Tarot card - The Chariot A warrior, wearing a laurel wreath and crown with an eight-pointed star stands in a stone chariot.  Above him is a canopy of stars.  His armor contains an alchemical square, representing the four corners of the earth.  On the front of the chariot is a winged sun and the graphical symbol for yoni-lingam.  Under him are two sphinx’s, one white, one black, representing duality.  There is a river behind him, and the background of the card is bright yellow. 
The Chariot

Overview and common meanings of The Chariot of the tarot

When The Chariot of the Tarot arrives, the universe is telling you that it is time to put on your thick skin and fight to get what’s yours. A lot of the time in life, being gentle and tender and compassionate is a good thing.  This is not that time!  This is a time for you to go into what my friend Paul calls “warrior mode,” and describes as a time when we don’t have the luxury for emotional responses, and sometimes not even the time to be extra nice.  It is all about getting things done efficiently.  In varying decks, the Chariot is also referred to as The Charioteer, The Chariot of War, The Traveler, The Spiritual Warrior, The Sled.  Regardless of the name, the message is clear:  step into your leadership mode and shine. The time is now! 

A warrior seeks to act rather than talk.

Carlos Castaneda

Common Meanings

When the Chariot card of the tarot shows up, it is time to take charge of your own destiny and chart your own course.  The final card in the first septenary of the Major Arcana, the Chariot says that It is time to be determined, strong and take those first steps towards achieving your goals.  The Chariot is also about the Duality that lies within each of us, and reminding us that even though we act tough, we are secretly afraid, so be your badass self – fake it until you make it if needed – and kick ass to get what you want.

The Many Faces of The Chariot

The shadow side- or reversal – is ego, destruction, lack of discipline, getting off course, ignoring the needs of others. It can be an indication that you have lost motivation, or perhaps that you are not going in the right direction.  The shadow side is a message that you need to evaluate what is driving you and if you feel like you have been coming up against obstacles, maybe it’s time to shift direction. 

The Journey of The Chariot

You may recall from the Major Arcana post that this first septenary represents self/ego/consciousness.  It is about developing self-awareness of one’s own capabilities and consciously choosing the path to walk and taking the first steps on that path. The Chariot is the culmination of that mini journey and denotes the first step on the path; you’ve studied the foundations, learned the lessons about who and what is important to you.  Now you put it into action

Description

A warrior, wearing a laurel wreath and crown with an eight-pointed star stands in a stone chariot.  Above him is a canopy of stars.  His armor contains an alchemical square, representing the four corners of the earth.  On the front of the chariot is a winged sun and the graphical symbol for yoni-lingam.  Under him are two sphinx’s, one white, one black, representing duality.  There is a river behind him, and the background of the card is bright yellow. 

Themes of The Chariot

  • Achievement
  • Determination
  • Expanding horizons
  • Focus
  • Leadership
  • New directions
  • Speed
  • Success
  • Taking control
  • Travel
  • Triumph
  • Willpower

The Number 7

Seven is an important number.  It is the number of alliance, days of the week, days of creation of the universe.  The number seven is all about learning and understanding at a deeper, more intellectual level. 

Elements of the chariot Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Stone chariot- vehicle for self-expression
  • Warrior in armor- safety on his voyage; strength in mastering ones emotions                                                                     
  • Square on armor – four corners of the earth  
  • Shoulders with crescent moons with faces in them- divination stones for major decisions
  • Wand in right hand – strength, inspiration, initiative
  • Starry crown – eight-pointed star; symbol of hope
  • Laurel wreath – victory
  • Canopy of stars – the heavens; hope
  • Symbols on the skirts of his armor
  • Winged sun- conscious mind, divinity, power, and royalty
  • Yoni-lingam- union of male and female
  • Sphynx one white and one black- male/female, day/night, yin/yang
  • River behind – importance of staying “in the flow” while moving forward
  • Yellow background – clarity, support, awareness

Herbs for The Chariot

  • Borage – Courage
  • Club Moss – Power
  • Iris – wisdom, courage
  • Thyme – Bravery
  • Yarrow – Reinforce courage

Questions that The Chariot asks us

  • Is there an area of your life where you need to “put on your armor and wade into battle” to succeed?
  • Have you been feeling like you are banging your head against a wall in some area of your life, and is it that things are not moving, or is it that you have lost motivation? 

That is The Chariot of the Tarot! Wishing you a week in which you recognize the duality of being afraid, overcome those fears, and do it anyway. Please leave comments or ask questions.

Please Join me next week for: Strength!