The Chariot tarot card is a powerful symbol of overcoming challenges and achieving victory through control and determination. This card, part of the Major Arcana, signifies the importance of focus, confidence, and willpower in navigating life's winding paths. When The Chariot appears in your reading, it's an affirmation that you are on your way toward actualizing your most aspirational objectives.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Chariot tarot card typically depicts a figure sitting inside a vehicle driven by two sphinxes, often colored black and white. The whole card has a bit of a celestial influence; the figure sits underneath a blue canopy adorned by white stars. The figure beneath a blue canopy adorned by white stars. On his shoulders, he carries the sign of the crescent moon, representing the spiritual influence under which he is guided. On his head sits a crown, meaning that he is enlightened, and that his will is pure. The sphinxes are colored in black and white, a symbol of opposing forces that the charioteer must learn to control. Here they are calm, but they frequently get into scuffles as they seem to want to move in different directions.
Biblical and Mythological Roots
Key VII: The Chariot is rooted in Merkabah or Chariot mysticism per Abrahamic mythos. As the story goes, Ezekiel sees Spirit as a fiery chariot amidst white light, glowing metal, and wheels of sparkling beryl. Before the helm of the chariot are four figures, each with the face of a lion, a bull, a man, and an eagle. A symbolic representation of these figures appears in The Chariot card of the Thoth Tarot. It also appears in the final card of the Major Arcana, Key XXI: The World, for all three of the traditional tarot systems-the Marseille, Rider-Waite-Smith, and the Thoth. The figures represent the four directions and four corners of the physical plane that the Chariot traverses. The lion, bull, man, and eagle also represent the four fixed zodiac signs in astrology-Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio, corresponding with the four elements, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Per Biblical mythos, the Chariot is powered by seraphim, high-ranking angels in the celestial kingdom. Mystics ascend to the celestial realms by way of the Chariot.
In the imagery and color symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith Chariot card, we can see the qualities of the god Helios, riding in his horse-drawn chariot of the sun. After Phaethon’s death, he became a constellation-Auriga, the charioteer. As it would be, in both the Marseille and Rider-Waite-Smith Chariot card, the charioteer’s crown and canopy are covered with stars. Even the charioteer’s armor bears a resemblance to the constellation Auriga.
The Chariot and Numerology
The numerological correspondence-tarot key number seven-denotes the seven heavens that mystics can project to. Key VII is the last card in the first septenary. The septenaries are the three subdivisions of seven in the twenty-one cards of the Majors Arcana (less Key 0: The Fool). The first septenary, Keys I through VII, with the Chariot being the last symbol in this tier, represent the primal dramas of the human ego. It is the realm of self-discovery. The second septenary, Keys VIII through XIV, represents the path to attaining wisdom, which involves coming to an understanding of all facets of the physical plane we dwell on. The third and final septenary, Keys XV through XXI, is apotheosis, transcendence toward the Divine. As noted earlier, the four figures-the lion, the bull, the man, and the eagle-appear again in that final card, Key XXI, and that is consistent through the three traditional tarot systems. The semiotic relationship between The Chariot and that final card, The World, helps us to better understand The Chariot.
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Upright Chariot Meaning
When The Chariot card appears in your reading, it is an affirming omen that you are on your way toward actualizing your most aspirational objectives. If you have a plan or a project that you seem not to be sure about, the Chariot shows that you should pursue the plan with a structured and ordered approach. In the Chariot's quest for his goal, he may display some behavior that he has never seen within himself before - competition and a desire to succeed has perhaps brought out a more aggressive part of his personality. Aggression is a natural part of human nature, and the Chariot reminds you that it can also be used to help you take charge of your situation, but also must be reined in so that it does not hinder your way forward. The Chariot card is a sign to the seeker to embark on the path of the seeker’s life purpose and higher calling.
Key Messages:
- Maintain focus and confidence.
- Embrace challenges as opportunities.
- Use willpower to overcome obstacles.
Upright Chariot as Feelings: The Chariot reveals a powerful drive and ambition in how someone feels about you. They are fueled by their emotions and possess the determination to overcome any obstacles. This person recognizes the potential in your connection and is ready to take charge, confidently navigating challenges that may arise. Their feelings are deep-rooted; they are committed to moving forward with purpose.
Upright Chariot as Actions: As The Chariot reveals itself, now is the time for you to take decisive action and harness your willpower. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, focusing on your goals with determination. This card encourages you to adopt a new perspective: see obstacles not as barriers but as stepping stones toward success. In practical terms, create a clear plan outlining your objectives and break them into manageable tasks. Engage in activities that build confidence, such as public speaking or physical training.
Reversed Chariot Meaning
When The Chariot card appears in reverse, I think of Phaethon (“the radiant one”), son of Helios. Phaethon was put in charge of his father’s chariot for a day and, losing control of the horses, ran the chariot into Earth, scorching it, so Zeus sent down a thunderbolt from heaven to destroy Phaethon and prevent further harm. That imagery reminds me of another tarot card, Key XVI: The Tower, bearing the thunderbolt of heaven striking down, destroying as a means of preventing further harm. Upright or reverse, The Chariot card is about determination and willpower, though in reverse, recalling Phaethon, we are being warned of the consequence when there is determination without control. The Chariot reversal meaning can also be an indication of lack of control and direction over your life. You are at the mercy of the opposing forces and the obstacles, and cannot seem to muster the strength to take over. You are taking everything lying down, and life is dragging in any direction that it pleases.
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Key Messages:
- Reassess your goals and motivations.
- Avoid aggressive pursuits; consider collaboration.
- Focus on inner peace and clarity.
Reversed Chariot as Feelings: The appearance of the reversed Chariot points to a sense of confusion and lack of direction in how this person feels about you. They may be struggling with their emotions, feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about where they stand. This indecision can lead to frustration as they grapple with conflicting feelings, making it hard for them to commit or express themselves clearly.
Reversed Chariot as Actions: In the presence of the reversed Chariot, you may be feeling a lack of direction or control in your life. Now is the time to pause and reassess your goals and motivations. Instead of pushing forward aggressively, focus on understanding what truly drives you. Take a step back from any competitive pursuits and consider collaborating with others instead of going it alone. Engage in activities that promote inner peace, such as meditation or journaling, to clarify your thoughts.
The Chariot in Love, Career, and Finances
Now is the time to take the wheel, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in love and romance. Once you know your destination, the Chariot tarot love meaning urges you to take action. When you take control of your love life, you are very likely to see rewards. As you move towards your goals, the Chariot tarot love meaning however can also indicate the need to balance two urges, represented by the two horses in the card. They may pull you in different directions, but steering a clear path ahead means reining each one in so that you stay on the right path. This card can sometimes bring questions of whether the choices that you have made so far are balanced; is your relationship suffering because of long hours at work? Are you so focused on your relationship that you’ve sacrificed too much of your individuality for it?
Your ambition will take you far, when you have the Chariot in a career tarot reading. With a clear understanding of what you want for your career, you know your destination, and you can be very focused on getting there. You’re likely to feel very motivated at work, giving you the discipline, drive and self-control you need to succeed. If you’re looking to change roles, or get a more senior position at your current workplace, this card signals that all you need to do is go for it. When it comes to your work environment, remain clear of distractions; this can include office politics or rivals; make sure you remain focused on what you need to do.
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If there have been any financial obstacles that have stood in the way of your material stability, now can be the time to deal with them. The Chariot gives you motivation, focus and determination to conquer those challenges. Be wary of rushing into purchases without thinking them through. You may not have everything you need to know to make an educated decision. Alternatively, if this doesn’t describe you, you may be too hesitant when it comes to your money.
Here's a quick guide to the Chariot's meaning in different aspects of life:
| Aspect | Upright Meaning | Reversed Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Taking control, balanced urges | Overwhelming drive, imbalance |
| Career | Motivation, focus, success | Lack of ambition, excessive force |
| Finances | Overcoming obstacles, determination | Impulsive decisions, hesitation |
The Chariot tarot card embodies the idea that the journey is more important than the destination. When The Chariot reversed comes up in a reading, get ready for roadblocks. Setbacks are the perfect opportunity to reexamine your goals. Have you gotten off track? Are you still as excited and determined about your goal as when you started working towards it? Perhaps you are feeling a bit disillusioned that your goal is too lofty or too far off. The Chariot reversed is asking you to recommit, to find that passion again or to release or rewrite that goal. There's no shame in slow progress or stalled progress. There's no shame in determining that this is not what you want anymore and setting new goals. There is no one right way to do life.
Ultimately, the Chariot is a powerful reminder of your inner strength and potential for success. Whether upright or reversed, this card offers valuable insights into your journey and encourages you to take control of your destiny.