The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Justice

Justice, a cardinal virtue deeply rooted in various spiritual, astrological, and occult traditions, is personified as a female figure in both tarot and myth. In the context of the Rosicrucian order, justice is a value upheld through a love for justice without self-righteousness or judgment of others' flaws. This principle is symbolically represented in the 13th Tarot card, encapsulating moral and ethical considerations and the harmonious balance of forces similar to Le Soleil, reflecting the pursuit of fairness and truth.

Tarot interpretation links justice to the concept of equilibrium, often symbolizing a figure wielding scales, which represents the equitable triumph of the deserving side in law and legal proceedings. The concept of justice is further explored in the Kabbalistic tradition, where it is symbolized by the sephirah Geburah, embodying the balance of opposing forces in divine laws and order. However, there is a contradiction when questioning the principle of justice in those who have ended their love, suggesting that love and justice may have interrelated yet distinct roles in philosophical and spiritual contexts.

In the framework of Freemasonry, justice is associated with the Rite of Closing the Lodge in the Third Craft Grade, emphasizing its critical role in the orderly and ethical conduct of initiates. The practice of balancing moral and ethical considerations, akin to the alchemical process, underscores justice's significance in ensuring fairness and accuracy. This theme aligns with the tarot's portrayal of justice as both a cardinal virtue and an intention to balance good intentions, highlighting its importance in achieving cosmic and human harmony.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Tarot→Substance

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

Both FORTITUDE and JUSTICE are significant concepts that serve as integral components in navigating life's trials and achieving moral victory. These ideals are closely wedded, forming a path that leads to wisdom and liberation. In the context provided, whether through philosophical or tarotic interpretation, FORTITUDE and JUSTICE are seen as complementary virtues that contribute to one's spiritual and moral development. These concepts are central in guiding individuals through challenging situations, affirming the role of strength and fairness in achieving long-term goals and personal growth.

PrudenceConcept

JUSTICE and PRUDENCE are two key qualities that together guide a just and balanced life. Justice involves fairness and ethical considerations, ensuring that actions align with moral principles and uphold equity. Prudence, on the other hand, encompasses practical wisdom, enabling individuals to make sound judgments in various life situations. Both these virtues are essential in creating a harmonious and just society, as highlighted by their presence in the publications of Le Soleil and Le Monde. These entities demonstrate the integration and application of justice and prudence in their editorial content and decision-making processes, reinforcing the importance of these ethical dimensions in both personal and professional contexts.

CharityConcept

Justice and charity are complementary concepts in guiding ethical and moral behavior, each contributing to the overall path of wisdom as shown in Le Soleil and Le Monde

LéviPerson

Lévi is mentioned in the context of the Justice card, which is based on interpretations by occultists

GebugahConcept

Geburah represents justice, one of the balanced properties of divine governance.

ToleranceConcept

Tolerance and justice both reflect a balanced and compassionate approach to life, characteristic of the Rosicrucian's spirit.

The Hierophant and Justice cards are related through their role in guiding and maintaining social structure and moral law, the former as a traditional guide and the latter as an enforcer of fairness and order

History Of FranceConcept

Justice and liberty have been central concepts in the history of France, influencing its political and social movements

Mystical DeathConcept

The Justice card, dealing with individual justice, is indirectly related to the concept of mystical death as both deal with higher or mystical states

Justice and the Wheel of Fortune are both symbols of cycles and balance

Alchemy→Substance

The practice of alchemy requires justice in the weighing of materials

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

JusticethroughTarotilluminatesSun →
I. Justice & Tarot

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

II. Tarot & Sun

The Tarot includes The Sun which represents spiritual illumination, truth, and the renewal of life

JusticethroughTarotilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Justice & Tarot

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

II. Tarot & Paracelsus

Paracelsus, the renowned Renaissance physician, alchemist, and astrologer, is associated with the Tarot in various legends and historical accounts. According to one narrative, Paracelsus is credited with revealing a significant insight into the Tarot after interpreting hieroglyphs in a dream. This suggests that Paracelsus believed in the symbolic and potentially hidden meanings within the Tarot's intricate designs and symbolism. It is also suggested that Paracelsus may have utilized or had an understanding of the Tarot as part of his broader astrological practices, which were central to his overall approach to medicine and philosophy. Both narratives highlight Paracelsus' deep engagement with esoteric knowledge and his belief in the sympathy of various forms of wisdom, including the astrological and the alchemical, as well as the mystical significance of the Tarot.

JusticethroughTarotilluminatesPantacle →
I. Justice & Tarot

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

II. Tarot & Pantacle

The Pantacle, a ritual symbol, is part of the Tarot, which contains kabalistic alphabets and symbols used in magical practices.

JusticethroughAlchemyilluminatesPythagoras →
I. Justice & Alchemy

The practice of alchemy requires justice in the weighing of materials

II. Alchemy & Pythagoras

Pythagoras is mentioned as a potential alchemist in ancient tradition, although no historical proof of his alchemical practice exists

JusticethroughAlchemyilluminatesSpirit →
I. Justice & Alchemy

The practice of alchemy requires justice in the weighing of materials

II. Alchemy & Spirit

Alchemy requires the action of the spirit, representing the divine will, to transform external substances.

JusticethroughAlchemyilluminatesFire →
I. Justice & Alchemy

The practice of alchemy requires justice in the weighing of materials

II. Alchemy & Fire

Alchemy depends on fire as a fundamental element, indicating its importance in the processes and transformations described.

JusticethroughAlchemyilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Justice & Alchemy

The practice of alchemy requires justice in the weighing of materials

II. Alchemy & Philosopher's Stone

Alchemy, a profound and intricate philosophical and scientific tradition, revolves around the pursuit of the philosopher's stone, a legendary substance of utmost importance. The philosopher's stone is central to the goals of alchemy and serves as the ultimate aim and means of transformation within both alchemical and Rosicrucian traditions. This enigmatic concept is deeply rooted in the quest to achieve spiritual and material perfection, symbolizing the potential for profound change and the search for universal truths.

JusticethroughTarotilluminatesKabalah →
I. Justice & Tarot

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

II. Tarot & Kabalah

The Tarot serves as a key to the Kabalah, indicating its significant symbolic and mystical importance Kabalistic theosophy is tied to the Tarot as Lévi and others discuss its connection to the Thirty-two Paths of Kabalistic theosophy.

JusticethroughTarotilluminatesAstrology →
I. Justice & Tarot

The Tarot includes Justice symbolizing truth, knowledge, and the pursuit of balanced enlightenment

II. Tarot & Astrology

The Tarot was used by Etteilla to apply astrological principles in divination.> Astrology is seen as a parallel system to the Tarot, both dealing with human consciousness and relations to celestial bodies, and thus is related to the Tarot in the context of understanding deeper metaphysical truths.

JusticethroughFortitudeilluminatesDuad →
I. Justice & Fortitude

Both FORTITUDE and JUSTICE are significant concepts that serve as integral components in navigating life's trials and achieving moral victory. These ideals are closely wedded, forming a path that leads to wisdom and liberation. In the context provided, whether through philosophical or tarotic interpretation, FORTITUDE and JUSTICE are seen as complementary virtues that contribute to one's spiritual and moral development. These concepts are central in guiding individuals through challenging situations, affirming the role of strength and fairness in achieving long-term goals and personal growth.

II. Fortitude & Duad

Fortitude is a symbolic attribute of the Duad, representing the strength and endurance