Card Basics

7. The Chariot
Number: 7 English Name: The Chariot Element: Water Astrology: Cancer Hebrew Letter: Cheth Keywords: Willpower, Progress, Victory, Control, Determination, Focus
Symbolism and Imagery
Key Symbolic Elements
Charioteer Figure
- Meaning: Controlled power and will.
- Interpretation: Ability to act with emotions under control.
- Posture: Confident and victorious attitude.
Crown and Star Decorations
- Meaning: Spiritual authority and harmony with the cosmos.
- Interpretation: Willpower directed towards a higher purpose.
Square on Breastplate
- Meaning: Stability and foundation in the material world.
- Interpretation: Symbol of practical power.
Crescent Moons on Shoulders
- Meaning: Control over intuition and emotions.
- Interpretation: Cancer’s lunar energy.
City Background
- Meaning: Civilized society, achieved order.
- Interpretation: Symbol of social success.
Two Sphinxes
- White Sphinx: Conscious will.
- Black Sphinx: Unconscious power.
- Meaning: Control over opposing forces.
Scepter/Wand
- Meaning: Magical power, control.
- Interpretation: Manipulation of reality through will.
Star Canopy
- Meaning: Cosmic protection and guidance.
- Interpretation: Conviction in a fated mission.
Winged Disk
- Meaning: Passage of time, permanence.
- Interpretation: Sustained victory.
Upright Meaning
Basic Meaning
- Victory: Success over difficulties.
- Willpower: Strong determination and focus.
- Progress: Momentum towards a goal.
- Control: Mastery over emotions and situations.
- Journey: An important life journey.
- Confidence: Solid self-belief.
In Love and Relationships
- Relationship Progress: Active development of a romantic relationship.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Love that overcomes difficulties.
- Confident Attitude: Proactive stance in romance.
- Long-Distance Relationship: Possibility of love transcending physical distance.
- Moving Towards Marriage: Progression to the next stage of the relationship.
In Work and Career
- Promotion: Success recognized for effort.
- Goal Achievement: Project success.
- Victory in Competition: Overcoming rivals.
- Successful Job Change: Success in a new workplace.
- Business Trips/Relocation: Travel or relocation for work.
In Money and Material Matters
- Financial Success: Success in investments or business.
- Asset Growth: Steady accumulation of wealth.
- Victory in Competition: Winning in economic competition.
- Travel-Related Expenses: Expenses for travel or car purchase.
- Investment for Goals: Spending with a clear purpose.
In Spirituality
- Spiritual Victory: Inner growth and triumph.
- Willpower Training: Improvement of self-control.
- Life Mission: Clear sense of purpose.
- Emotional Control: Ability to maintain mental peace.
- Spiritual Journey: Progress in spiritual exploration.
Reversed Meaning
Basic Meaning
- Loss of Control: A state of losing control.
- Loss of Direction: Lack of clear goals.
- Defeat: Setbacks or failures.
- Emotional Chaos: Impulsive actions.
- Stagnation of Progress: Inability to move forward.
In Love and Relationships
- Relationship Stagnation: A relationship that does not progress.
- Emotional Outbursts: Emotions out of control.
- Dominating Relationship: A one-sided relationship.
- Distance Issues: Difficulties in long-distance relationships.
- Misaligned Goals: Differences in future vision.
In Work and Career
- Failed Plans: Project setbacks.
- Defeat in Competition: Losing to rivals.
- Career Drift: Wandering in one’s career.
- Travel Difficulties: Failed job changes or relocations.
- Lack of Teamwork: Breakdown of cooperative relationships.
In Money and Material Matters
- Investment Failure: Losses due to unplanned investments.
- Wasteful Spending: Impulsive expenditures.
- Wasted Travel Expenses: Meaningless travel or expenses.
- Defeat in Competition: Losing in economic competition.
- Unclear Goals: Unsure purpose of spending.
Deeper Meaning and Philosophy
Philosophical Interpretation
The Chariot represents “controlled willpower.” This is related to the Stoic philosophy of “controlling emotions through reason” and the Buddhist concept of “right mindfulness.”
- Stoicism: Inner freedom through emotional control.
- Golden Mean: Aristotle’s middle path of virtue.
- Self-Conquest: Mental strength to overcome oneself.
Psychological Interpretation
Jungian Psychology Interpretation:
- Ego Establishment: Formation of a strong ego.
- Shadow Integration: Harmonization of opposing aspects.
- Hero’s Journey: Growth through overcoming difficulties.
Cognitive Psychology Interpretation:
- Self-Control: Ability to control impulses.
- Goal Orientation: Focus on clear objectives.
- Executive Function: Execution of planned actions.
Spiritual Meaning
- Warrior’s Path: Victory in spiritual battles.
- Karma Yoga: Path to liberation through action.
- Chariot of the Soul: Plato’s allegory of the soul.
- Holy War: Battle against inner enemies.
Practical Reading
Interpretation Examples by Question
“Can I achieve this goal?”
- Upright: You will surely achieve it with strong willpower and focus. Proceed with confidence.
- Reversed: You need to review your plans and methods. Deal with it calmly without being emotional.
“Can I overcome this difficulty?”
- Upright: You have the power to overcome difficulties. Do not give up and keep moving forward.
- Reversed: It’s time to pause and rethink your strategy. Do not rush headlong.
“Will a job change or relocation be successful?”
- Upright: You will achieve great success in a new environment. Take the leap with courage.
- Reversed: You are not yet sufficiently prepared. Plan a little more before acting.
Combinations with Other Cards
The Chariot + The Emperor
- Perfect leadership. Success through authority and execution.
The Chariot + Strength
- Harmony of inner power and outer action. Victory through mental strength.
The Chariot + The Star
- Progress guided by hope. Fated success.
The Chariot + The Tower
- Response to sudden change. The power to overcome crisis.
Meditation and Work
Chariot Meditation
- Preparation: Sit upright and place the Chariot card in front of you.
- Breathing: Deep, regular breaths to enhance concentration.
- Visualization: Imagine yourself driving the chariot.
- Control: Control opposing forces (white and black sphinxes).
- Goal Setting: Set a clear destination.
- Forward Movement: Feel the sensation of moving forward, overcoming obstacles.
- Victory: Savor the joy of achieving your goal.
Journaling Questions
- What is the most important goal I should be working on now?
- How can I cultivate the willpower needed to achieve that goal?
- What conflicting elements do I need to control?
- What obstacles must I overcome for success?
- Who is driving the “chariot” of my life?
Utilizing the Energy of the Chariot in Daily Life
Daily Practice:
- Set clear goals and act towards them.
- Control emotions and make calm judgments.
- Have a strong will not to give up when faced with difficulties.
- Balance opposing elements.
- Build confidence by accumulating small victories.
Chariot Affirmations:
- “I achieve my goals with strong willpower.”
- “I move forward, overcoming difficulties.”
- “I control my emotions and act calmly.”
- “I am a victor.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If the Chariot appears, will I always win? A: The Chariot indicates the possibility of victory, but it requires strong willpower and appropriate effort. However, the path to success is clearly visible.
Q: Does a reversed Chariot always mean failure? A: Not necessarily. It indicates that plans or methods need to be reviewed. Learning from temporary stagnation is also important.
Q: What is the difference between the Chariot and The Emperor? A: The Emperor represents stable rule and authority, while the Chariot represents dynamic progress and victory. The Emperor is the principle of “governing,” and the Chariot is the principle of “breaking through.”
Summary
The Chariot expresses the strong willpower within us and the power to achieve goals by overcoming difficulties. This card teaches the importance of achieving success through controlled power, not just brute force.
The energy of the Chariot gives us the courage to focus on clear goals, control our emotions, and continue moving forward. It is a card that shows the wisdom to become a true victor on life’s journey.
Related Pages
- 6. The Lovers - The stage before the Chariot.
- 8. Strength - The stage after the Chariot.
- Major Arcana List - Overview of the 22 Major Arcana cards.
- Practical Reading Guide - Practical guide to reading, including the Chariot.