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Category: Major Arcana
The Chariot is the seventh tarot card in the Major Arcana. It is a potent symbol of determination, control, and triumph. This card encourages us to overcome obstacles, maintain focus, and harmonize our inner and outer energies to achieve victory on our life’s journey.
The Chariot: Description
The Chariot tarot card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck features a bold and courageous warrior, poised inside a majestic Chariot. What makes this scene even more intriguing is the fact that the Charioteer holds no visible reins. Instead, he clutches a wand, reminiscent of The Magician‘s, illustrating that his dominion over the Chariot arises not from physical restraint but from the strength of his will and intellect.
Above this awe-inspiring tableau, a celestial canopy adorned with white stars stretches overhead, bestowing an otherworldly aura to the card. There are celestial symbols also on the warrior’s armor: two crescent moons. These symbols signify that the Charioteer is not merely an earthly conqueror; he’s driven by higher ideals and profound spiritual insights.
His tunic, marked with a square, reflects the indomitable strength of his willpower, indicating that he possesses the ability to shape his destiny.
Perched regally atop his head is a crown, a laurel wreath encircling a radiant eight-pointed star. This symbolizes not only victory and success but also spiritual evolution. The Charioteer’s enlightened state is evident; his will remains untarnished and pure.
As we shift our gaze to the background, we witness a wide river meandering behind the Chariot. This flowing river symbolizes the need to synchronize with life’s natural rhythms while pursuing our goals.
But what truly captivates our attention are the black and white sphinxes that propel the Chariot forward. They hold a deep meaning we’ll see later talking about the key symbols’ meanings.
This description pertains to the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. If you haven’t acquired it yet, you can get it here.
The Chariot: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Willpower – Ambition – Control – Success – Determination – Focus – Self-discipline – Inner strength – Spiritual growth – Balance
REVERSED: Lack of Direction – Powerless – Opposition – Aggression – Obstacles – Overconfidence – Spiritual stagnation – Inner Weakness
The Chariot: Meaning
The Chariot tarot card conveys that individuals possess the inner strength needed to overcome obstacles, achieve objectives, and attain victory. The journey might present challenges, yet with focus, discipline, and unwavering determination, success becomes not only attainable but also well within one’s reach.
But – as all the tarot cards – The Chariot holds distinct meanings when upright or reversed. Let’s explore both interpretations.
Upright Meaning
The Chariot tarot card beckons us to embark on a journey of inner strength, willpower, and mastery over the opposing forces within and around us. It is a symbol of victory, achieved not by force, but through the alignment of our spiritual and material realms.
With The Chariot as our guide, we can conquer life’s challenges and navigate our path towards success and enlightenment.
At this juncture, passivity won’t yield favorable results. The Chariot card encourages the adoption of focused action and unwavering commitment, regardless of the obstacles or distractions that may emerge. This card prompts to use concentration on priorities, and the determination to overcome any hindrances on the path.
The placement of The Lovers card before The Chariot is deliberate and significant. While The Lovers card encourages us to explore our values and principles – breaking free from rigid societal norms as seen with The Hierophant –, The Chariot represents a progression from introspection to action. It signifies the importance of harnessing boldness and willpower. In this stage, it becomes crucial to express desires clearly, set firm boundaries, and unwaveringly uphold convictions. The call of The Chariot is guided by a profound understanding of your personal identity and principles.
Success is nearly assured when The Chariot appears upright in a reading, provided one remains resolute and maintains confidence in their abilities. Willpower and self-discipline become valuable allies, enabling the singular focus on the task at hand. This pursuit serves as a testament to inner strength, and the sought-after victory lies within reach, contingent upon persistent effort without resorting to shortcuts.
Reversed Meaning
In the reversed position, The Chariot tarot card reveals a period characterized by a lack of control and direction in one’s life. This phase may leave individuals feeling at the mercy of opposing forces and insurmountable obstacles, making it difficult to muster the strength needed to take charge.
Decisions that were once clear may now appear shrouded in doubt, obscuring the path forward. The Chariot reversal meaning often signals a struggle to maintain a firm grip on various aspects of existence.
Externally, life’s challenges and obstacles may seem insurmountable, causing a sense of helplessness. It can feel as though circumstances dictate the course of events, leaving individuals without a clear sense of direction.
Internally, conflicts may arise, and self-doubt can cloud judgment. What were once easily made decisions may now be plagued by uncertainty, making it challenging to navigate life’s complexities.
The Chariot reversed serves as a reminder that while facing adversity is a natural part of the human experience, it is possible to regain control and direction. It requires patience, self-reflection, and the willingness to confront obstacles head-on. Stagnation is a temporary state, and with determination and clarity, the strength to overcome opposing forces and obstacles can be regained.
The Chariot: Love meaning
In matters of love, The Chariot card signifies a powerful and determined romantic connection. It represents a partnership where both individuals share the willpower to overcome any obstacles in their path. This union is marked by a mutual commitment to their shared goals, fostering a love that thrives on assertiveness and clear boundaries.
Love, in this context, serves as a driving force, empowering both partners to pursue their desires with strength and control. It embodies the idea of a victorious love connection that is aligned with core values, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and successful partnership.
However, The Chariot – especially when reversed – can indicate an intense drive to find love and reminds us that it is not possible to control everything. This card may also suggest a need to rebalance priorities in one’s love life. When the balance is re-established, everything will be on track, and love will once again become a driving force.
The Chariot: Key symbols
The Chariot card is rich in symbolism, with each element contributing to its profound meaning. In this exploration, we will delve into the primary symbols featured in the illustration of this card within the Rider-Waite Tarot deck.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Tarot, it is highly recommended to also delve into the card’s description and the symbols detailed in the bestseller ‘The Way of Tarot’ by Jodorowsky. This book offers a fascinating journey with beautiful images, and it’s important to remember that the Rider-Waite deck is derived from the Tarot de Marseille.
Two sphinxes
The presence of two Sphinxes in The Chariot tarot card holds profound symbolism, representing the intricate dualities that life constantly presents. These enigmatic creatures embody the contrasting forces, positive and negative energies, and conflicting desires that shape our existence. While they appear serene in this moment, it’s crucial to understand that they often engage in heated disputes, each striving to exert its influence and pull the Chariot in a different direction.
The Charioteer’s primary role is to masterfully harness and guide these opposing forces in perfect harmony. He acts as the conductor, skillfully navigating the sphinxes towards a destination marked by cosmic forces. This destination signifies the alignment of his purpose with the grand design of the universe. The concept of “good and evil” here symbolizes the Chariot’s determination to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.
The black and white sphinxes epitomize the profound duality of existence: the interplay between good and evil, light and dark. The Charioteer’s remarkable control over these opposing forces represents the delicate balance required for progress. His ability to harmonize these dualities is not just a means to an end but a testament to his mastery over the intricate dance of life’s dual nature.
The wand or sword
The figure may hold either a sword or wand, each interpretation imbued with its own symbolism. In the earlier description of the card, we observed that when clutching a wand, it is reminiscent of The Magician’s, signifying that his dominion over the Chariot arises not from physical restraint but from the strength of his will and intellect.
However, if we consider it to be a sword, it takes on a slightly different significance. The sword, held triumphantly aloft in The Chariot tarot card, serves as a powerful symbol of mental clarity and unwavering focus. Its presence underscores the remarkable ability of intellect to cut through the thickest of obstacles and illuminate the path ahead with razor-sharp precision.
In the Charioteer’s firm grasp, whether it’s the sword or wand, it becomes a symbol of authority, reinforcing his command over the forces that drive the chariot. It symbolizes both the power of the mind and the strength of determination, emphasizing that intellectual prowess and unwavering determination are formidable assets in achieving our goals.
The raised position of the sword or wand in the card is a testament to the Charioteer’s readiness to confront challenges head-on, relying on his mental acuity to navigate the winding roads of life. It represents the pivotal role of decisiveness in his journey, enabling him to make critical choices that steer him toward his desired destination.
The chariot
The Chariot is a symbol of destiny’s vehicle, representing the earthly aspects of our journey. It encompasses the social, physical, and mental dimensions that carry us through life’s experiences. Adorned with stars, the chariot transcends mere earthly existence, hinting at celestial influences that guide and shape our journey.
The stars on the canopy of the chariot also establish a connection to The Star tarot card. Both of these cards feature figures – the Charioteer and the naked woman – rooted in the earth. However, while the Charioteer enters the world as a conqueror, a traveler, or a princely inseminator, the naked woman in The Star card acts on the world by irrigating and nurturing it.
The crescent moons and the square
The charioteer’s chest plate or shield often bears the crescent moons and a square, each laden with distinct significance.
The crescent moons – symbol also present in the High Priestess card – gracing the charioteer’s shoulders in The Chariot tarot card serve as representations of the unconscious mind and hidden influences that subtly shape our actions and instincts. These moons allude to the cycles and rhythms of life, emphasizing the importance of impeccable timing on the journey ahead.
In contrast, the square embodies qualities of stability, structure, and practicality, highlighting the need for a solid foundation in one’s pursuits.
Together, these symbols within The Chariot card suggest that the charioteer is a master of balance, seamlessly integrating logical reasoning with intuitive guidance. This harmonious blend of practicality and intuition becomes a guiding force in their endeavors, ensuring a well-rounded approach to their path forward.
The Chariot: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
While some interpretations may suggest that the Chariot signifies an overwhelming “Yes” in a yes or no tarot readings, the reality is more complex. Tarot doesn’t provide straightforward answers. To learn more about yes or no tarot readings, continue reading Is Yes and No Tarot reading accurate? Unveiling the truth.
