The Justice, being the card of cause and effect, brings clarity and allows us see the motives and the consequences of our actions, as well as of the actions of others. The nine of swords is the card of extreme stress, nightmares and negative, external influences. It is also a card of endings. In combination, the two cards could indicate the law of karma in its negative manifestation.

• Commitment phobe
• Fear of retribution
• Losing balance
• Malicious gossip/judgement
• What goes around comes around
• Unfavorable outcome in legal matters
• Making a difficult decision
• Punishment
• Stressing over a court case
• The final stages of a court case
• Defending oneself in a hostile environment
• Feeling defenseless
• Not being able to tell right from wrong
• Defending victims of cruelty

The elements of the cards are Air (Justice) and Air (Nine of Swords). A very energetic combination which emphasizes the meanings of the cards. Since Air is associated with the mind, we should expect that thoughts will be intense, even compulsive at times. However, the Justice, as major arcana card, gives that promise that balance can be achieved, provided we avoid getting caught up in negative or rampant thinking.