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The Chariot Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

By Tina Gong

Published

Chariot Keywords

Upright Keywords Reversed Keywords
success, ambition, determination, willpower, control, self-discipline, focus forceful, no direction, no control, powerless, aggression, obstacles
Skip to Upright Meaning Skip to Reversed Meaning
The Chariot Meaning - Original Rider Waite Tarot Depiction

The Chariot Tarot Card Description

The Chariot tarot card depicts a figure sitting inside a vehicle that is being driven by two black and white sphinxes. The whole card has a bit of a celestial influence; the figure sits underneath a blue canopy adorned by white stars. On his shoulders, he carries the sign of the crescent moon, representing the spiritual influence under which he is guided. On his head sits a crown, meaning that he is enlightened, and that his will is pure. Emblazoned on his chest is a square, denoting the element of earth, of the material world, which grounds him and his actions.

The sphinxes are colored in black and white, a symbol of opposing forces that the charioteer must learn to control. Here they are calm, but they frequently get into scuffles as they seem to want to move in different directions. His task is to guide these sphinxes towards a destination, one that is marked by the cosmic forces that he represents.

The Chariot is linked to the Cancer zodiac sign.

Upright Chariot Meaning

The Chariot tarot card is all about overcoming challenges and gaining victory through maintaining control of your surroundings. This perfect control and confidence allows the charioteer to emerge victorious in any situation. The use of strength and willpower are critical in ensuring that you overcome the obstacles that lie in your path. The Chariot's message comes to make you stronger as you strive to achieve your goals.

The key message that he brings to you is that you must maintain focus, confidence, and determination through a process that will be full of winding turns and detours. If you have a plan or a project that you seem not to be sure about, the Chariot shows that you should pursue the plan with a structured and ordered approach. Your boldness will ensure that you achieve all that you should in this goal.

The Chariot shows that you should pursue the plan with a structured and ordered approach.

In the Chariot's quest for his goal, he may display some behavior that he has never seen within himself before - competition and a desire to succeed has perhaps brought out a more aggressive part of his personality. Aggression is a natural part of human nature, and the Chariot reminds you that it can also be used to help you take charge of your situation, but also must be reined in so that it does not hinder your way forward. 

Upright Love Meaning Upright Career Meaning Upright Finances Meaning
taking action on love, taking control of love life strong ambitions, motivation and control at work determination to reach financial goals

Upright Chariot Tarot Love Meaning

Now is the time to take the wheel, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in love and romance. Once you know your destination, the Chariot tarot love meaning urges you to take action. When you take control of your love life, you are very likely to see rewards. Confidence, courage and drive will lead to success.

As you move towards your goals, the Chariot tarot love meaning however can also indicate the need to balance two urges, represented by the two horses in the card. They may pull you in different directions, but steering a clear path ahead means reining each one in so that you stay on the right path. This card can sometimes bring questions of whether the choices that you have made so far are balanced; is your relationship suffering because of long hours at work? Are you so focused on your relationship that you’ve sacrificed too much of your individuality for it? The Chariot asks us to take our lives back into our own hands again, and steer with determination.

Career Meaning - Upright Chariot

Your ambition will take you far, when you have the Chariot in a career tarot reading. With a clear understanding of what you want for your career, you know your destination, and you can be very focused on getting there. You’re likely to feel very motivated at work, giving you the discipline, drive and self-control you need to succeed. If you’re looking to change roles, or get a more senior position at your current workplace, this card signals that all you need to do is go for it. When it comes to your work environment, remain clear of distractions; this can include office politics or rivals; make sure you remain focused on what you need to do. 

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Finances Meaning - Upright Chariot

If there have been any financial obstacles that have stood in the way of your material stability, now can be the time to deal with them. The Chariot gives you motivation, focus and determination to conquer those challenges. With enough self-discipline, you’ll be able to feel comfortable with your financial situation.

Reversed Chariot Meaning

The reversed Chariot's appearance in a reading can help you become aware of both your aggression, and your lack of willpower. It may either be saying that you are lacking in focus, motivation or direction, or that you are being warped by your obsession with your goals. In the former case, let the Chariot be a reminder that you can emerge victorious as long as you can gather the courage to do so. In the latter, your impulses may be another factor that you must rein in. To see the Chariot in reverse may suggest that you need to come to terms with the fact that you cannot always be in control.

The Chariot reversal meaning can also be an indication of lack of control and direction over your life. You are at the mercy of the opposing forces and the obstacles, and cannot seem to muster the strength to take over. You are taking everything lying down, and life is dragging in any direction that it pleases. It should serve as a wakeup call and reminder that you will need to tighten some loose ends and take charge of your destiny.

Reversed Love Meaning Reversed Career Meaning Reversed Finances Meaning
obsession with finding love, forcefulness in love lack of ambition, too aggressive in career goals rushing into or hesitant about financial decisions

Reversed Chariot Tarot Love Meaning

When reversed, the Chariot tarot love meaning can signal an overwhelming drive to find love, so much so that other goals and aspirations may have been forgotten. Sometimes, one has to remember that in life, we cannot control everything around us, and no matter what we do, we can’t make the perfect person appear to us. Showing up everyday with hope and enthusiasm is important, but so is patience. Let love find you.

A reversed Chariot in love can also signal that things may be out of balance, and you may need to work to correct them again. Make sure that your work, love, family and friendships are not suffering because you are overextending in one or another. This may be at the root of disagreements with your partner.

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Career Meaning - Reversed Chariot

Reversed, the Chariot can signal either a lack of ambition, focus or drive, or alternatively, too much of it. Ultimately, this card brings up questions about how forceful or aggressive you are when pursuing your goals. Are you someone that waits around passively for things you want to happen, hoping that they’ll fall in your lap? Or are you so forceful, that you are inconsiderate of others in your pursuit of success? Both approaches can bring you trouble. Being aggressive to the point of hostility can backfire on you, while being so passive can never bring you the kind of happiness you desire. Are you okay with either of these options? What does a healthy middle ground look like? 

Finances Meaning - Reversed Chariot

Be wary of rushing into purchases without thinking them through. You may not have everything you need to know to make an educated decision. Alternatively, if this doesn’t describe you, you may be too hesitant when it comes to your money. You may be in a position to invest your money into something, but have been wavering taking any action.

Chariot Meaning Tarot Cheat Sheet

The Chariot Meaning - Tarot Card Meanings Cheat Sheet


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