Major Arcana
A crowned warrior rides a chariot pulled by two sphinxes — one black, one white — in opposite directions. He holds no reins, commanding them through sheer will. Behind him, a starry canopy. The Chariot embodies victory through discipline, the mastery of opposing forces, and determination that overcomes all obstacles.
Upright
Reversed
Quick meaning
The Chariot represents a crowned warrior rides a chariot pulled by two sphinxes — one black, one white — in opposite directions. He holds no reins, commanding them through sheer will. Behind him, a starry canopy. The Chariot embodies victory through discipline, the mastery of opposing forces, and determination that overcomes all obstacles.
Use the symbol
In a yes or no tarot reading, The Chariot is best read through its condition. Upright, it points toward Victory, Overcoming obstacles, Success, Ambition. Reversed, it suggests Forcefulness, Lack of direction, Lack of self-control, Powerlessness. The answer depends on whether the situation is moving with the upright lesson or stuck in the reversed pattern.
As advice, The Chariot asks you to work with the card's main lesson rather than react from fear. Start with the upright meaning: The Chariot Tarot represents overcoming obstacles through determination, focus and willpower.
As feelings, The Chariot can describe someone experiencing the card's emotional tone. In love readings, its upright energy is: In a Love Tarot reading, The Chariot suggests that you need to conquer your emotions in order to have a successful relationship.
Reversed, The Chariot points to what may be blocked, avoided, or expressed in a harder way. Use the reversed meaning as a prompt to slow down and address Forcefulness, Lack of direction, Lack of self-control, Powerlessness.
Energy in motion
The Chariot Tarot represents overcoming obstacles through determination, focus and willpower. With this Major Arcana trump card in your tarot spread you will be feeling motivated, ambitious and in control. Now is a time to go for what you really want. The Chariot is not without its challenges, there may be many obstacles in your path but if you stay focused, keep your composure and are confident in your abilities, you will be successful! It can also represent travel (usually involving driving) as The Chariot is after all a mode of transport. The Chariot can also indicate that you may be acting defensively or aggressively to hide that you are feeling emotionally vulnerable. You may feel like you are in a battle at the moment. Don’t worry, if you maintain your focus, you will be successful! The Chariot is also an indicator of success in sports or competitions. The Chariot represents finding the balance between the heart and mind. Put any worries aside and maintain your focus.
In a Love Tarot reading, The Chariot suggests that you need to conquer your emotions in order to have a successful relationship. If you and your partner have been going through a rough patch, you will need to come together, communicate and work hard. The challenges you face are not insurmountable. They just require some hard work and focus to resolve them. If you or your partner anxiety issues, it is crucial to get these under control as The Chariot Tarot also represents the need to balance the mind and heart to be successful. If your partner uses logic as emotional armour, you may need to get around their defences in order for your relationship to work. If you are single, The Chariot is an indication that your past relationships have let you battle weary. The Chariot signifies that you can overcome the pain of your past and move forward in your love life.
With The Chariot in a work context you should be feeling very ambitious and motivated. If you have been having any issues with work colleagues that you feel may be trying to sabotage you, put your worries aside and continue to work hard and keep your self-control. Alternately, if you are job-seeking or have been feeling stuck in a rut career-wise, now is a good time to go after the job you’ve always wanted. You will beat the competition and achieve your goals! The Chariot can also represent work-related travel. In a financial context, The Chariot is a good omen that can represent overcoming obstacles. If there has been a financial challenge that has seemed insurmountable, this card indicates that this may be a good time to tackle it. It can also represent a big travel or transport related purchase such as buying a car or plane ticket or paying for a holiday etc.
If you have been having health issues that have been wearing you down, you will feel a new burst of motivation and energy to tackle them. You may have a long road to recovery ahead but you are strong and you will overcome these challenges. The Chariot can also represent issues with the digestive system. It’s a great time to start a new exercise regime!
Use tarot for reflection only; it does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or care.
In a spiritual context, The Chariot can represent the beginning of a spiritual journey. While this journey will not be without its hurdles, it is one you are more than ready for and lead you on to greater things. Maintain your focus, don’t be afraid to try new things and have new experiences. You will reap the benefits.
Energy under tension
The Chariot Tarot card reversed can indicate that you feel powerless and are lacking direction. You need to take control of your own destiny and not let outside forces determine your path. When The Chariot reversed you are still moving but you have let go of the reins. You need to regain your drive and determination. Don’t be a passenger in your own life, focus and take your control back! Consider what aspects of your current situation are within your control and take proactive steps to change your fate. You may be powerless, lacking in confidence and put upon by others or by the circumstances of your life. This may be leading to anger, frustration and uncontrolled aggression. If the people in your life are being too needy and demanding you need to take back you power in a productive way. Be clear about what time or resources you are prepared to dedicate to others. Set your boundaries and stick to them.
The overall message of The Chariot reversed in a love Tarot reading is slow down! If you are a relationship and things aren’t progressing as fast as you would like you need to have patience and be confident that things will progress in their own time. Forcing things could be disastrous. Likewise, if you are feeling pressure into moving your relationship to the next level, don’t allow yourself to be coerced. Take a step back and consider what you are ready for. Be clear with your partner and set boundaries. If you are single, you may meet someone soon but the same message applies, don’t rush things. Enjoy the excitement of a new relationship and take time to get to know your new love interest without piling on the pressure. Sometimes it’s better to just go with the flow and let things evolve at their own pace.
The ambition and motivation we see in The Chariot upright is still present in The Chariot reversed. However, when reversed it suggests that you are trying to run before you can walk! Work towards your goals one step at a time. Be careful not to be too forceful in your approach, it could be counterproductive and you could set yourself up for a fall. You need to take a step back and evaluate the obstacles in your way. Consider a slightly softer approach to achieving your goals. Financially, you need to be careful not to rush in investments or financial deals without properly considering them. Make sure you have all the information and have obtained solid financial advice before committing to anything.
As with the upright meaning, The Chariot reversed signifies a burst of motivation and energy in a health context. Just remember to pace yourself and not to rush things. If starting a new exercise program remember: slow and steady wins the race. If you try to do too much too soon you could end up hurting yourself!
Use tarot for reflection only; it does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or care.
In a spiritual context, The Chariot in a reversed position can indicate that you are ready for a spiritual journey and extremely enthusiastic. Just be mindful not to become so over-focused on ticking the boxes of what you expect to experience on this spiritual path that you close yourself off to the unexpected. Often in spiritual pursuits, the experiences we weren’t even aware could happen are much more rewarding than anything we initially hoped would happen.
Cards in conversation
Together, The Chariot and The Fool blend the lesson of the chariot with the energy of the fool. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the fool stands at the edge of a cliff, knapsack over his shoulder, gazing upward with youthful abandon.
Together, The Chariot and The Magician blend the lesson of the chariot with the energy of the magician. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the magician stands before a table bearing all four suit symbols — wand, cup, sword, and pentacle — one hand raised to the heavens and one pointing...
Together, The Chariot and The High Priestess blend the lesson of the chariot with the energy of the high priestess. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the high priestess sits between two pillars — boaz and jachin — at the threshold of the sacred temple.
Clarify the card
The Chariot Tarot represents overcoming obstacles through determination, focus and willpower. With this Major Arcana trump card in your tarot spread you will be feeling motivated, ambitious and in control. Now is a time to go for what you really want. The Chariot is not without its challenges, there may be many obstacles in your path but if you stay focused, keep your composure and are confident in your abilities, you will be successful! It can also represent travel (usually involving driving) as The Chariot is after all a mode of transport. The Chariot can also indicate that you may be acting defensively or aggressively to hide that you are feeling emotionally vulnerable. You may feel like you are in a battle at the moment. Don’t worry, if you maintain your focus, you will be successful! The Chariot is also an indicator of success in sports or competitions. The Chariot represents finding the balance between the heart and mind. Put any worries aside and maintain your focus.
The Chariot Tarot card reversed can indicate that you feel powerless and are lacking direction. You need to take control of your own destiny and not let outside forces determine your path. When The Chariot reversed you are still moving but you have let go of the reins. You need to regain your drive and determination. Don’t be a passenger in your own life, focus and take your control back! Consider what aspects of your current situation are within your control and take proactive steps to change your fate. You may be powerless, lacking in confidence and put upon by others or by the circumstances of your life. This may be leading to anger, frustration and uncontrolled aggression. If the people in your life are being too needy and demanding you need to take back you power in a productive way. Be clear about what time or resources you are prepared to dedicate to others. Set your boundaries and stick to them.
In a Love Tarot reading, The Chariot suggests that you need to conquer your emotions in order to have a successful relationship. If you and your partner have been going through a rough patch, you will need to come together, communicate and work hard. The challenges you face are not insurmountable. They just require some hard work and focus to resolve them. If you or your partner anxiety issues, it is crucial to get these under control as The Chariot Tarot also represents the need to balance the mind and heart to be successful. If your partner uses logic as emotional armour, you may need to get around their defences in order for your relationship to work. If you are single, The Chariot is an indication that your past relationships have let you battle weary. The Chariot signifies that you can overcome the pain of your past and move forward in your love life.
With The Chariot in a work context you should be feeling very ambitious and motivated. If you have been having any issues with work colleagues that you feel may be trying to sabotage you, put your worries aside and continue to work hard and keep your self-control. Alternately, if you are job-seeking or have been feeling stuck in a rut career-wise, now is a good time to go after the job you’ve always wanted. You will beat the competition and achieve your goals! The Chariot can also represent work-related travel. In a financial context, The Chariot is a good omen that can represent overcoming obstacles. If there has been a financial challenge that has seemed insurmountable, this card indicates that this may be a good time to tackle it. It can also represent a big travel or transport related purchase such as buying a car or plane ticket or paying for a holiday etc.
The The Chariot is best read by context in yes or no questions. Upright, it points toward Victory, Overcoming obstacles, Success, Ambition. Reversed, it suggests Forcefulness, Lack of direction, Lack of self-control, Powerlessness.
Put this symbol in context
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