(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Chariot as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Chariot as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your chariot and my chariot may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The Chariot has the number 7, which is considered a lucky number. A prime number, 7 represents unity within complexity. It represents a thinker, a seeker, a searcher of truth. By some traditions, it is said to combine the four corners of the earth with the trinity of the Christian god. A powerful number.
Name
The Chariot is not called the Charioteer, and that’s important. Yes, you are the driver of this chariot, but you’re also the chariot itself. It is you — or the you you’ll be once you pull yourself together. You have your chariot harnessed and at your command, and you can take it anywhere you want to go. The name implies action, movement, journeys. The person who draws this card is not meant to sit still.
Placement
The card is approaching the middle of the major arcana. You are in your stride, mature and powerful, nowhere near the end of your journey. You have much to explore, experience, and learn. The card is reminiscent of the Magician — the seeker has the tools he needs to journey on — but it’s more mature. The journey is already underway.
Traditional interpretations
The Chariot is symbolic of the earthly (not spiritual) world — the world of nature, mind and body together. The charioteer is a person of worldly power. They make their own path. This is a highly optimistic card that says: Get going. You can go anywhere, do anything.
There is some danger of selfishness, of riding roughshod over others, in this card. The driver could be an oppressor, especially of his enemies. The card can sometimes indicate vengeance, trouble, war, or conflicts with power — but it’s not often a warning, unless reversed.
More often, the Chariot indicates travel and adventure, possibly danger, but the sort that comes with thrills and audacity.
An important journey or quest may be in the cards for you.
Reverse interpretations
Reversed, the card has several possible interpretations:
First: Quarrels, disputes, defeat, discouragement. A journey delayed. Don’t take flight from reality. Don’t run from your problems; take the lead and face what must be faced.
Second: Overbearing forcefulness, egocentricity, ruthlessness, selfishness. Don’t throw your weight around just because you can. Control alliances. Attend to details. Stop trampling over others.
Finally: Where you are going may not be any closer to a life of the spirit than where you’ve come from. Reconsider your direction. Be careful of movement at this time. Make deliberate choices and look where you’re going. It matters. Think harder about where you really need to be and take deliberate steps to get there.
Thematic readings
- In love, things move fast physically but take time emotionally. Emotional sensitivity is needed. Be loyal and protective.
- In work, glory. Self-mastery; control over your own professional development
- In general life, the card tells of triumph achieved through courage and dedication. Make your own path. Express yourself. Progress and develop; don’t stay still. But focus; don’t scatter your energies. Inner conflicts need to be controlled. Then the world is yours.
Specific positions
- Current situation: Concentrate on your goal; ride confidently through obstacles. You’re moving in the right direction. This is a time for action and initiative; explorations will be rewarded. You may already be receiving rewards for your hard work — but it’s not the time to relax. Keep on moving toward your goals.
- Past influence: Turmoil or a difficult journey passed through; it has taken you to a different place; you’ve made progress. You may have a tendency to let others influence your decisions – don’t do that this time. Listen to yourself; tune others out. You have made good investments and things will turn around well.
- Outcome: Triumph, success, secure progress. The fate of one who made the right choice. Victory through personal effort; triumph over obstacles. Keep your body and mind in balance and you’ll go far. But what you’ll achieve depends on your effort. A worthy victory will require self-discipline, focus, confidence, and perseverance.
- Blocked: Keep on track. Recommit to your mission and get moving. Be ambitious. You’ll beat the odds. Assert yourself. You have what’s needed.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- What are you in control of? Is there a chariot under your command? Or are you just a passenger in your life?
- Where will you take your chariot? Or have you lost control of where you’re headed? Or are you stuck in place?
- Do you see this card as you? As someone coming at you? As someone you’d like to be?
- Is your life in balance? Are you a cautious or careless driver?
- Do you feel grown up and commanding, taking your life seriously while enjoying the experience?
- Do you have journeys coming up? Do you continue to see life as exploration?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Self-Control; Confidence
- Victory; Progress
- Initiative; Effort
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner (and top box), left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown in the box below); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.
Catherine Austen 