Egipcios Kier * 8 Justice

Card 8, Justice, from the Egipcios Kier Tarot Deck, hints at the secrets of balance, self-awareness, and the pursuit of righteous living.

The centerpiece of the card is a a woman crouching on one knee, an unusual pose in Egyptian art. Rather than the feather of truth, she holds a dagger symbolizing the power to cut dishonorable behaviors from her life. She gazes at a set of scales suspended before her, evaluating whether or not her life is in balance.

She wears an elaborate Egyptian crown with two enormous plumes and a Uraeus serpent. A jeweled wig frames her face. Rather than being bare breasted, her torso is covered and a long skirt reaches her ankles. She is elevated above the viewer on a three tiered pedestal. Before the pedestal, a serpent encircles a solar disk, mirroring the sun at the top of the card and adding an aura of holiness to the space in which she meditates.

Reflecting upon one's own actions is a sacred act.

Above her, four symbols above the central image deviate from the usual Minor Arcana format. The double crown of Egypt encircling the sun signifies ancient power. A mysterious letter, possibly from an "angelic" script, hints at esoteric wisdom. A glyph that resembles a weapon or fishing hook suggests discernment. While a circle symbolizes the cyclical nature of justice: wrongdoing followed by correction, and hopefully, transformation.

In the title bar, we see several symbols. The astrological symbol for Capricorn, denotes discipline. The Hebrew letter Chet (ח), first in Chayim (life), the 8th letter of the alef-bet, possibly derived from the Egyptian hieroglyph for "courtyard," perhaps representing the place where the woman on the pedestal meditates. The number 8, evokes the biblical charge: “Justice, justice shall you pursue” and the imperative to “Choose life.”

Kaplan clarifies that the second astrological glyph represents Saturn, another symbol of discipline, justice, and consequence. He links the horned solar disk to Hathor who punished any who mocked her father Ra. The serpent biting its tail is a more mystical depiction of the Uraeus serpent, guardian of divine law. Rather than inspiring fear, these symbols remind us to seek harmony with divine order.

Kaplan identifies the central figure as a follower of Ma’at, goddess of truth. The twin ostrich feathers on her crown represent balance. The dagger of Anubis reminds us that death and final judgment are near and we must ensure walk a righteous path before final judgment comes.

Kaplan explains that Ma’at, daughter of Ra and wife of Thoth, played a pivotal role in creation. As chaos was withdrawn, Ma’at emerged to bring order and balance to the world. She is the eternal guardian of truth and embraces dualities such as good and evil, Upper and Lower Egypt, the desert and the fertile land on either side of the Nile. She is the eternal principle that sustains cosmic harmony.

This card shows us seeking harmony and living justly. It beckons us to embrace our good inclination, speak with sincerity, act with good intentions, and cultivate a commitment to fairness. Through the upright meanings noted by Kaplan, we are reminded of our ability to perceive temptation and avoid evil, to respond favorably to the goodness in others, to judge impartially, to live with harmony and poise.

Kaplan’s interpretation of the reversed card warns us to temper our judgments of others and approach justice with compassion and openness.

In the shrine of Justice, equilibrium and righteousness can be learned. Find a space like this one to meditate how you will navigate the complexities of life. In this sacred space, pray. The Hebrew verb for prayer (התפלל) implies judging oneself, changing oneself.

Justice waits for you to pursue her.