Tarot Cards - Major Arcana - Chariot - 7
REVERSED: Self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction
CHARIOT DESCRIPTION
The Chariot Tarot card shows a brave warrior standing inside a chariot. He wears armour decorated with crescent moons (representing what is coming into being), a tunic with a square (the strength of will) and other alchemical symbols (spiritual transformation). The laurel and star crown signals victory, success and spiritual evolution. Although he appears to be driving the chariot, the charioteer holds no reins – just a wand like the Magician’s – symbolising that he controls through the strength of his will and mind.
The charioteer stands tall – there’s no sitting down for this guy, as he’s all about taking action and moving forward. Above his head is a canopy of six-pointed stars, suggesting his connection to the celestial world and the Divine will. In front of the vehicle sit a black and a white sphinx, representing duality, positive and negative and, at times, opposing forces. Note how the sphinxes are pulling in opposite directions, but the charioteer uses his willpower and sheer resolve to steer the chariot forward in the direction he wants.
Reversed Meaning
Keywords (Reversed): Loss of direction, aggression, lack of control, derailment, powerlessness.
When The Chariot appears reversed, the opposing black and white sphinxes break free of the reins, pulling the vehicle off course. The focused willpower that drives the upright chariot either dissolves into frustration and aimlessness or escalates into destructive aggression and ruthless ambition. You may feel that circumstances are spiraling out of control, or that your efforts are hitting an unyielding brick wall.
In projects and travel, the reversal warns against forcing momentum when obstacles are signaling you to slow down. Pushing recklessly forward only increases the risk of a crash.
Guidance & Remedy: Apply the brakes. Regain command of your conflicting impulses, recalibrate your true direction, and wait for clear road ahead before surging forward.
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