The Chariot
VIIMajor Arcana
- Element
- Water
- Astrology
- Cancer
- Numerology
- Seven: focused will, mastery and forward motion
- Yes or no
- Yes
Upright
- willpower
- victory
- determination
- control
- momentum
Reversed
- lack of direction
- aggression
- obstacles
- loss of control
- scattered forces
Victory through directed will. The Chariot harnesses opposing forces and drives them toward a single goal.
On the card
An armoured figure stands in a stone chariot beneath a canopy of stars, a walled city behind him. Two sphinxes, one black and one white, sit before the chariot with no reins in sight; he steers them by will alone. He holds a wand, wears crescent moons on his shoulders and a square on his breastplate for stability. A winged sun disc and a lingam-and-yoni emblem decorate the chariot's front, signs of spirit and of the union of opposites.
Upright
General
You have the strength to push through, provided you keep the destination fixed. The Chariot rewards focus, confidence and disciplined ambition, and often signals travel or a move forward after a stalemate. Competing impulses can be made to pull together once you decide where you are going.
Love & relationships
Taking the initiative in a relationship, or working through differences by committing to a shared direction. Long-distance situations and travel with a partner are indicated.
Career & money
Promotion, a won contract, or a decisive step in a competitive field. Ambition backed by self-control is your greatest asset right now; drive hard but stay on the road.
Reversed
General
The horses are pulling in different directions and the chariot has stalled or veered off course. Reversed, this card shows aggression without aim, control that has become domineering, or a loss of nerve when the road got difficult. Reassess the goal before applying more force.
Love & relationships
Power struggles, or a relationship in which one person is always steering. Alternatively, there is no drive left to fix what is broken.
Career & money
Setbacks caused by scattered focus, a project stalling for lack of clear leadership, or travel plans disrupted. Regroup and choose one lane.
Advice
Decide where you are going and hold the reins steady. Willpower is most effective when it is quiet.