The Adjustment card in the Thoth Tarot system represents a profound principle of balance, harmony, and universal law. Often associated with Justice or Temperance in other tarot traditions, this card emphasizes the necessity of inner harmony, moral integrity, and the alignment of the self with higher truths. It serves as a powerful symbol in divination, offering insight into the unseen forces that orchestrate the ebb and flow of life. The imagery and historical evolution of this card provide a deep well of wisdom for those seeking equilibrium in their personal and spiritual journeys.
The Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, reinterprets traditional tarot symbolism through a uniquely Thelemic lens. In this deck, the card known as Justice in the Rider-Waite-Smith system is renamed "Adjustment." This change reflects a specific philosophical understanding: balance is not a static state of judgment, but a dynamic, ongoing process. Crowley viewed balance as an active recalibration, akin to walking a tightrope that requires constant concentration and fine-tuning. This shift signifies a broader understanding of balance—not just as a state of being, but as an act of doing. It serves as a reminder that achieving equilibrium is not about reaching a point of stasis, but about continually adapting and adjusting oneself within life's constant flux.
Visuals and Symbolism
The imagery of the Adjustment card is rich with symbolic meaning designed to convey its core message. In the Thoth Tarot, the card depicts a figure, often described as a winged, angelic being, standing amidst a landscape that suggests harmony and equilibrium. This figure is not a distant judge but an embodiment of active balance. The symbolism is further deepened by the objects held by the figure, which are central to the card's meaning.
The scales and the sword are prominent symbols in the Adjustment card, perfectly illustrating the dual nature of balance. The scales represent equilibrium, illustrating how life often requires us to weigh different elements and make adjustments accordingly. They symbolize the need to measure actions against their consequences and choices against desires. The sword represents the power of discernment and the ability to cut through illusion to reveal truth. Together, these symbols suggest that true balance requires both the capacity to weigh and evaluate (the scales) and the clarity and decisiveness to act upon that evaluation (the sword). The card urges consideration of all facets of any situation before making decisions or judgments, advocating for a conscious harmonization with life's rhythm.
Thelemic Context and Historical Evolution
The reinterpretation of this archetype within the Thelemic context is significant. In traditional decks, Justice is portrayed as a figure of static judgment, weighing law and morality against one another. In contrast, the Thoth deck's Adjustment is dynamic and alive, representing a moment-to-moment calibration to keep the self aligned with divine truth. Here, the figure is not a judge passing verdicts but a guide imparting wisdom about karma and the profound consequences of our actions. The card emphasizes the value of observation and critical thinking before making life-altering choices, asserting that a fair and discerning mind is crucial for revealing truths and opening doors to higher wisdom.
The card's journey through tarot history is also noteworthy. Initially absent in early decks like the Visconti-Sforza (around 1450 AD), the card representing Justice made its grand entry in later decks such as the Marseille Tarot (around 1500 AD). As tarot evolved from a mere game to a spiritual tool, Justice claimed its spot in the Major Arcana. The renaming to Adjustment by Aleister Crowley around 1900 AD, and its swap in position with the Strength card (from Trump XI to Trump VIII), was a controversial move in tarot circles. Crowley believed "Adjustment" better represented the idea of equilibrium and balance between opposing forces. This card is aligned with the Hebrew letter Lamed (ל), described as the ox-goad that guides correction, and the astrological sign of Libra. On the Tree of Life, this path connects Geburah (Severity) to Tiphareth (Beauty), symbolizing the integration of discipline with the radiant harmony of the soul.
Interpretations in a Reading
When the Adjustment card appears in a reading, it offers specific guidance based on its orientation. At its core, the card asks whether one is living in resonance with their True Will or veering off center into illusion.
Upright Meaning
In the upright position, the Adjustment card signifies balance, justice, and the law of cause and effect. It encourages responsibility for one's actions and decisions, suggesting that individuals have the power to shape their own reality through conscious choices. The upright card reflects conscious correction and the sacred balance of truth. It is a call to embrace the "inner dance" where each choice is an act of alignment that brings one closer to their True Will. It signifies a period of fairness, where observation and critical thinking lead to higher wisdom.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Adjustment card signals a period of imbalance or unfairness. It indicates dishonesty, misalignment, or a refusal to self-correct. The reversed card warns of denial, distortion, or spiritual misalignment. It suggests a avoidance of responsibility and a denial of the consequences of one's actions. This orientation serves as a warning that the individual may be out of touch with the necessary adjustments required to maintain harmony and is potentially creating further imbalance through their choices or lack thereof.
Conclusion
The Adjustment card, whether called Justice or Adjustment, teaches that balance is a dynamic and essential aspect of the human experience. It is not a final destination but a continuous process of calibration and alignment. Through its rich symbolism of scales and sword, and its historical evolution from static judgment to dynamic adjustment, the card offers a profound lesson: truth is not an external verdict but an internal state of being achieved through constant, conscious effort. It reminds the spiritual seeker that achieving equilibrium requires both the wisdom to weigh life's complexities and the courage to act with discernment, all while remaining aligned with a higher, personal truth.