Tarot Card Meanings:
The Chariot
What is "The Chariot" in Tarot?
The Chariot is card number seven in the Major Arcana. It represents determination, willpower, and the drive to overcome obstacles. This card signifies control, focus, and victory through perseverance.
What are the key symbols in "The Chariot" tarot card?
- Figure in armor: Symbolizes protection, focus, and the warrior spirit.
- Black and white sphinxes: Represent opposing forces, duality, and the need for balance and control.
- Starry canopy: Indicates guidance, inspiration, and alignment with a higher purpose.
- City behind the chariot: Reflects leaving behind comfort to face challenges head-on.
- Wand in hand: Represents direction, willpower, and control over one’s path.
These symbols are based on the Rider-Waite Smith tarot. Symbols may differ in other decks!
The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning
The Chariot Keywords: Determination, willpower, control, victory, perseverance, focus, overcoming obstacles, ambition.
The Chariot tarot card meaning emphasizes the power of will and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success. This card represents the strength of mind required to control opposing forces and maintain focus on a goal, emphasizing victory through discipline and resolve. It highlights the importance of perseverance and keeping a firm grip on your direction, using inner strength to navigate obstacles and reach your destination. The Chariot encourages you to harness your willpower, stay focused on your path, and move forward with confidence, knowing that success lies in your hands.
The Chariot Reversed Tarot Card Meaning
The Chariot Reversed Keywords: Determination, willpower, control, victory, perseverance, focus, overcoming obstacles, ambition.
When the Chariot appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies a lack of control or a loss of direction, where obstacles feel overwhelming and progress stalls. This card suggests that scattered energy or internal conflict may be preventing you from moving forward effectively, leading to frustration or a sense of failed ambitions. It reflects a struggle to harness willpower or remain focused on a goal, resulting in a lack of momentum. The Chariot reversed urges you to regain focus, address inner conflicts, and reestablish control over your path to overcome challenges and achieve your ambitions.
El Tarocchi Insight
The Chariot reminds you to actually steer.
The Chariot is one of those cards that people tend to read as pure momentum — go, go, go! And there’s truth to that. But what I’ve seen through more than twenty years of tarot reading is that this card is less about moving fast and more about moving with intention. The driver isn’t just charging forward; they’re steering their chariot in their desired direction. When The Chariot appears, I find tarot clients are often already in motion. The question the card is really asking is whether that motion is focused and directed, or just moving for the sake of performative progress.
Gallery: The Chariot in Various Tarot Decks
by Minerva Siegel and Abigail Larson