The Chariot Tarot Card Meanings

The Chariot symbolizes the relentless pursuit of victory through focus, willpower, and determination. This Major Arcana card invites you to harness your inner strength and take control of your destiny.

Whether you’re navigating love, career, or your inner demons, the Chariot encourages you to steer boldly toward success despite obstacles that appear to be in the way..

The Chariot card is rich with symbols that illustrate its message of triumph through balance. At the center, underneath a canopy of stars, stands a determined figure, armored and resolute. This figure rides in a grand chariot pulled by two sphinxes, one black with white elements and one white with black elements. These represent opposing forces that must be harmonized, sort of like Yin and Yang.

The stars on the canopy suggest divine guidance as well as mystery and hope as they connect to the Moon and Star cards in the deck. In the past lies a city, a reminder that you’re leaving the known behind to go on a journey to explore something new.

The Chariot Keywords

Upright Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

The Chariot represents triumph achieved through discipline and focus. Success is within your grasp if you maintain a strong sense of purpose and harness any conflicting energies to work in your favor.

When the Chariot appears, it’s a signal that victory is possible, but it requires unwavering commitment and confidence. Challenges will likely arise, but they can be overcome by staying the course and focusing on the bigger picture.

Love and Relationships

For couples, this card indicates working together overcoming obstacles together and growing stronger as you rely on teamwork, resilience, and support. As you do, stay true to yourself while being considerate of your partner’s needs.

Clear communication and shared goals can pave the way for a victorious union, but it will be more fruitful if you both maintain your individual identities and passions. Supporting each other’s growth can create a relationship dynamic that thrives on both unity and individuality.

For those looking for love, the Chariot signals the importance of self-confidence and clarity in what you want. Moving toward that with intention will attract the right partner for you.

Career and Finances

The Chariot points to professional success and career advancement through hard work and determination. It is a sign that your ambitions are within reach if you remain focused and disciplined. Be assertive in pursuing opportunities, making decisions, and setting boundaries.

Financially, it suggests that careful planning and unwavering focus will yield rewards. Stay mindful of budgeting and investment strategies to maintain control over your finances and be wary of distractions.

Interested in tarot? Explore more tarot meanings here.

Reversed Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

When reversed, the Chariot suggests a loss of control, stagnation, or that your plans for forward movement have gone topsy-turvy. You may be pulled in different directions, unable to maintain focus or momentum. This lack of direction can create frustration and hinder your progress, leaving you feeling stuck in the mud or unsure of your path forward.

Love and Relationships

In love, the reversed Chariot may indicate power struggles or communication breakdowns. Misaligned goals or a lack of mutual understanding could create tension and distance between partners. One or both individuals might be trying to dominate the relationship or assert their desires without consideration for the other. This card can also reflect feelings of being stuck in a stagnant relationship or losing sight of shared goals.

For those who are single, the reversed Chariot can indicate a period of uncertainty or stagnation in your love life. You may feel stuck in patterns that prevent meaningful connections, or perhaps you’re unsure about what you truly want in a partner.

Career and Finances

Reversed, the Chariot signals a lack of direction in your career or a career setbacks. This may result from distractions, poor planning, or external challenges that feel beyond your control. You may be struggling to maintain focus or losing momentum in your professional endeavors.

Financially, it suggests the need for a reality check about your financial goals and strategies. If instability has emerged, it could be time to reassess your spending habits and develop a more disciplined approach to managing resources.

How to Interpret the Chariot in a Past-Present-Future Tarot Spread

One popular tarot spread is the past-present-future spread. Here’s one way to read The Chariot if it shows up for you.

If the Chariot appears in the past position: It suggests previous successes achieved through determination.
In the present position: It highlights the need for balance and focus.
In the future position: It suggests possible victory or success if you stay committed to your goals.

Tarot Journal Prompts for the Chariot

If this card comes up in your reading and you wish to meditate or journal about it to get a deeper understanding of how it might relate to your situation, here are some prompts to consider.

• What opposing forces in my life need balancing?
• How can I take control of my current situation?
• What does success look like for me, and what do I need to do to achieve it?
• What are the driving forces in my life right now?
• When faced with challenges, how do I maintain my focus?
• How can I find balance between control and surrender?
• What parts of my life require more direction or purpose?

Important Card Combinations for the Chariot

The Chariot + The Lovers

This combination suggests a powerful love decision is on the horizon, one that requires determination and commitment.

The Chariot + Strength

Together, these cards emphasize inner resilience and the courage to move forward despite obstacles.

The Chariot + The Fool

This pairing signals a bold new beginning that requires you to take risks and push forward fearlessly. The Fool represents new adventures and openness, while The Chariot urges you to stay focused and determined as you pursue your goals.

The Chariot + The Tower

When these two cards appear together, it often signals sudden change or upheaval, but with The Chariot’s energy, it suggests that you can navigate the chaos with control and toward greater clarity or a new path.

The Chariot + Knight of Swords

When combined, these cards indicate swift, purposeful action toward a goal.