The appearance of The Chariot card doesn’t guarantee success – it merely suggests that success is possible. To achieve your desired outcome, you’ll need strong control.
A warrior, crowned with an eight-pointed star helmet and clad in armor, rides a chariot pulled by two sphinxes. He charges forward toward victory, commanding and unstoppable.
As the 7th card in the Tarot deck, The Chariot card suggests that The Fool, having completed one-third of their journey, has matured into a brave warrior who forges ahead toward victory, breaking through all obstacles.
The Chariot Card Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number | 7 (represents perfect people, completion, safety. The Lovers card (No. 6) represents choices, while the Chariot card (No. 7) represents taking concrete action, no longer hesitating, fearing making mistakes). |
| Alternative Names | Speed, Triumphal Chariot, Charioteer, Victory, Centurion, Hearse |
| Extended Concepts | Inciting action, Triumph of Spirit, Goal Setting, Voyage |
| Element | Water |
| Astrological Sign | Cancer |
| Mythological Figure | Ares |
| Hebrew Letter | Cheth |
| Health/Body Associations | Stomach, lymphatic system, chest cavity health |
| Kabbalah Path | 18 (connecting Understanding and Majesty; understood matters gain power through the Chariot, while majestic power becomes comprehensible through it) |
| Supporting Cards | The Magician, Two of Wands, Six of Wands, Four of Pentacles, Nine of Pentacles |
Personality Traits of The Chariot Card
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Lively | Loss of control |
| Ambitious | Prone to accidents |
| Commanding presence | Reckless behavior |
| Shows strong initiative | Failure to progress |
| Determined and focused | Stubborn mindset |
| Takes swift action | Disorganized approach |
| Achieves triumphant results | Poor crisis management |
| Demonstrates pioneering spirit | Shows cowardice |
| Overcomes opponents | Faces powerful opposition |
| Successful in romantic pursuits | Experiences setbacks |
| Nurtures passionate relationships | Loses motivation |
| Achieves through dedicated effort | Fails due to impatience |
The Chariot Card Description
A valiant warrior wearing armor and an eight-pointed star crown sits in a chariot, holding a spear-shaped shield. The chariot is pulled by two sphinxes – one black, one white. Four pillars support a blue canopy decorated with hexagram patterns. Behind him stands the castle he protects.
Symbolism and Meaning
The Chariot prince, both privileged and noble, drives his fully equipped chariot forward with determination to conquer the world. The city behind him represents his conquered territory. Though his victories span many cities, his ambition reaches further. He believes the chariot is invincible in its forward march—with courage and unwavering belief, nothing is unconquerable.
The black and white sphinxes represent the willpower to control both conscious and unconscious minds, symbolizing mastery over life and death.
The Chariot card symbolizes strength and power, emphasizing success through persistence. “Never give up” is this card’s central theme – continue despite obstacles, and gain control over your destiny and surroundings. The victorious charioteer represents the human soul, controlling the two lions that symbolize human will and instinct as they journey through time.
The Chariot card represents those who achieve success through talent and effort, reveling in their accomplishments. It indicates forward momentum and emphasizes the need for control. The card suggests someone who knows their desires and how to achieve them.
Characteristics and Influence
The Chariot embodies energy, strong will, resourcefulness, confidence, and adventurous spirit. The sphinxes represent external influences on the charioteer – either from within one’s character or from others. The Chariot’s power helps overcome all obstacles.
Success never abandons those who persist to the end. Belief and doubt form our courageous hearts. Pure belief without doubt removes life’s challenges, while pure doubt prevents progress. The Chariot teaches us to pursue our goals boldly despite doubts.
The Chariot’s appearance suggests potential success rather than guaranteeing it. Achievement requires strong control, as the task ahead is significant. The Chariot carries one clear message regarding career or relationships: maintain self-control and avoid emotional decisions.
The Chariot Card Key Symbolic Elements
| Key Element | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Canopy Decorations | Star patterns symbolize divine attention and protection for the charioteer |
| Crown | Represents nobility of spiritual dignity |
| Armor | Adorned with alchemical symbols of sun and moon energies, representing power and conquest as driving forces |
| Winged Solar Disk and Shield | Symbolizes the balance of yin and yang, represents an inner driving force |
| Sphinxes | Represents opposing choices and directions; though under the charioteer’s control, they may lead into the unknown |
| Walled City | Indicates the charioteer’s power and activities are confined within human domains |
The Chariot Card Upright Reading
The Chariot urges persistence despite challenges while indicating mastery over oneself and surroundings. “Never give up” is its key theme. It suggests controlling opposing forces in life and can indicate significant business ventures or meaningful success.
In Different Life Aspects
Love and Relationships
- Confident in romance
- Swift relationship progress
- Bold pursuit of love interests
- Dynamic romantic life
- Good emotional control leads to smooth relationship development
Financial Matters
- Tendency toward vehicle-related purchases
- Impulsive spending but capable of financial recovery
- Strong earning potential through determination
- Ability to manage debt through focused effort
Career and Professional Life
- Strong capabilities and effectiveness
- Independent work style
- High self-confidence
- Quick emotional adjustment for efficiency
- Strong leadership qualities
- Client trust through a rational approach
- Suited for the entertainment industry
Social Relationships
- Wide social circle
- Vibrant personality
- Skilled networker
- Independent nature
- Forward-moving in face of challenges
Personal Development
- Outdoor activities
- New experiences
- Journal writing
- Driving license acquisition
- Relocation opportunities
- Strong academic progress
- Test success through determination
Health and Wellness – Emphasize prevention over treatment:
- Dietary attention
- Avoiding overexertion
- Managing nervous sensitivity
- Rest when needed
- Stress management for digestive health
The Chariot Card Reversed Reading
The reversed Chariot reveals autocratic attitudes and poor sense of direction. When emotions cloud judgment, it points to the need for new emotional management approaches. This position symbolizes oversensitivity and unresolved feelings affecting perspective. Excessive control and self-centered behavior can lead to poor choices, creating stagnation and emotional turbulence.
Reversed Implications
Love
- Reckless behavior
- Abandonment
- Communication issues
- Relationship stagnation
- Harsh words
- Strong romantic competition
Finance
- Monetary losses
- Excessive spending
- Gambling losses
- Poor financial decisions
Career
- Low responsibility
- Project obstacles
- Reduced efficiency
- Excessive ambition
- Conflict through rashness
Personal Life
- Stubbornness
- Reckless driving
- Disorganization
- Poor crisis management
Health
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Sports injuries
- Accident proneness
- Risk of substance abuse
- Potential serious illness
Bottom Line
This powerful card in the Major Arcana isn’t just about winning races or conquering lands; it’s about mastering ourselves. It’s that inner drive, that quiet determination that whispers, “You can do this,” even when things get tough.
Ultimately, The Chariot is about finding that balance between willpower and self-control, that sweet spot where you’re pushing forward without burning out. It’s a message of hope, of resilience, and of the incredible strength we all hold within.