Description
The Chariot displays a powerful, princely figure sitting in a swift chariot, pulled usually by two sphinxes or horses, which often carry a black and white motif. May be crowned or helmeted, the princely figure is winged in some representations and may hold a sword or wand, or other masculine symbol.
Meaning and Influence on You
Unified Contrariness
Represents upholding the balance of control between the light and the dark in our natures, on its most basic level, the chariot portends war, a struggle of getting what you want and an eventual, hard-won victory, either over enemies, obstacles, nature, or the beasts hiding inside you.
Wearing emblems of the sun but with the Cancer sign and the moon behind this card, the chariot is all about motion, and yet it is often shown as stationary. All of these conflicting symbols mean a union of opposites, like the black and white steeds. Though these opposites pull in different directions, they are necessitated to go together in one direction.
This unified contrariness is perhaps the most important message of the Chariot: separate the driver from the chariot, the chariot from the horses, the horses from each other and from the driver. Nothing gets done if each separate element is doing its own thing. But put them all together, with the same goal in mind, and there will be no stopping them.
Victory and Control
The Chariot appearing this month is a constant reminder to keep going and tough it out!
Most associated with victory and control, when you see this card in a tarot card reading in times of struggle, do understand that victory takes time. If still not yet victorious, try to learn to appreciate your struggle, as the celebration you can have will be made more worthwhile as your victory will make all the time of struggle worth it.
Remember, in every opposing emotions, wants, needs, people, or circumstances, control is required to bring them together and give them a single direction, your direction. Moreover, the Chariot represents conquest and overcoming opposition through your confidence and control. The Chariot, in fact, may indicate loyalty, faith, and motivation or inspiration; indicating a conviction that gets a stagnant situation moving again, leading to victory no matter the odds. Any success will be a result of applying these characteristics to the situation. The strength of your willpower to overcome any obstacles or challenges in your way is usually needed.
There might even come a time that you may find that by leveraging any opposing forces surrounding you at this time, you might discover that you can use them to your advantage. Determination, self-discipline, and industry are needed. If you have these traits, you will triumph over any difficulties or anyone who is trying to limit you. This struggle will ultimately make you stronger.
Ruthless Desire
On the one hand, however, the Chariot may signify a ruthless, die hard desire to win at any cost. During a tarot reading, the querent should be reminded to save his energy for what comes after.
Contradictions
The chariot is armored, but also cut off as a charioteer usually fights alone. The Chariot moves from one plane to the next from water to land and back again or conscious and unconscious, earthly and spiritual. Basically, the chariot succeeds by attacking from the side, rather than straight on. This card of contradictions is about sidewise battles, yet also about full-speed ahead.