Tarot Card The Chariot: Meaning and Interpretation

The tarot card The Chariot belongs to the Major Arcana and is numbered 7. The main message of the card is rapid progress. It gives any plans and aspirations a clear direction and heralds the start of something significant.

Archetype of the Chariot Card

The archetype of the Chariot card is associated with victory, moving forward, following an idea, as well as control and balance.

Movement. The Chariot itself symbolizes movement and quick transitions. It can also indicate that one should be ready for changes in life.
Balance. At the same time, the Chariot card speaks of the need for control over life and balance. One should know where they are going and what they need to do to achieve their goals.
Control. The Chariot card introduces the idea of control: one must keep their emotions in check and not succumb to fears, and only then will success follow.
Triumph. By transforming feelings and thoughts into a harmonious mechanism, and learning to benefit not only from strengths but also from weaknesses, one will undoubtedly achieve their desired goals.

The Chariot is associated with triumph and progress

The Symbolism of the Chariot Card

The Chariot tarot card in the classic Rider-Waite deck is one of the most significant and meaningful cards.

The card depicts a chariot, symbolizing forward movement, progress, and the pursuit of new endeavors, indicating the cycle of time and life. The Chariot can also represent the material world, where one must clearly understand their direction and actions.

The chariot is drawn by two sphinxes—one black and one white. The black sphinx represents melancholy and a loss of zest for life. The white sphinx represents life and inner light. This duo embodies the inherent contradictions within any person. They symbolize two aspects of personality that must work together to achieve success. They also highlight the need to control emotions and not succumb to fears, as well as the necessity of balancing different areas of life.

Additionally, there is a hint at the riddle of the sphinx, which only the wise can solve. If the sphinxes draw the chariot, it means the charioteer has solved this riddle, showcasing his intelligence and mental agility. The charioteer wears a laurel wreath, historically awarded to victors.

The elements of the Chariot card—colors, shapes, and figures—enhance its symbolism. The yellow color of the card symbolizes energy and dynamism. The blue color of the charioteer's clothing symbolizes spirituality and wisdom. The color of the chariot hints at stability and earthly energy.

The Key Meaning of the Chariot Card

The key meaning of this card can be described as movement, control, and balance.

The first meaning associated with the Chariot card is moving toward something important, regardless of any obstacles. The card may indicate that it is important to be ready for major changes and new opportunities.

The card speaks of the need to move forward despite the circumstances

The Chariot also suggests that it is time to let go of the past and focus on the present. A new phase is clearly visible ahead, and its success depends on the person's determination.

The Chariot can indicate maximum enthusiasm for an idea, filling a person with energy, optimism about the future, and a lack of fear of difficulties.

General Meaning of the Chariot Card in the Upright Position

When the Chariot card appears in the upright position in a spread, it can indicate the following:

Progress in an endeavor, changes.
New opportunities that shouldn't and likely can't be missed.
The onset of the next life stage.
Victory, triumph, achieving a goal, successful completion of a project or task.

General Meaning of the Reversed Chariot Card

The Reversed Chariot can be interpreted as follows:

Stagnation, delays, difficulties on the path to your goals.
Lack of confidence, instability, chaos in life.
Loss of balance, emotions overwhelming reason, self-doubt, uncertainty.
Fear of new opportunities, concerns about the future.
Defeat or failure.

Overall, don't dramatize the Reversed Chariot, but be cautious – it is not the best sign, highlighting negative dynamics, decline, doubts, and a lack of forward movement.

Reversed Chariot – stagnation, regression, negative dynamics

The Meaning of The Chariot Card in Love in the Upright Position

When the tarot card "The Chariot" appears upright in a love reading, it can have the following meanings according to the tarot reader at zoomboola.com:

Changes in love. In this context, the card may point to changes in relationships: breaking old ties, starting new ones, shifting roles within the couple, changing circumstances, and discovering new opportunities.
The need to move forward. The Chariot can also indicate successfully resolving problems or prolonged conflicts in relationships.
Success in love. The card may suggest the successful completion of relationship-related tasks, as well as harmony and stability in relationships.

Overall, when "The Chariot" appears upright in a love reading, it may indicate upcoming changes in relationships. These changes may not always seem positive at first glance, but they should be accepted with dignity. Eventually, it will likely become clear that the changes were for the better.

The Chariot Promises Changes for the Better

The Meaning of the Reversed Chariot Card in Love

When the tarot card "The Chariot" appears reversed in a love reading, it may indicate:

Stagnation in the relationship. In its upright position, The Chariot symbolizes movement and progress. When reversed, the card may point to stagnation in the relationship or an inability to move forward due to hidden obstacles, both internal and external.
Loss of control and balance in the relationship. This can lead to instability and disorder in the relationship.
Missed opportunities or the inability to seize chances. Relationships may regress to a previous stage.
Failure in love. When reversed, the card may indicate a serious quarrel, cooling of feelings, or failed sexual intimacy.
Imbalance. In its reversed position, the card may indicate a loss of harmony in the relationship, possibly due to one partner's inability to control their emotions and desires.

An inverted Chariot speaks of stagnation in the relationship

The Chariot as the Card of the Day

When The Chariot card appears in the "Card of the Day" reading, it can be interpreted as follows:

Upright position: The Chariot card in the upright position indicates new opportunities, imminent changes, prospects, and advantageous chances that should not be missed.
Reversed position: The Chariot card in the reversed position may indicate stagnation and an inability to move forward. Obstacles may arise on your path today, preventing you from achieving your desired goals. You need to take measures to restore balance and overcome these obstacles.

What the Chariot Card Warns About

The Chariot card can warn or advise depending on the context of the reading and the question. Generally, the Chariot can warn of the following situations:

Warning of changes. The Chariot card can signal upcoming changes in a person's life. This could relate to changing circumstances, roles, or new opportunities. The card advises the person to be ready for changes and see them as opportunities for growth.
Advice to move forward. The card might suggest that a person should not rest on their laurels. This can relate to professional life, self-development, or relationships.
Warning of stagnation: The card can warn about prolonged periods without change in a person's life due to doubts, lack of confidence, or a conscious refusal of new opportunities.

Anita Martin astrologer