The Chariot tarot card explained
What does The Chariot represent in tarot?
You know those moments when you've made up your mind about something, and nothing is going to stop you? Maybe you're determined to get that promotion, move to another country, or finally make a big change in your life. That's the energy of The Chariot.
The Chariot is card VII (7) in the Major Arcana. It represents determination, willpower, and having a clear direction.
But... here's the thing. Being determined is great, but are you actually heading in the right direction? Sometimes, we become so focused on achieving a goal that we forget to ask ourselves why we wanted it in the first place. We push forward because we've already invested so much time and energy, even when things aren't making us happy anymore.
The Chariot encourages you to take control of your journey—and making sure it's indeed where you want to go.
Start a free tarot readingThe meaning behind The Chariot's imagery
Scan by Saskia Jansen · Wikimedia Commons
In the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, The Chariot shows a warrior standing in a chariot, pulled by two sphinxes. One is black and the other is white, representing opposing forces.
Interestingly, the warrior isn't holding any reins. Instead, they appear to be controlling the sphinxes through willpower and determination.
Above the warrior is a canopy decorated with stars, representing a connection to higher ideals. Behind the chariot is a city, suggesting that the warrior is leaving familiar surroundings to pursue something new.
The opposing sphinxes are interesting. It's like they represent different forces pulling us in different directions.
Think about your own life. Maybe you want to advance your career, but you also want more free time. Or you want to move abroad, but you're worried about leaving your family behind. The Chariot isn't necessarily telling you which direction to choose. It's about finding a way to move forward despite those competing priorities.
The Chariot in a love reading
Love isn't always about waiting for the right person to come along. Sometimes, you have to make a decision and actually do something about it.
Maybe you've been dating someone for months, but neither of you has talked about where the relationship is going. Are you both looking for something serious, or are you just enjoying the moment? The Chariot could encourage you to take the initiative and have that conversation.
Conversely, if you're already in a long-term relationship, perhaps you're thinking about taking the next step together. Do it!
But what happens when you and your partner want different things?
Imagine drawing The Chariot as what to focus on and The Lovers as where you are now. The Lovers represents relationships and shared values. Combined with The Chariot, maybe you're being encouraged to make a decision about where your relationship is heading—together.
On the other hand, if The Chariot appears as what to avoid, maybe you're pushing your partner towards a decision they're not ready to make.
Being determined is one thing. Dragging someone along for the ride is another.
Start a free tarot readingThe Chariot and your career ambitions
If you're someone who's ambitious about your career, The Chariot is probably a card you'll enjoy drawing.
It's about setting goals and hitting those goals.
A common one is, of course, getting a promotion / raise. The Chariot might encourage them to keep going. Sometimes, success really does require persistence.
Card pairing also matters.
For example, imagine drawing The Chariot as what to focus on and The Hermit as what to avoid. The Hermit represents solitude and introspection. Being alone. Combined with The Chariot, perhaps you've spent enough time thinking about your career, and it's finally time to cool down.
Maybe you've been researching a career change for months, comparing different opportunities, and asking everyone for advice. At some point, you have to make a decision. The Chariot could be that little push you need to stop analyzing everything and actually move forward.
Find your direction with a free tarot reading
We all have moments when we're unsure which direction to take. Should you stay where you are, try something new, or keep pushing towards a goal you've had for years?
Sometimes, it helps to look at the situation from a different perspective.
With Turbo Tarot, you can get a free online tarot reading to reflect on your love life or career. No account, no payment, just three cards and a little time to yourself.
Together, they can help you think about the decisions you're facing.
And remember, The Chariot isn't about racing towards the finish line. It's about knowing where you're going and why.
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