The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
Reversed Keywords
This is the energy of movement, progress, and the determination needed to push forward through competing forces. The Chariot represents the drive to keep going when things pull you in different directions. It's about finding balance whilst in motion, channelling opposing energies into forward momentum rather than letting them tear you apart.
The Chariot Imagery and Symbolism
In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, a figure stands in a stone chariot drawn by two sphinxes, one black and one white. They wear a crown topped with a star and armour decorated with crescent moons and other mystical symbols. A canopy of stars arches overhead, and a cityscape sits behind them. Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork shows someone in command of powerful, opposing forces.
The black and white sphinxes represent opposing energies that must be directed together. Without balance between them, the chariot goes nowhere or, worse, spins in circles. The figure holds no reins, suggesting that control comes through willpower and focus rather than physical force.
The city walls behind represent the known world being left behind. The starry canopy suggests cosmic guidance. The overall image captures the moment of departure on an important journey, one that requires both courage and the ability to hold opposing forces in balance.
Gord’s Thoughts on The Chariot
The Chariot sits at the point where we're moving from the conscious realm to the unconscious realm. From our personality and ego into the stuff we push down. And that journey requires balance. If you're in a car and one set of wheels is moving faster than the other, you're gonna go around in fucking circles. When it comes out reversed, it's usually a sign that you're trying to move forward but there's no balance, and as a result you're going round and round getting nowhere.
The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Movement
This card represents movement. Things are shifting, progress is happening, and you're being carried forward by your own determination. Movement here isn't passive, it requires active engagement and direction. You're going somewhere. The question is whether you're steering intentionally or just being carried by momentum.
Progress
This card suggests progress is underway. You're making headway on something that matters to you, even if it doesn't always feel smooth. Progress sometimes means pushing through resistance rather than waiting for the path to clear. The Chariot reminds you that forward motion, even messy forward motion, counts.
Determination
This card represents determination as the fuel that keeps you moving when things get difficult. Sheer bloody willpower. Determination here means committing to a direction and holding course, even when opposing forces try to pull you off track. You need that stubbornness right now. Keep going.
The Chariot Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In relationships, this card suggests things are moving forward with purpose. There's momentum, progress, and a sense of direction. This might be a relationship that's actively growing, or a decision about commitment being made with clarity. Keep steering together and check you're both heading the same way.
The Chariot Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
For self-care, this card suggests channelling your energy with intention rather than scattering it. Empowerment comes from directed action. Focus on one thing at a time, balance your competing needs, and keep moving. You've got the drive. Make sure it's pointed somewhere that actually serves you.
The Chariot Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity, this card suggests momentum is building and you need to maintain focus. Projects are moving, opportunities are opening, and your determination is paying off. Stay the course. This is a time for disciplined action, not second-guessing the direction you've chosen.
The Chariot Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In times of change, The Chariot tells you to steer with purpose. Identify your destination and use your willpower to get there. You’re not being dragged; you’re driving. Balance opposing urges and trust your strength. This card champions disciplined progress and confidence during transitions.
The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Stagnation
When reversed, this card can suggest stagnation. You want to move forward but something is keeping you stuck. The wheels aren't turning, or they're turning in opposite directions and cancelling each other out. Stagnation here usually means something is unbalanced. Figure out what's pulling you sideways before pushing harder.
Loss of Control
This card reversed can suggest a loss of control. You've lost your grip on the direction things are going, or competing priorities have pulled you so far off course that you don't know which way is forward anymore. Loss of control often happens when we try to force our way through rather than steering with awareness.
Lack of Direction
When reversed, this card can represent a lack of direction. You have the energy and drive to move, but no clear sense of where you're heading. Lack of direction means all that determination is being wasted on spinning. Stop. Get clear on where you actually want to go. Then move.
The Chariot Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In relationships reversed, this card can suggest you're pushing too hard, going in different directions, or feeling stuck despite wanting to move forward. One or both of you might be pulling in opposite directions. That tension needs addressing before you can make real progress together.
The Chariot Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
For self-care reversed, this card can suggest you're exhausting yourself by pushing in too many directions at once. Or you've stalled completely and the frustration is eating at you. Rest if you need to, but don't mistake a pause for failure. Recalibrate, then move again.
The Chariot Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
In career reversed, this card can suggest your professional life has stalled, or you're expending huge effort without making progress. Something is pulling against you. Maybe competing priorities, maybe unclear goals. Step back and work out what's creating the drag before pushing harder.
The Chariot Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed, The Chariot suggests feeling directionless or battling against yourself. You might be stuck in circles, pushing without a clear aim. Use this as a warning to step back and recalibrate your goals. Accepting where you’ve lost control helps you regain your sense of direction.
The Chariot on the Fool’s Journey
The Chariot is part of the Fool’s Journey, a narrative framework that follows the Fool as they encounter experiences and lessons that shape their understanding of themselves and the world. It’s not a straight line. The 22 cards of the Major Arcana map a cycle of growth, challenge, and transformation that keeps looping back to the beginning.
The journey divides into three realms: Conscious, Unconscious, and Superconscious. Each realm represents a different phase of the work. Understanding where a card sits in this framework helps you see how themes connect and evolve when multiple Major Arcana cards show up in a reading.
The Chariot in the Conscious Realm
The Chariot sits in the Conscious Realm, which covers the Magician through the Chariot. This is where you’re receiving tools and wisdom, encountering contradictions, and learning to move forward with both sides of yourself.
These cards deal with building yourself up. You’re being handed the tools for manifestation, told the answers are within you, learning about nurturing and structure. But the messages don’t always line up. The Empress says allow things to grow. The Emperor says take control and build. These cards ask you to figure out who you are and what you believe whilst holding contradictions that don’t resolve neatly.
The Chariot and the Element of Water
The Chariot is connected to the element of Water. Water speaks to emotion, intuition, and connection. It’s fluid, responsive, and doesn’t stay contained. This element shows where feelings are moving through your experience — joy, grief, love, and longing with equal depth.
Water energy values emotional truth. It asks you to honour what you actually feel rather than what you think you should feel. When Water is present, trust your intuition and pay attention to the emotional currents beneath the surface.
The Chariot Journalling Prompts
Where in my life am I determined to succeed, and how can I balance my drive with patience?
What challenges am I facing, and how can I approach them with a sense of control and resilience?
How can I find my inner strength and stay true to my path, even when obstacles arise?
Frequently Asked Questions about The Chariot
What does The Chariot mean in a tarot reading?
In a reading, The Chariot signals forward momentum and determination. You’re being asked to harness your will and focus on your path. It indicates that success is possible when you balance opposing forces within and around you. This card encourages disciplined action and confidence.
Is The Chariot a yes or no card?
The Chariot leans towards yes, but only if you’re prepared to work for it. This card doesn’t promise effortless wins; it rewards focus and determination. If you stay disciplined and clear about your direction, success follows. If you drift, the answer shifts towards no.
What is the role of The Chariot in the tarot deck?
In the deck, The Chariot represents mastery of opposing forces and the transition from the conscious to the subconscious realms. It follows The Lovers and precedes Strength. Its role is to show that willpower and determination can carry you into the deeper work of self-mastery.
What does The Chariot symbolise?
The Chariot symbolises drive, ambition, and balancing opposing forces. The black and white sphinxes or horses represent dualities you must bring into harmony. The card’s armour and canopy hint at protection and divine guidance. It calls you to steer with intention and purpose.
What does The Chariot suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
When facing challenges, The Chariot encourages you to remain disciplined and maintain control. Rather than rushing in all directions, choose a course and stick with it. Obstacles will arise, but steady focus and determination will keep you moving. This card advocates resilience through purposeful action.
Is The Chariot a positive or negative card?
The Chariot is generally positive. It highlights victory, progress, and personal agency. However, it can be challenging if you ignore its call to focus. Without direction, its energy becomes restless or destructive. Use the card as encouragement to take charge rather than letting things slide.
How does The Chariot align with themes of personal growth?
For personal growth, The Chariot asks you to master your own impulses and stay committed to your goals. Growth happens when you harness your drive and channel it deliberately. This card teaches discipline and perseverance, reminding you that staying the course is vital for real progress.
What are some other names for The Chariot?
Other names for The Chariot include The Conqueror or Le Chariot in older decks, and sometimes The Journey or The Path in modern variations. These names emphasise movement, direction, and triumph over obstacles, capturing the essence of the card’s energy.
What other tarot cards often appear with The Chariot?
The Chariot often appears with cards like Strength, which underscores perseverance, or The Lovers, highlighting choices that affect your path. Pairing it with The Wheel of Fortune emphasises cycles of movement and destiny. With The Star, it reinforces hope during challenging journeys.
How can The Chariot guide me in achieving personal victories?
The Chariot guides you towards personal victories by reminding you to stay focused and disciplined. Set a clear goal, gather your resources, and commit fully. When you harness both your drive and patience, you’ll overcome obstacles and celebrate real progress instead of chasing quick wins.
