What does the Chariot Tarot Card mean?

This is the last card of the first septenary, which in the old days was also called the Chariot of Hermes or Osiris. This card sayt that the previous life, the previous section of the road are completed. What’s next? The wagon is waiting, it’s time to hit the road again. Seven is a magic number, the number of the Creator, the Universe. This is the Arcana of triumph, energy, victory and achievement.
This is a card of moving forward dynamically, overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
The seventh Arcana is a symbol of a well-deserved reward received through hard work, self-control and discipline. It is a card of mind and clear thinking to help you choose the right course.

A warrior proudly stands on a Chariot with a rod in his hand. The warrior sets out on a journey. The walls of the hometown are left behind. Ahead are dangers, adventures, achievements.
(For a detailed depiction, analysis of the Symbols and all Elements of the Chariot Tarot Card, click here)

Meaning of the Card

Some force compels you to leave what you have, to forget about the past – about home, about work, about comrades. You are overwhelmed with energy, and you are looking for a new field to use it. Hit the road, and let this stage of your journey become the discovery of a new world for you. But remember that the Carriage is moving fast and the path is full of sharp turns! Let the mind command you, but do not strive to completely get rid of feelings and emotions: without them, your Carriage can overturn.
The Chariot invites you to use everything you have learned to overcome everyone and everything that interferes with achieving your goal. You need to look inside yourself and find strength there.
By reconciling contradictions in yourself to such an extent that you can manage them, you are able to defeat real enemies.
As the Chariot of war destroys enemy forces, so the Tarot Chariot symbolizes victory over all who are against you. There are no elements that are hostile to one another, they can be reconciled and made to work together. There are forces that are hostile to one another in nature: good and evil, positive and negative, truth and falsehood. In some cases, they can be factors within you, and it is your responsibility to make them work together, not even in agreement. Just as often, these opposing forces represent people or events in your life that prevent you from achieving your goal.
By drawing strength from the opposites within yourself, forcing them to work together, you are able to recognize your true enemies and use their weaknesses and your strength against them. This is the victory that the Tarot Chariot symbolizes. All your enemies are defeated, all intentions have come true, nothing stands in the way of success. The level of the Chariot is another step where the temptation to stay is great. In the end, you not only found peace with yourself, but also overcame all obstacles on the way to achieving the ultimate goal. In fact, what you’ve accomplished is important enough to seem like the goal you are striving for, or at least the goal worth striving for. It is very difficult to convince yourself that even more can be achieved by continuing the search.

Positive Aspects of the Card
Triumphant conquests and the ability to overcome obstacles, receive or provide help, find your way, move forward, victory. In order to achieve triumph, one must be at least courageous and decisive, unshakably confident in one’s own righteousness and the seriousness of the situation.

Negative Aspects of the Card
Conflict and belligerence, quarrels and scandals, a gross demonstration of power and strength, defeat in fight, overconfidence and impudence.

The Main Meanings of the Card In an Upright Position

Key Words and Phrases

A clear goal. Determination. The desire to continue what has been started. Initiative. Self-affirmation. Strength of will. Control. Conquest. Success. Domination. Concentration. Inner world. Triumphant progress. One-sided thinking. Ambition. Craftsmanship. Bravery. Skill. The energy needed to achieve a goal. Great effort. Achievements. Way to success. Self-control. Clarity of purpose. Travel. News. Victory. A victory won on our own. Honors. Confession. Control over conflicting forces. Internal struggle. Self-discipline. Conflict of interests. The ability to always stay on top. Desire to adhere to the “golden mean”. Balancing conflicting emotions. Overcoming obstacles. Moving forward with struggles and conflicts. Reaching the top. Iron will. Driving with the flow. Movement. Communication. Transport vehicles. New car. I am the master of my destiny. I am the captain of my soul.

Perhaps you are currently struggling for self-affirmation and you need to figure out why your thoughts, emotions and desires are in conflict with each other. You will be able not to deviate from the chosen path if your decision is firm. Your strategy should be decisive progress and a well-defined goal. You will overcome all difficulties and come out of this situation as a winner. In general, no matter what situation you ask about, it will resolve in your favor. Your willpower and well-defined goal will help you rise to the top. A Chariot can mean traveling, buying a car, or using a mode of transport that is new to you.

Persons designated by Upright The Chariot Tarot Сard

Military. Messengers. Professional drivers. Motorists. Travelers. Jockeys. People associated with transport. Winners. People who are at peace with themselves.

The Main Meanings of the Card In a Reversed Position

Key Words and Phrases

Rash actions. Overwhelming feelings. Failure. Unsatisfied ambition. Choosing the wrong target. Imbalance. Dishonesty. Inability to choose a direction. Improper distribution and use of your energy. Complete disruption of plans. Poor focus. Moving too fast. Restlessness. Obstacles. Wrestling. Conflict. Pressure. Futility. Indulgence. Inattention to others. Resentment. Unnecessary use of force. Dominant attitude. Termination of the relationship. Danger. Suspicion. Anxiety. Frequent mood swings. Severity. Repression. Character flaws caused by an inability to reconcile conflicting emotions. Travel or transportation problems. Delayed or canceled trip. Crash. Problems with the car. Circumstances are stronger than us. The mind is out of control. Self-destruction.

In the Spreads

The most common meaning of the Chariot Tarot card is change for the better, progress, movement towards the goal, activity. However, you should take into consideration that you can achieve what you want only with hard work, good organization and self-control. The highest reward will go to those who are not afraid to act, keeping a sharp mind and clear thinking.
7 Arcana Tarot indicates a sharp leap forward, a breakthrough in all areas of life. Time for reflection is over, you need to act.
The tarot Chariot, with all its positive meaning, also warns of risks. Even if you are confident in yourself, driving a Chariot is difficult and unpredictable. You need to be as confident and willing to change as possible in order to be successful.
If, during fortune-telling, the Chariot fell out to you, you need to pay due attention to this card. 7 Arcana is an important sign and its presence in the spread carries a deep meaning. Most often, the Chariot has a favorable meaning. This is typical for almost any spread and any question. Depending on the sphere of interest and the position of the card, the interpretation has its own nuances.

In an Upright Position

This card symbolizes success or victory gained through hard work or diligence. The Charioteer embodies self-discipline and clear thinking. He can assess the situation, make a key (important) decision, and then move in a positive direction. If you draw this card from the deck, then most likely you will be able to cope with ailments (ill health) and any obstacles that currently interfere with your progress. In addition, you will be successful in any financial transactions that you carry out in the current period.
In most spreads for different questions, the Chariot means renewal, the end of a certain period of life and the beginning of something new. This can be either a new relationship, or moving to another country, or changing jobs.
The Chariot testifies to the fact that you are a person who is able to control, if not the fate itself, then the events created by it. You have either already proven your strength and ability to overcome obstacles, or you are just getting ready to demonstrate your power. The card predicts that soon some event will happen in life that can raise you to another level of success. Try your hand, and the subsequent triumph is assured to you. Remember the card’s warning – do not overestimate your strengths, do not be too self-confident and do not allow yourself to be “dizzy with success.” The best thing is to realize in time how much there is still to be learned.

In a Reversed Position:

You are using your talents and energies in the wrong way. Your life lacks balance and self-control. You are acting unethical or irresponsible. You may have health problems.
Reversed Major Arcana Tarot Chariot is a bad sign. If the Chariot falls to you in an inverted position, be prepared for losses, failures, surprises, often very unpleasant, which may arise through your own fault. Perhaps you lack attentiveness or confidence, or, on the contrary, you are too self-confident and do not notice problems.
7 Arcana can also warn of quarrels and conflicts, equipment breakdowns, uncontrollable circumstances. If you have a trip planned, it is better to postpone it.
In a reversed position, the Chariot may indicate that you are rushing in a certain direction with an awareness of purpose and meaning. But you will fail in this. At the very last moment, Fortune will turn away from you, and you will lose what was almost already in your hands. Your plans will collapse in the most sudden way, and this will be due to the fact that you were not able (or did not want) to assess the situation in time. The card can also speak of insecurity, indecision, someone else’s pressure, the negative influence of the people around. Arcana can be interpreted as an unnecessary admiration for outdated traditions and excessive self-restraint, to warn of imminent conflicts with the law or unexpected court cases.

In a Personal Spread

In a personal spread, especially when surrounded by favorable Minor Arcana, the card indicates that you are able to control your destiny and either have already proven your strength and ability to overcome any difficulties, or are just getting ready to show your power. With unfavorable Minor Arcana or upside down, the card advises you to pay attention to your behavior. Perhaps you are too capricious, tend to overestimate your strengths and ignore other people’s wise advice.

In the Spreads for Relationship

In an Upright Position:
Interested in a relationship? New relationships are coming or the old ones will have a renewal, a transition to a new level. The emergence of a “fresh breeze” in stagnant ties.
The Tarot Chariot, as a card of movement, in spreads for love, most often symbolizes new impressions, bright, but short-lived. But it can also mean a gust of “fresh wind” within the framework of previous relationships, removing the accumulated fatigue, routine, breathing new life into them.
7 Arcana can indicate correspondence on the Internet, holiday romances, flirting, meetings on the side, etc. In the case of a partner, it can warn about the presence of an opponent / rival and romance on the side.
In general, the Arcana Chariot of the Tarot in matters of love is a rather selfish card. Feelings are relegated to the background. The relationships are based on benefits, possibly material. If you are wondering about a partner, think about whether you will be fine with such a person. He tends to remember you only when he needs it.
Another meaning of the direct Arcana in the sphere of feelings is the desire to remove feelings and emotions, to restrain oneself.

In a Reversed Position:
Inverted Tarot Chariot in love spreads indicates emotional instability, inability to control oneself and adequately assess the situation, which often leads to conflicts and quarrels. A difficult period in a relationship, the risk of parting or looking for a new love on the side.
There is a negative experience that is constantly repeated. You cannot escape from it. If the problem is not solved now, it will move into the next relationship.
There is a period of resolving emerging contradictions with a partner. If there is a struggle, then, most likely, it will end in nothing. The relationship will freeze on either good or bad.

In the Spreads for Dates

In an Upright Position:
No problem, only if you believe in yourself.

In a Reversed Position:
Are you deceiving yourself? Do you really want to continue this relationship?

In the Spreads for Family

In an Upright Position:
You are now a pillar of support for your family.

In a Reversed Position:
You have a tense atmosphere at home. Relations with relatives are strained. Find out why comfort has disappeared. Are you just using your family to release pent-up tension? If you are not aware of what exactly throws you off balance, then quarrels and frustrations will continue.

In the Spreads for Friendship

In an Upright Position:
Friends give you the hope and strength to do what seemed impossible.

In a Reversed Position:
Two friends give you two opposite aspirations. You can’t be everything to everyone, so it’s time to make a decision and establish yourself in one thing. Pressure from your peers is what you need to realize and will have to deal with in the near future.

In the Spreads for Money

In an Upright Position:
The card means wealth.
You may not have it now, but one day you will become rich, and honor and glory will come along with wealth.
With an active life position of the questioner, the Chariot will indicate an increase in financial well-being, wealth and a beautiful life. Possible luck from transactions or winning in gambling.

In a Reversed Position:
Caring for money can prevent you from enjoying it. Remember that money is nothing more than metal and paper. Only the meaning you attach to them can create feelings of confidence or anxiety.
In monetary matters, the Tarot Chariot warns of financial losses, which most often occur through the fault of the questioner.

In matters of the working sphere, the Tarot Chariot indicates travel, business trips, vigorous activity, successful solution of business issues. The seventh Arcana foreshadows growth and development, overcoming obstacles, career growth. It can also be a card of effective teamwork.

In a Reversed Position:
In questions for work, an inverted Arcana means that somewhere you did not calculate your strength, did not bring the matter to the end. All work problems have occurred or are occurring mainly through your fault.
In business, it can indicate obstacles from the outside: inflation, decreased demand, loss of suppliers, etc.
Stagnation period. Do not clash or rush, take a break and put things in order. Although this job is not very suitable for you, do your best until you can have another one.

In the Spreads for Health

In an Upright Position:
In matters of health, the Tarot Chariot can have a double meaning. Most often, the card indicates excellent health, capable of withstanding heavy loads, powerful vital energy, recovery from illness.
But it can also drop out as a warning about vehicle-related accidents and injuries. It is better to lay out a couple more cards on top for clarification or look at other cards in the spread.

In a Reversed Position:
The tarot Chariot in an inverted position in matters of health warns of illness. Moreover, diseases can be very different: both trauma and organ damage or a nervous breakdown. Low-risk chronic diseases.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases, the disease does not develop, but as if freezes and only constantly reminds of itself.

In the Perspectives

You should move forward with joy and speed.

Answer to Yes / No Tarot Spreads

In an Upright Position:
“Yes”, but only with your active actions.

In a Reversed Position:
Everything related to movement and activity – no, the rest of the questions require additional cards in fortune-telling.

Combinations with other cards

Strengthening
Two of Wands: gaining authority, superiority
Four of Pentacles: Control
The Magician: concentration, the triumph of one’s own will
Nine of Pentacles: self-control, discipline

Weakening
Strength: weak self-control
The Tower: defeat, humiliating experience
Eight of Swords: embarrassment, self-doubt
The Hanged Man: Following God’s Will, Letting Others Ahead

Arcana’s warning

Try to assess yourself adequately. Maintain harmony of mind, feelings and emotions. There is a risk of taking on a task that you cannot manage. If you don’t know how to handle it, don’t take it.

Self-Development Lesson

True moving forward (progress) requires self-control, a clear vision, and a willingness to take action. Life is a challenge and an adventure. Balance your inner inspirational wisdom with your worldly experiences and your journey through life will be fruitful and rewarding.

Key Ideas

This is a turning point in your life. Nothing else will be the same in it.

Psychological (Personality) Meaning of the Arcana

Type of person in an upright position:

Soldier; leader; head of the company; employer; lucky man.
The card symbolizes a strong personality. It is characterized by ambition, pride, selfishness. The dedication with which this person achieves his goals, arouses the respect and admiration of others. At the same time, he always has the risk of slipping into various kinds of abuse, since he is convinced that all life is a struggle and the winners are not judged.

Use the chance that life gives you and do not reject anything just because it seems unfamiliar and unusual to you. After all, right now you can achieve success in all aspects, including the material.

Final Advice of Arcana

In an Upright Position:
Take the initiative and be proactive. Don’t be afraid to take risks and take matters into your own hands. Keep a sober mind and a clear head. The card advises you to use the accumulated experience and knowledge. This will help you on the way to your goal.
Cast aside doubts, believe in yourself and your right, boldly go forward.

In a Reversed Position:
If you don’t know how or don’t want to, it’s better not to do it. This is the verdict and the meaning of the Chariot Tarot card in the spread for advice.

Conclusion

The Chariot signifies your major leap forward. It shows that you have broken out of the circle of your previous interests and have taken a new path. This change is driven by the desire for freedom, ambition, the search for a lost paradise, or simply the thirst for self-realization. The Chariot is the only card in the Tarot deck that connects such an impulse with a sense of joy and self-confidence.
In all other cases, parting with the old is associated with fear and heaviness in the soul. And here – courage, curiosity – a person rushes forward, looking for the use of his forces and not being afraid to take risks. The card symbolizes strength and dexterity (driving the Chariot), but also inexperience (travel to unknown lands). Therefore, it should be taken as a warning – do not overestimate your strengths, do not be too self-confident and do not allow yourself to be “dizzy with success.” It is best to realize in time how much there is still to be learned.

Discover other Major Arcana: