The Chariot Tarot Card: Upright and Reversed Meanings for Love, Career, and More

• Card   Name: Chariot   The Chariot
• Key   Words: Willpower, self-discipline, victory, journey, triumph, vanity
• Zodiac   Sign: Cancer
• Four   Elements: Water

Card Description

A brave warrior wearing an eight-pointed star helmet and armor rides a chariot pulled by two sphinx-like beasts with human faces, charging straight ahead toward victory with an awe-inspiring presence that no one can block. One sphinx is black, representing severity, while the other is white, symbolizing compassion. Their parallel movements hint at the harmony of yin and yang—the key condition for pursuing victory: balance. The blue chariot is adorned with four pillars symbolizing the four elements of fire, water, wind, and earth. The six-pointed star emblem on the chariot's canopy represents the influence of celestial bodies on the warrior's success and foretells the importance of hope in achieving triumph. The warrior grips a long scepter tightly in his right hand, showing his inner thirst for victory. The square on his chest represents the earth element, symbolizing the power of willpower. In front of the chariot, a pair of wings symbolizes ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian motifs for inspiration, while the small shield beneath them depicts ancient Indian imagery foreshadowing the union of yin and yang.

As the seventh card in the Tarot, The Chariot seems to indicate that the Fool, having journeyed one-third of the way, has transformed into a mature, courageous warrior who braves dangers and charges forward in pursuit of victory. Behind the warrior lies a city, signifying that he has left material possessions behind to embark on a spiritual journey ahead. He holds no reins in his hands, and the sphinxes bear no harnesses, representing that the warrior relies on his powerful willpower to drive the chariot and control the beasts. At the same time, it subtly warns that without a way to channel human willpower and instincts, they will pull in opposite directions, leading to the loss of victory. He stands as a guardian outside the city gates, a protector and defender.

The Chariot is a very demanding card, taxing both body and mind. If using only minor arcana or mixing major and minor, The Chariot is often replaced by the Two of Pentacles and the Knight of Wands, with its meaning roughly a blend of these two cards. The "balancing of both sides" from the Two of Pentacles is pushed to the extreme in The Chariot. The hero must not only balance two different things but also the black and white sphinxes clearly point to these being opposing forces. Thus, the playful sword from the Two of Pentacles no longer exists; even the skilled driver must expend 120% effort to control these two steeds that constantly want to veer toward each other.

The Knight of Wands, from another angle, embodies the hero's situation: he is a hero but not a king, enjoying the glory of being loved and admired, yet his position is not secure. He remains a knight who must still fight for himself. The endless conquests fill not only his adventurous spirit but also the practical need to maintain his status. The chariot could overturn at any moment, and everyone is watching him, making him feel he can't afford to stumble. Besides continuing to build achievements, the hero has no other choice. It's as if driven by something, he rushes to the next battlefield without rest.

In summary, we can easily grasp the meaning of The Chariot in Tarot readings. The appearance of The Chariot itself doesn't mean success; it only implies that success is possible. To achieve the success you desire, you need strong control, because what you're doing now is far from simple, and its success or failure holds great significance for you. (Whether in career or relationships, The Chariot carries the meaning of "exercise self-control, don't let emotions dictate actions.") I once had a friend who couldn't pass the English level four exam near graduation and drew this card. Looking at the warrior's fierce eyes, I didn't know what to say, because I knew he lacked the self-control The Chariot demands, and the outcome was predictable. Fortunately, he still found a job in the end. Losing one battle doesn't mean losing the war; the cards only provide answers to specific questions, not a verdict on your entire life.

Upright Meaning

1. Basic Meaning

Key Words: High efficiency, seizing opportunities, facing things with a positive mindset, achieving victory, obtaining a driver's license, moving house.

No matter how rugged and dangerous the path ahead, you must keep moving forward. At the same time, it also implies this person (usually male) is in control of himself and his surroundings. "Don't give up" is the key theme of this card. You must harness the opposing forces in life. An upright Chariot can also point to an important life event or a success with major significance. In love, it suggests controlling your emotions, which is helpful for relationships, conveying the message of "don't give up." As long as you can coordinate conflicts in the relationship, use reason to overcome fear and desire, you can see the solution to the problem. You should cast off past constraints and draw lessons from them.

2. Love and Marriage

Key Words: Emotional self-control, rapid relationship progress, positive interactions, boldly pursuing love with courage.

In emotions, you're working hard to control your feelings and doing it well, making your relationship develop more smoothly. But if emotional self-control is excessive, it can easily lead to a lack of warm communication.

3. Work and Study

In career, talented and effective in handling tasks, able to work independently, strong confidence, quick to adjust emotions to boost efficiency. Possesses firm willpower, steadfast faith and determination, controlling the entire situation. Your confident yet rational approach will inspire more trust in clients, making them willing to collaborate with you. Suited for entertainment-related professions. In studies, represents progress in grades, passing exams successfully.

4. Interpersonal and Wealth

Savings to buy a car, broad social circle, lively personality, skilled in interpersonal exchanges, independent and autonomous. Challenges arise, requiring bold forward charges.

Although you're not completely clueless about financial management, your spending is indeed quite impulsive; you'll splurge on new cars, car accessories, and related items, even resorting to loans for consumption. But as long as you pay a bit more attention to control, with your effort and drive in doing things, you'll surely repay the loans and even build up some savings.

5. Health and Lifestyle

Physically healthy, full of vitality. For your health, prevention is far more important than cure. You must watch your diet and avoid overexertion. Your nerves are relatively fragile, prone to chronic illnesses, so if you feel too tired or unwell, you should rest well.

6. Others

Suitable for outdoor activities (like skiing, sailing, horseback riding, cycling), taking driving tests, enthusiasm for new things, keeping a journal.