keep going
Welcome to Tarot Alley! Sometimes Tarot Alley uses affiliate links, which means we might receive a commission on the sale of some items. This has NO additional cost to you. Visit the policies page to learn more.
Tarot Alley uses the Rider Waite type of deck for our meanings, symbols, interpretations, etc.
The Chariot represents focused movement forward towards an achievement. The Chariot isn’t about the achievement itself, it’s about the process of getting to it.
The Chariot wants to help you get focused so that you can accomplish anything and everything. It’s about encouragement, overcoming obstacles, determination, and continuation. It’s not always going to be easy, but it’s always within reach if you focus and work for it.
Take a look at the Rider-Waite Chariot displayed to the left (or above).
What is your first impression?
Who is this person? What are they doing? Where are they? What do the symbols and imagery mean to you?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, just your interpretation.
Astrology: Cancer
Element: Water
Numerology: 7 (imagination, inner work, psychology)
Common Symbols
- Armor to represent doing battle
- A Chariot to represent movement
- Black and White Creatures to represent opposing energies working together towards a goal
Keywords & Concepts
- Focus
- Action
- Confidence
- Commitment
- Determination
- Continuation
- Courage
- Movement
- Process
- Progress
the Chariot for Personal Growth
Reaching a new plane of maturity is exciting, so some celebration is in order. Every ending, though, is a new beginning; keep an eye fixed on further growth. Having reached the limits of mundane success, it’s time to work on deeper transformation.
Ask Yourself:
- To what extent have you ‘arrived’? What will your next challenge be?
- How can you use past achievements to their best advantage?
- What would the criteria for real and meaningful success be?
- How might your situation change if you commanded unlimited creative energy?
- Is it time for strategic thinking or action?
- How should you channel your power today?
- Who guards the answer to your riddle?
- How has past success (or a lack thereof) played into this situation?
Interpreting the Chariot
When the Chariot appears it represents a time to stay focused on performing the actions required to achieve your goals.
Expect obstacles and challenges but if you stay focused and determined and continue to do the work, you’ll reach your destination.
The Reversed Chariot
How you read reversals is a personal choice. You can ignore reversals and read them as if the card is upright (this is what I often choose to do) or you can interpret reversals as variations of what they would mean upright. There are 3 common ways to read reversals: as a negative interpretation, as an opposite interpretation, or as a block on the upright interpretation. Check out How to Read Reversals for more information.
Negative: A negative reversed Chariot suggests you may be powerless or lacking confidence about the necessary steps to achieving your goals.
Opposite: An opposite reversed Chariot means that you lack direction. It’s impossible to stay focused on achieving your goals when you’re not certain what those goals are. Figure it out!
Blocked: A blocked reversed Chariot indicates an inability to stay focused. There’s a major distraction in your life that’s seriously affecting your ability to get things done.
Examples of the Chariot
Specific Interpretations
Specific situations are the general interpretation (from above) used for a specific situation (love, career, etc). There is no need to memorize these (or even look them up) if you understand the general interpretation. However, here are some basic interpretations for some specific situations:
Love & Relationships
When it comes to love and relationships, the Chariot is a sign of conflict. Two things in your love life are warring with each other and pulling you in opposite directions. With focus and hard work you should be able to guide the forces into harmony.
If you’re in a relationship, the Chariot represents an imbalance in your relationship. Clear and honest communication is key at this time.
If you’re single, the Chariot suggests that you’re still conflicted, uncertain, or healing from a past relationship. It’s time to focus on yourself and overcoming past hardships.
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed Chariot suggests a disaster just waiting to happen. It’s not too late to avoid it but you’ll need to be careful. Too much force or rush could be costly.
Opposite: An opposite reversed Chariot means your love life is coming together but don’t try to push it too hard. There’s still a change that things will fall out of line.
Blocked: A blocked reversed Chariot indicates you’re unable to figure out how to pull the two sides of your love life together.
Professional Life
When it comes to your professional life, the Chariot suggests now is the time for ambition. You have the power to work hard and focus right now. Use it to advance your career.
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed Chariot suggests too much force. Hard work and focus shouldn’t hurt (you or others). Take a step back and adjust the amount of pressure you’re using. You don’t want to end up burnt out!
Opposite: An opposite reversed Chariot means that ambition should be set aside right now. You’ll need all your focus to just get through the regular day to day stuff.
Blocked: A blocked reversed Chariot indicates you’re trying to accomplish too much too quickly. You can’t skip steps and succeed!
Health & Wellness
A new focus and determination to live a healthier life is on the horizon. Now is the time to tackle your big health goal like losing a lot of weight, running a marathon, quitting smoking, etc.
Reversed
Negative: A negative reversed Chariot suggests burn out. Do not – I repeat, DO NOT – try and do too much. Overexertion will lead to serious problems.
Opposite: An opposite reversed Chariot means that now is not the time to tackle those big health goals. Focus on the smaller ones first.
Blocked: A blocked reversed Chariot indicates something is preventing you from focusing on a healthier life.
the Chariot Tarot Card Meaning
The Chariot means you need to keep going. Where are you headed? Do your short and long term goals line up?
Once you feel comfortable with the Chariot tarot card meaning, check out the next card in the tarot deck: VIII – Strength Tarot Card Meaning.
Back
Next
