Question: How can we best support Ukraine?
The Cards: Justice, Major Arcana XI
Justice Rulerships: Libra, Venus. Element: Air Colours: Green.
The Deck: The Rider-Waite Coleman-Smith, first published in 1910. Card illustration here by Aimée.
Lunar Position: I cast the reading during the Waning Crescent Moon in Aquarius, with white sage and yerba santa and compassion. May it harm none.
Description:
In the card Justice, Major Arcana XI (in some decks, XIII), we encounter a figure seated on a stone throne in a place of great universal power, law and learning. The figure’s face is both serene and intense. Their robes indicate wealth but are not flashy. They are wearing a simple gold crown atop a classic bob haircut. In one hand, we see a sword; in the other hand she/he holds a set of balanced scales. There are stone pillars on either side of the throne. Between the pillars is a plum-coloured panel of fine cloth—velvet or heavy silk. Golden light comes from behind the fabric panel. The atmosphere of the card is calm.
Advice:
At the time of this reading, it is day six of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Certainly, we are all deeply affected by the wide-ranging effects of this heartbreaking and dangerous global situation. I asked the cards how we can best support Ukraine.
The card, Major Arcana XI, Justice, advises our actions to be just and fair and based on integrity. In the Tarot, Justice is universal—there is no special treatment according to wealth, colour, nor class—all are assessed and addressed as equals.
The Tarot provides interaction with non-human forms; it is worth remembering the scale of justice in the Tarot is not easily perceived on planet Earth! This is no judge and courtroom system. Justice in the Tarot is on the scale of fate, Karma, destiny and larger. Also, there is an edge, literally, to Tarot-scale justice (check out the size of that sword).
This reading advises us to mirror universal law in our actions towards Ukraine. Put aside any human-scale predetermined opinions or assumptions about Ukraine and Ukrainians, or Russia and Russians—do what you feel would be the fulfillment of the highest and greatest forms of equality and justice. Actions inspired by you meditating on your own true meanings of justice are the way to go.
In a turbulent international moment, it’s worth noting the atmosphere of the Justice card is airy and calm. Air is the ruling element for this Tarot card. Air is about systems, having clear vision and often literally seeing from a bird’s-eye view. Rise up and above and look at the situation from way, way above. After thinking this way for a bit, decide how you would like to support Ukraine from this place of air perspective.
For those of us outraged beyond belief by these attacks, the card Justice recommends seeking a calm state of mind. The Justice card is also a reminder that universal law will surely triumph.
