The Chariot
Carriage of Champions
The Chariot is Major Arcana number 7, and represents the Fool‘s first major success on their way through the Major Arcana. It is the vehicle of the Tarot deck, moving around its cards so that it is well shuffled, and transporting the deck wherever it needs to go. The Tarot interpretation of the Chariot often involves some kind of vehicle or trip, or else a major triumph.
The Chariot Card Meaning
The Chariot card is first and foremost about winning, in a way that is convincing or absolute, not temporary, lucky, or circumstantial. Along with winning comes the other hallmarks of the Chariot card, including confidence, ambition, and drive. One win can snowball into another, build your self-confidence, or send you off in another direction entirely — but one that you choose for yourself, instead of being forced upon you. In a Career Reading, this card usually means you are forging your own path, or that it is time to do so: try your Career Progress Reading Here.
Symbolism in the Chariot
The Chariot symbolizes trophies, cars, bragging, and races. The Chariot is commonly associated with the zodiac sign Cancer in the context of Astrology, a pair that may seemed mis-matched at first glance, but at the heart of their connection is the determination to get what they want, and the drive they possess to pursue it unfailingly. Like its number 7, the Chariot also has to do with self-determination, power, and the ability to choose between many options.
The Carriage: Going Where You Want
The main figure rides in a carriage or chariot with two solid yellow wheels. This represents the ability to go where you want, both choosing the direction as the driver, but also having the means of getting their quickly. The Chariot can represent any kind of vehicle; for the character Jack Sparrow, who understands this card well, it was his ship:
“Wherever we want to go, we go. That’s what a ship is, you know. It’s not just a keel and a hull and sails; that’s what a ship needs. Not what a ship is. What the Black Pearl really is, is freedom.”
-Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
The Beasts: Duality and Power
The two beasts pulling the Chariot represent the horsepower pulling the Chariot onwards towards its destination. What good is it to determine your own direction, if you can’t actually move? However notice that the animals are opposite colors, but both contain black and white, only in reverse. This evokes the principle of yin-yang, and represents the rider’s dual mind; part of them wants to carry their momentum forward and push onwards to greater heights, while the other wants to rest on their laurels and bask in the glory of their past success. In any given situation a balance between these two extremes must be sought, and the Chariot card is about searching for this middle ground.
The City: Leaving Home Behind
The figure is driving their chariot away from the city that appears behind them, representing a departure from the old or familiar in search of something greater or new. After a success, we often move on to the next challenge, which usually means leaving our comfort zone, or physically going somewhere new. If we fail to do this, then stagnation or boredom results, and the Chariot card is a reminder to not let this happen.
The Chariot Card Reversed Meaning
The Chariot reversed can mean losing, feeling aimless or not know what to do, being thwarted at every turn, or learning that it’s ok to not always be the best. You might be stuck somewhere, unable to move or travel, or simply finding yourself without the inclination or energy to move or win.
Previous card: The Lovers
Next card: Strength
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What does the Chariot represent in a Love or Relationship reading?
The Chariot is encouraging you to choose your own direction in your love life. Do not let others tell you what to do or pressure you into doing something you don’t want to. You have the power, even if it doesn’t always feel like it; as long as you remember that it is yours to exercise when and where you want to, then you will be able to determine what is best for you and your partner. If it feels like one of you is driving the cart and the other is pulling it, then try switching up the dynamic for a bit so you both can get a feel for what it’s like to be in the other person’s shoes.
What does the Chariot symbolize in Career and Finances?
You have had a recent success or win, or else one is upcoming. But this success is not the end, or beginning; it is a step on a much longer journey, and if you don’t capitalize on this success and use it to try to create even bigger wins in the future, then you may squander it. The Chariot is reminding you that confidence begets success, and success begets more success, so once the ball is rolling never let it stop.
What guidance does the Chariot have for everyday life?
The Chariot is a reminder to make your own way in life. This extends to the big things, like who you spend your time with and what your goals are, but also to the small things, like how to spend an extra five minutes, or which route to take to work. Take advantage of these small freedoms and do what you want with them, not what is easy to default to, or what others are expecting. These small victories add up over time, and each time you practice exercising your freedom, it gets a little easier the next time.
Does the Chariot represent you right now?
Click to reveal the card below – if it’s the Chariot, then this card’s energy is strongly influencing your right now! If not, it may be a message the Chariot wants you to hear…
Is the Chariot dominating some area of your life right now? Try Your Life Areas Reading Here.
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