# The Chariot ![The Chariot, classic RWS illustration](https://tarotatlas.wiki/media/cards/chariot.webp) VII / Major Arcana [Compare this card ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/compare/?left=chariot) [Major Arcana](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/major-arcana/) Classic RWS illustration · Modern interpretations ## Study notes ### Upright Focus determination and bring competing impulses into a common direction. ### Reversed Force without direction can become loss of control. ### A common misreading Determination does not guarantee victory; the central contrast is directed effort versus uncontrolled force. ### Picture cue A charioteer sits above two sphinxes, one black and one white. ### An interpretation for study The contrasting creatures support the theme of holding opposing forces together. The complete passages below describe this edition’s interpretive themes. Possibility and symbolism are different from evidence about real events. ## Upright meaning successambitiondeterminationwillpowercontrolself-disciplinefocus The Chariot tarot card is all about overcoming challenges and gaining victory through maintaining control of your surroundings. This perfect control and confidence allows the charioteer to emerge victorious in any situation. The use of strength and willpower are critical in ensuring that you overcome the obstacles that lie in your path. The Chariot's message comes to make you stronger as you strive to achieve your goals. The key message that he brings to you is that you must maintain focus, confidence, and determination through a process that may be full of winding turns and detours. If you have a plan or a project that you seem not to be sure about, the Chariot shows that you should pursue the plan with a structured and ordered approach. Boldness and focus can support progress, but they do not ensure that a goal may be achieved. In the Chariot's quest for his goal, he may display some behavior that he has never seen within himself before - competition and a desire to succeed has perhaps brought out a more aggressive part of his personality. Aggression is a natural part of human nature, and the Chariot reminds you that it can also be used to help you take charge of your situation, but also must be reined in so that it does not hinder your way forward. ## Reversed meaning forcefulno directionno controlpowerlessaggressionobstacles The reversed Chariot's appearance in a reading can help you become aware of both your aggression, and your lack of willpower. It may either be saying that you are lacking in focus, motivation or direction, or that you are being warped by your obsession with your goals. In the former case, let the Chariot be a reminder that you can emerge victorious as long as you can gather the courage to do so. In the latter, your impulses may be another factor that you must rein in. To see the Chariot in reverse may suggest that you need to come to terms with the fact that you cannot always be in control. The Chariot reversal meaning can also be an indication of lack of control and direction over your life. You are at the mercy of the opposing forces and the obstacles, and cannot seem to muster the strength to take over. You are taking everything lying down, and life is dragging in any direction that it pleases. It should serve as a wakeup call and reminder that you may need to tighten some loose ends and take charge of your destiny. ## In the illustration The Chariot tarot card depicts a figure sitting inside a vehicle that is being driven by two black and white sphinxes. The whole card has a bit of a celestial influence; the figure sits underneath a blue canopy adorned by white stars. On his shoulders, he carries the sign of the crescent moon, representing the spiritual influence under which he is guided. On his head sits a crown, meaning that he is enlightened, and that his will is pure. Emblazoned on his chest is a square, denoting the element of earth, of the material world, which grounds him and his actions. The sphinxes are colored in black and white, a symbol of opposing forces that the charioteer must learn to control. Here they are calm, but they frequently get into scuffles as they seem to want to move in different directions. His task is to guide these sphinxes towards a destination, one that is marked by the cosmic forces that he represents. The Chariot is linked to the Cancer zodiac sign. ## Meanings in context These passages explore how the same symbolic themes are applied to different subjects. They are interpretive perspectives, not findings about a person or a future event. Love and relationships＋ ### Upright meaning Now is the time to take the wheel, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in love and romance. Once you know your destination, the Chariot tarot love meaning urges you to take action. When you take control of your love life, you are very likely to see rewards. Confidence, courage and drive may lead to success. As you move towards your goals, the Chariot tarot love meaning however can also indicate the need to balance two urges, represented by the two horses in the card. They may pull you in different directions, but steering a clear path ahead means reining each one in so that you stay on the right path. This card can sometimes bring questions of whether the choices that you have made so far are balanced; is your relationship suffering because of long hours at work? Are you so focused on your relationship that you’ve sacrificed too much of your individuality for it? The Chariot asks us to take our lives back into our own hands again, and steer with determination. ### Reversed meaning When reversed, the Chariot tarot love meaning can signal an overwhelming drive to find love, so much so that other goals and aspirations may have been forgotten. Sometimes, one has to remember that in life, we cannot control everything around us, and no matter what we do, we can’t make the perfect person appear to us. Showing up everyday with hope and enthusiasm is important, but so is patience. Let love find you. A reversed Chariot in love can also signal that things may be out of balance, and you may need to work to correct them again. Make sure that your work, love, family and friendships are not suffering because you are overextending in one or another. This may be at the root of disagreements with your partner.Career and work＋ ### Upright meaning Your ambition may take you far, when you have the Chariot in a career tarot reading. With a clear understanding of what you want for your career, you know your destination, and you can be very focused on getting there. You’re likely to feel very motivated at work, giving you the discipline, drive and self-control you need to succeed. If you’re looking to change roles, or get a more senior position at your current workplace, this card signals that all you need to do is go for it. When it comes to your work environment, remain clear of distractions; this can include office politics or rivals; make sure you remain focused on what you need to do. ### Reversed meaning Reversed, the Chariot can signal either a lack of ambition, focus or drive, or alternatively, too much of it. Ultimately, this card brings up questions about how forceful or aggressive you are when pursuing your goals. Are you someone that waits around passively for things you want to happen, hoping that they’ll fall in your lap? Or are you so forceful, that you are inconsiderate of others in your pursuit of success? Both approaches can bring you trouble. Being aggressive to the point of hostility can backfire on you, while being so passive can never bring you the kind of happiness you desire. Are you okay with either of these options? What does a healthy middle ground look like?Money and resources＋ These passages describe attitudes toward resources. A card cannot establish a financial outcome or determine whether an investment is suitable. ### Upright meaning If there have been any financial obstacles that have stood in the way of your material stability, now can be the time to deal with them. The Chariot gives you motivation, focus and determination to conquer those challenges. With enough self-discipline, you’ll be able to feel comfortable with your financial situation. ### Reversed meaning Be wary of rushing into purchases without thinking them through. You may not have everything you need to know to make an educated decision. Alternatively, if this doesn’t describe you, you may be too hesitant when it comes to your money. You may be in a position to invest your money into something, but have been wavering taking any action.Feelings＋ A feelings interpretation cannot establish what another person thinks or feels. Compare the theme with direct communication and observable behaviour. ### Upright meaning The Chariot reveals a powerful drive and ambition in how someone feels about you. They are fueled by their emotions and possess the determination to overcome any obstacles. This person recognizes the potential in your connection and is ready to take charge, confidently navigating challenges that may arise. Their feelings are deep-rooted; they are committed to moving forward with purpose. The arrival of The Chariot signals a surge of confidence and motivation within you. You feel empowered to chase your desires, embracing the journey ahead with enthusiasm. An inner strength guides you as you navigate your emotions, urging you to harness this momentum for personal growth and fulfillment. ### Reversed meaning The appearance of the reversed Chariot points to a sense of confusion and lack of direction in how this person feels about you. They may be struggling with their emotions, feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about where they stand. This indecision can lead to frustration as they grapple with conflicting feelings, making it hard for them to commit or express themselves clearly. With regard to your own feelings, the reversed Chariot suggests that you might also feel a loss of control or purpose in this situation. You could be experiencing self-doubt and questioning your path forward. It’s essential to take a step back and reassess what truly drives you; finding clarity within yourself may help navigate these turbulent emotions more effectively.Actions＋ ### Upright meaning As The Chariot reveals itself, now is the time for you to take decisive action and harness your willpower. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, focusing on your goals with determination. This card encourages you to adopt a new perspective: see obstacles not as barriers but as stepping stones toward success. In practical terms, create a clear plan outlining your objectives and break them into manageable tasks. Engage in activities that build confidence, such as public speaking or physical training. Stay disciplined and maintain focus; channel any distractions into motivation, propelling yourself forward on your journey to victory. ### Reversed meaning In the presence of the reversed Chariot, you may be feeling a lack of direction or control in your life. Now is the time to pause and reassess your goals and motivations. Instead of pushing forward aggressively, focus on understanding what truly drives you. Take a step back from any competitive pursuits and consider collaborating with others instead of going it alone. Engage in activities that promote inner peace, such as meditation or journaling, to clarify your thoughts. This period calls for patience; embrace stillness and allow yourself to realign with your true desires before charging ahead again. These meanings describe interpretive traditions. Use them for study and reflection; they do not establish facts about future events. [Study guide →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/study-guide/)[Practice with flashcards →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/learn/)[Explore all spreads →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/)