for human differences." Benedict challenged exceptionalism, the view that a certain group was superior to another. She also promoted cultural relativism, the belief that one culture should not be evaluated using the norms and values of another. Justice involves restoring balance and fairness; rather than punishing differences, we can celebrate them. Walnut is a symbol of discernment as well as protection. It's leaves and hulls contain juglone, which is a natural herbicide that prevents the competition of other trees rooting beneath it. Walnut's message is to see beyond our bias, which shrinks our world rather than protects us. Then perhaps we can embrace the vision of Michelle Obama: "Let's invite one another in. Maybe then we can begin to fear less, to make fewer wrong assumptions, to let go of the biases and stereotypes that unnecessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the ways we are the same."

But Then

From the Urban Tarot, the Five of Disks; from the Principles to Live By, Justice:

You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. ― James Baldwin

We've all been there, when our health, home or livelihood has been affected. Whether it's the devastation of a tornado, the doctor's diagnosis, or the pink slip from our employer, it begins as a moment of numbness and disbelief. That soon morphs into fear or anger, accompanied by a feeling that this isn't fair or right; we shouldn't have to deal with such a burden. Yet the Justice tile is a reminder that we all deal with loss of all kinds; hardships come to everyone regardless of how knowledgeable, wealthy or spiritual they are. This counsel (and Baldwin's words) are not meant to be a condescending pat on the head, but a poke to awaken compassion for ourselves and everyone else. It's not easy being a human, but if we look beyond our current mindset, we'll likely find some support.

Traction

From the Tarot of the Master, Justice; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Laetitia:

This Justice's scales seem to be perfectly balanced; if someone were to ask me what was imbalanced, I'd begin a long list with the climate/environment and end with politics. But this Justice seems to look downward rather than outward - at me. I can get intoxicated about many issues, which may make me feel as if I'm doing something though I'm actually not. Justice would tell me to find some traction, and Laetitia ('joy') might help with that. The booklet that comes with this deck suggests this card refers to the sharing of ideas and discussion. I am reminded of the wise words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”