
VII The Chariot: complete tarot meaning
Upright
Determination, willpower, success
Reversed
Lack of direction, self-doubt, obstacles
Numerology | 7 | Spirituality, Introspection, Wisdom, Mystery |
Element | Water | Emotions, Relationships, Love, Feelings, Family |
Yes / No | Yes | – |
Astrology | Cancer | Nurturing, Supportive, Healing, Compassionate, Unconditionally Loving |
Planet | Moon | Unconsciousness, Emotions, Instincts, Habits, Moods, Creativity |
Symbols & Imagery
Upright
Armored Warrior | Determination, willpower, and control over destiny |
Sphinxes | Balance of opposing forces, conscious vs. subconscious, and duality |
Starry Canopy | Connection to divine guidance and higher purpose |
Crescent Moons | Intuition guiding action and emotional balance |
Square on Chest | Strong foundation, discipline, and grounded energy |
City in Background | Moving forward, progress, and ambition |
No Reins | Mastery of self, confidence, and inner strength |
Reversed
Armored Warrior | Loss of control, feeling stuck, or lack of motivation |
Sphinxes | Indecision, opposing desires, or chaotic energy |
Starry Canopy | Acting without direction, lack of spiritual alignment |
Crescent Moons | Letting emotions take over instead of logical thinking |
Square on Chest | Lack of discipline, failure to stay grounded |
City in Background | Inability to move forward or facing obstacles |
No Reins | Recklessness, impulsiveness, or outside forces interfering |
General Interpretation
Upright
The Chariot represents determination, willpower, and control over opposing forces. It signifies triumph through hard work, focus, and the ability to overcome obstacles. This card encourages you to stay disciplined and focused on your goals, driving forward with confidence and control.
“I move forward with confidence and determination.”
Key Meanings
- Willpower & Determination: Using focus and perseverance to achieve your goals.
- Victory & Success: Overcoming challenges and achieving your desires.
- Control & Discipline: Maintaining direction and self-control despite external distractions.
- Triumph over Adversity: Navigating difficulties with strength and resilience.
Advice
- Stay focused: Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t let distractions deter you.
- Harness your willpower: Use discipline and determination to push through challenges.
- Maintain control: Balance opposing forces in your life to maintain a steady course.
- Celebrate your victories: Acknowledge your progress and success along the way.
Final Message
The Chariot urges you to take control of your destiny and move forward with strength, discipline, and focus. Triumph is within reach, but it requires persistence, confidence, and a steady hand.
Reversed
The Chariot reversed symbolizes a lack of direction, self-discipline, or control. You may be feeling out of control, scattered, or unable to focus on your goals. This card may indicate a struggle to move forward. Unresolved emotional baggage often hinders progress. External obstacles can also prevent forward momentum.
“I release resistance and allow things to flow naturally.”
Key Meanings
- Lack of Control: Unable to harness your energy or focus on your goals.
- Stagnation: Feeling stuck or unsure about which direction to take.
- External Obstacles: Struggling to overcome challenges that prevent progress.
- Emotional Turmoil: Letting emotions dictate your decisions instead of logic or willpower.
Advice
- Regain control: Take a step back and reassess your situation before moving forward.
- Focus your energy: Channel your drive and willpower into a single direction.
- Confront emotional blockages: Address any unresolved feelings that might be holding you back.
- Embrace patience: Progress may take longer than expected, but persistence is key.
Final Message
The Chariot reversed reminds you that true success requires alignment between your inner will and external forces. Take control of your emotions and focus your energy on the next step in your journey.
Love & Relationships
Upright
The Chariot appearing upright in a love reading signifies determination. It also symbolizes victory and the ability to overcome obstacles in love. This card speaks to the power of will and focused effort. It urges you to take charge of your love life with confidence. Approach it with direction.
“I take control of my love life with confidence, and I overcome obstacles with determination and focus.”
Key Meanings
- Victory and Overcoming Obstacles: The Chariot indicates a period when you can conquer challenges. You have the capacity to overcome obstacles in your romantic life. Whether it’s external factors or internal struggles, you have the strength to move forward.
- Determination and Control: This card encourages you to take charge of your love life. Steer it in the direction you desire. Use your inner strength and willpower.
- Focus and Direction: The Chariot encourages you to focus on your goals in love. Take decisive action. Trust that you have the resources to succeed.
Interpretations by Situation
If Single:
- The Chariot suggests that you are in a powerful position to take charge of your love life. It’s a time to focus on your desires and move forward with confidence.
- You may face challenges in love. However, this card assures you that you have the determination and strength to overcome these challenges.
- Be clear about what you want and take action toward it, whether it’s dating, self-discovery, or building a relationship.
In a Relationship:
- If you’re in a relationship, The Chariot signifies a time when both partners must come together with focus. They need determination to overcome challenges.
- There may be external obstacles or differing opinions. However, with clear communication and a united front, you can triumph over them.
- This card may also indicate a period of personal growth and self-discipline that will ultimately benefit the relationship.
Reconnecting or Reconciliation:
- In reconciliation, The Chariot suggests that both partners must show determination and resolve to make the relationship work.
- This card signals the potential for overcoming past conflicts. Moving forward is possible, but only if both parties are willing to take control. They must face challenges head-on.
Final Message
The Chariot upright in love is a reminder. You have the strength and willpower to overcome any challenges in your romantic life. With focus and determination, you can move forward with confidence toward the love you desire.
Reversed
The Chariot appearing reversed in a love reading can indicate a lack of control in your love life. It may also suggest a lack of direction or willpower. There may be obstacles preventing you from moving forward. You might feel stuck. You could also be overwhelmed by emotions. The reversed Chariot suggests there may be a struggle between opposing forces. This struggle makes it difficult to achieve the harmony and progress you’re seeking in a relationship.
“I take control of my emotions and love life, making clear decisions that move me forward with confidence and balance.”
Key Meanings
- Lack of Control: You may feel as though you are not in control of your love life. External factors might also prevent you from moving forward.
- Emotional Turmoil: This card can indicate being swept away by emotions. You may feel scattered, which makes it hard to focus. It can also be difficult to make clear decisions in love.
- Unresolved Conflicts: There could be ongoing tensions or power struggles within the relationship. These issues are preventing you from finding balance or resolution.
- Stagnation or Delays: The Chariot reversed can suggest that the relationship is not progressing as expected. There may be obstacles that need to be overcome before growth can occur.
Interpretations by Situation
If Single:
- The Chariot reversed can indicate that you are facing challenges in moving forward with your love life. You may feel stuck, confused, or unsure about how to take control of your romantic future.
- Emotional baggage or past experiences may affect your ability to move on. They could also impact your ability to make clear decisions about what you want in a partner.
- Take time to reflect on what might be holding you back. Consider whether it’s fear, unresolved issues, or a lack of clarity. Regaining your emotional balance and focus will help you move forward.
In a Relationship:
- The reversed Chariot suggests that there may be a lack of direction or progress in the relationship. There could be unresolved conflicts or differences in goals or desires that are preventing forward movement.
- You or your partner may be struggling with emotional control, leading to erratic behavior or inconsistent actions that create tension.
- This card asks you to address any issues head-on. Regain control over the relationship by focusing on cooperation. Emphasize mutual understanding.
Reconnecting or Reconciliation:
- If you’re trying to reconcile, The Chariot reversed points to ongoing struggles or obstacles that prevent smooth reconciliation. There may be too much emotional baggage or unresolved conflicts that are preventing you from moving forward together.
- You may need to address any power struggles, lack of communication, or emotional blockages that have caused a disconnect. Clear and honest communication will help you both find common ground.
Final Message
The Chariot reversed in love is a reminder that progress may be stalled, but this is not the end. Take time to regain your emotional balance. Clarify your goals. Address any unresolved issues that are standing in your way. By finding the right direction and working together, you can overcome obstacles and move forward with greater clarity and strength.
Career
Upright
When The Chariot appears upright in a career reading, it signals determination, willpower, and victory through persistence. This card reflects a period where overcoming obstacles and maintaining control will lead to success.
“I take control of my career with confidence and determination, overcoming all obstacles in my path.”
1. Taking Control of Your Career
- The Chariot encourages you to take the reins of your career and drive forward with determination. You are in a position to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals with focused effort.
- Stay determined. Keep your eyes on the prize. Take decisive action to steer your career in the direction you desire.
2. Overcoming Obstacles
- This card signals that challenges may arise, but they can be overcome with willpower and discipline. Use your strength to push past any barriers standing in your way.
- Face challenges head-on. Trust your ability to navigate obstacles and keep moving forward with confidence.
3. Staying Focused and Driven
- The Chariot asks you to maintain focus and drive. Your ambition and determination will serve you well, so don’t let distractions or setbacks slow you down.
- Stay committed to your goals and avoid losing sight of what truly matters. Keep moving forward with resolve.
4. Achieving Victory Through Hard Work
- This card signifies that victory is possible, but it will require effort, discipline, and persistence. Success will come as a result of your consistent work and determination.
- Put in the hard work, and success will follow. Celebrate each milestone as you move toward your ultimate goal.
5. Taking Bold Action
- The Chariot encourages you to take bold, decisive action to move your career forward. Sometimes you need to take risks and act with confidence to achieve your dreams.
- Don’t be afraid to make bold moves. Trust your instincts and take charge of your professional destiny.
6. Harnessing Inner Strength
- This card emphasizes tapping into your inner strength and determination to achieve your professional objectives. Your personal willpower can help you navigate challenges and find success.
- Tap into your inner resilience and focus on your personal power. Use this strength to push through difficult times.
Final Message
The Chariot (Upright) signifies triumph through discipline, focus, and inner strength. By maintaining determination and control, you will overcome obstacles and achieve your career goals.
Reversed
The Chariot reversed in a career reading signals a lack of direction. It indicates obstacles or losing control of your professional path. You may feel stuck or unsure of how to move forward.
“I take control of my career path and move forward with determination.”
1. Feeling Stagnant or Stuck in Your Career
- The reversed Chariot suggests that you may lack motivation or feel blocked from progressing in your career.
- Identify what’s holding you back and take proactive steps to regain momentum.
2. Losing Focus on Career Goals
- This card can indicate that you have lost sight of your professional ambitions or are feeling scattered.
- Reassess your goals and create a clear strategy to move forward.
3. Facing External Career Obstacles
- You may be encountering unexpected challenges that are delaying progress.
- Stay adaptable and determined—obstacles are temporary, and perseverance will help you overcome them.
4. Letting Others Control Your Career Choices
- The reversed Chariot warns against allowing others to dictate your professional direction.
- Take back control and make decisions that serve your best interests.
5. Lack of Drive or Determination
- You may be feeling unmotivated or struggling with self-discipline.
- Reignite your ambition by setting small, achievable goals to build momentum.
Final Message
The Chariot (Reversed) reminds you that career success requires direction and determination. Regain focus and push forward with confidence.
Finance
Upright
The Chariot tarot card, when upright, represents financial ambition, determination, and overcoming obstacles.
1. Drive & Financial Success
- The Chariot signifies strong willpower and determination, making it a powerful sign for financial progress.
- Set clear financial goals and take decisive action to achieve them.
2. Overcoming Financial Challenges
- This card suggests overcoming financial struggles through persistence and discipline.
- Stay focused on long-term financial stability rather than short-term setbacks.
3. Strong Financial Direction & Control
- The Chariot encourages taking control of financial matters and pushing forward with confidence.
- Implement a structured financial plan, eliminate debts, and make disciplined investment choices.
4. Warning Against Recklessness & Financial Burnout
- While ambition is essential, overexertion can lead to financial mistakes.
- Avoid high-risk investments or aggressive financial moves without thorough planning.
Final Message
The Chariot upright in finance signifies victory through perseverance. It encourages taking control of finances with confidence while avoiding recklessness.
Reversed
The Chariot reversed warns of financial setbacks, lack of control, or a failure to stay on track with financial goals. It may indicate frustration due to external or internal financial struggles.
1. Lack of Financial Control & Motivation
- The reversed Chariot suggests feeling financially overwhelmed, struggling to manage debt, or lacking discipline.
- Regain control by setting clear financial goals and eliminating distractions. Small, steady progress is better than chaotic action.
2. Unexpected Financial Setbacks
- This card can indicate challenges such as job loss, failed investments, or delays in financial plans.
- Stay adaptable. Have emergency savings and a contingency plan to navigate unexpected financial difficulties.
3. Reckless Spending & Impulsivity
- Unlike the upright Chariot, which represents disciplined progress, the reversed version signals recklessness—spending without limits or making rushed financial choices.
- Slow down. Set a clear budget and avoid emotional or impulsive spending.
4. Struggles with Career or Business Goals
- This card may indicate career stagnation, lack of financial mobility, or a failed business venture.
- Reevaluate career or business strategies. If necessary, adjust your approach or seek external support.
Final Message
The reversed Chariot signals the need for financial discipline and strategy. Regain focus, overcome obstacles, and avoid reckless financial choices.
Health
Upright
The Chariot, symbolizing determination, control, and willpower.
1. Physical Strength & Momentum
- Drive & Discipline: The Chariot signifies a strong sense of motivation to improve health. This motivation may come through fitness, diet, or overcoming illness.
- Overcoming Challenges: Suggests victory over health struggles, showing resilience, recovery, and regaining strength.
2. Mental Focus & Determination
- Mind Over Matter: Encourages mental toughness, pushing through obstacles, and setting clear health goals.
- Harnessing Inner Power: Calls for confidence in one’s ability to take charge of health through positive action.
Cautions & Balance
- Avoid Overexertion: While determination is key, be mindful not to push too hard—listen to your body’s limits.
- Balance Control & Flexibility: Structure is beneficial, but being too rigid can lead to burnout or stress-related issues.
Advice
- Stay Focused on Your Goals: Set clear intentions and work consistently toward them.
- Maintain Physical & Mental Stamina: Engage in activities that build strength without overexertion.
- Know When to Pause: Rest is just as important as movement—avoid excessive strain.
Final Message
The Chariot upright empowers you to take control of your health journey through discipline, focus, and resilience. It’s about moving forward with confidence while maintaining balance and self-care.
Reversed
The Chariot (Reversed), symbolizing lack of control, stagnation, and burnout, highlights obstacles in health progress.
1. Physical & Emotional Exhaustion
- Losing Motivation: Struggling to stay committed to health goals or feeling too fatigued to make changes.
- Overexertion Leading to Burnout: Pushing too hard with workouts, dieting, or rigid regimens without balance.
2. Mental & Emotional Blocks
- Feeling Stuck: Frustration from slow progress, lack of results, or external barriers affecting health.
- Struggling with Discipline: Difficulty maintaining focus on health priorities due to distractions or lack of willpower.
Cautions & Balance
- Avoid Pushing Too Hard: Overworking your body can lead to breakdowns rather than progress.
- Find Motivation Without Forcing It: Set realistic, sustainable health goals.
Advice
- Refocus & Regain Control: Identify what’s blocking progress and take small steps to correct it.
- Balance Effort with Rest: Discipline is key, but burnout can be counterproductive.
- Work with Your Body, Not Against It: Listen to its signals rather than forcing unsustainable habits.
Final Message
The Chariot reversed warns against exhaustion, lack of direction, or overexertion. It calls for reassessing your approach, balancing ambition with self-care, and regaining control over your wellness journey.
Spirituality
Upright
The Chariot is a symbol of divine willpower and spiritual mastery. It embodies the drive to overcome obstacles. It encourages you to align with your purpose and move forward with confidence. In its upright position, this card calls you to harness your inner strength. Maintain focus. Navigate life’s journey with unwavering determination.
1. The Path of Spiritual Victory
- Overcoming Challenges: The Chariot is a card of triumph. It signals that you have the strength to overcome any spiritual or personal obstacles in your path. It reminds you that success is achieved through resilience, self-discipline, and trust in divine guidance.
- Sacred Warrior Energy: Spiritually, The Chariot represents a warrior moving forward with divine purpose. You might be battling inner doubts. You could also be facing external struggles or seeking enlightenment. This card affirms that you are on the right track.
2. Mastery Over Dual Forces
- Balancing Opposing Energies: The Charioteer controls two sphinxes (or horses), representing duality—light and shadow, intuition and intellect, surrender and control. Spiritually, this card asks: Are you in command of your emotions and thoughts? Or are your emotions and thoughts pulling you in different directions?
- Self-Discipline as a Spiritual Tool: True power comes from within. The Chariot teaches that success in any spiritual journey requires focus and commitment. You must harness both instinct and reason.
3. Divine Alignment and Soul Purpose
- Moving with Divine Intent: The Chariot encourages you to stay aligned with your spiritual path. If you feel lost, reconnect with your true purpose—your soul knows the way.
- Breaking Through Stagnation: This card signifies momentum. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your spiritual growth, it’s time to take decisive action. Trust in the process.
4. Strength Through Willpower and Faith
- Unshakable Determination: When faced with doubt or fear, The Chariot reminds you that your spirit is stronger than any challenge. Keep your eyes on the goal, and don’t allow distractions to pull you off course.
- Trusting Divine Guidance: While willpower is essential, so is faith. The Chariot moves forward not only through effort but also by trusting that the universe supports the journey.
Spiritual Warnings & Balance
- Beware of Forcefulness: The Chariot warns against pushing too hard or trying to control everything. While determination is necessary, it must be balanced with trust in divine timing.
- Avoid Losing Direction: In pursuit of goals, ensure you remain aligned with your higher self. Power without purpose leads to emptiness.
Actionable Practices
- Set Clear Intentions: Write down your spiritual or personal goals and visualize yourself achieving them with confidence.
- Meditate on Inner Strength: Reflect on challenges you have overcome and recognize your resilience.
- Energy Alignment Practices: Engage in breathwork, yoga, or focused movement to strengthen the mind-body-spirit connection.
- Travel with Purpose: If possible, take a symbolic journey. This could be a pilgrimage, road trip, or nature retreat. Use this time to reflect on your path and progress.
Final Message
The Chariot upright is a call to take control of your destiny with unwavering focus and spiritual discipline. It reminds you that challenges are merely stepping stones to greatness. With faith, courage, and determination, you can overcome anything. Stay on your path, trust in your power, and move forward with divine confidence.
Reversed
The Chariot reversed signifies a loss of direction, lack of control, or inner resistance to progress. Instead of moving forward with determination and spiritual alignment, distractions, fear, or external influences may be causing delays and setbacks.
1. Feeling Stuck or Lacking Direction
- Spiritual Stagnation: The Chariot reversed suggests a lack of movement, motivation, or clarity. Are you feeling stuck in your spiritual journey or struggling to make progress?
- Misaligned Goals: Spiritually, this card asks: Are you pursuing a path that aligns with your soul? Or are you chasing something that isn’t truly meant for you?
2. Loss of Control & Lack of Focus
- Scattered Energy: Unlike the upright Chariot, which is focused and disciplined, the reversed Chariot indicates your energy is scattered. It suggests that your energy is being pulled in multiple directions. Are distractions or external influences preventing you from staying on course?
- Feeling overwhelmed or defeated can happen. If life feels like it’s spiraling out of control, this card reminds you to slow down. Take a moment to regain focus. Then, take intentional steps forward.
3. Inner Conflict & Resistance to Change
- Fear of Moving Forward: Spiritually, The Chariot reversed can indicate self-doubt or fear of stepping into your power. Are you resisting change because of fear of failure or uncertainty?
- Avoiding Spiritual Growth: Sometimes, we subconsciously hold ourselves back. This card asks: Are you afraid of what lies ahead if you fully commit to your spiritual path?
4. External Obstacles & Misuse of Willpower
- Blocked Progress Due to External Forces: You may be experiencing delays due to external challenges. These challenges include financial struggles, unsupportive people, or life circumstances. The Chariot reversed encourages patience and a shift in strategy rather than forcing progress.
- Forcing Instead of Flowing: On the other hand, this card warns against using sheer force to push forward. Balance willpower with surrender—some battles are won through trust rather than control.
Spiritual Warnings & Balance
- Beware of Burnout: If you are pushing too hard without rest or clarity, The Chariot reversed warns of exhaustion. Balance action with self-care.
- Avoid Letting Doubt Take Over: The longer you stay in uncertainty, the harder it is to move forward. Ground yourself in spiritual practices to regain confidence.
Actionable Practices
- Journaling on Purpose & Direction: Write about what is holding you back—are your fears real, or are they illusions?
- Grounding & Realignment: Walk in nature, meditate, or practice breathwork to reconnect with your inner strength.
- Set Small, Intentional Goals: If progress feels overwhelming, break it down into small, manageable steps rather than forcing rapid movement.
- Mantra for Focus: Repeat affirmations like “I trust my path. I move forward with clarity and confidence.”
Final Message
The Chariot reversed is a call to regain control, realign with your purpose, and trust the timing of your journey. It teaches that progress is not always about force—sometimes, surrender, clarity, and patience are needed. Reclaim your focus, overcome self-doubt, and trust that you are moving in the right direction at the right time.
Personality
Upright
A determined, ambitious, and disciplined individual. This person is a go-getter, an athlete, or someone with strong willpower who pushes forward despite obstacles.
Reversed
A directionless, aggressive, or unmotivated person. They may lack control, be reckless, or let obstacles overwhelm them.