The Major Arcana of the Tarot, the Chariot, symbolizes forward movement, fateful changes, and control over one’s own path. This card represents willpower, which is required to achieve one’s ambitious goals. When appearing in spreads, the «Chariot» carries the sacral meaning of overcoming difficulties and achieving victory through self-control, determination and perseverance. The card serves as a reminder of the power of your own consciousness, the need to control your life and move forward with determination, which will sweep away all obstacles on the way. In this article, we will explore the symbolism, meanings, and interpretations of the Chariot card according to the French Tarot system of Dr. Papus.

Review

The Chariot is the 8th Major Arcana in the Tarot deck of Dr. Papus. The Arcana corresponds to the letter of the Hebrew alphabet, “zayin”. The Chariot can appear in the upright or reversed position, therefore we will explore both meanings in more detail.

Symbolism

The card depicts the Victor in a chariot, with a scepter and a sword, representing strength and willpower. The three pentagrams on the headband represent power, wisdom, and reason. The golden crown symbolizes intellectual enlightenment. The two sphinxes harnessed to the chariot represent the struggle between good and evil that the charioteer has overcome.

Key meanings:

• the need for balance
• forward movement
• successful overcoming of obstacles
• quick victory
• courage on the verge of recklessness

The Chariot Card — General Meaning

Emergence from stagnation, changeability of images, and the development of dynamic events that accelerate and engage. Things are shifting, there is no longer a place for slowing down and quiet in a person’s life. The fast pace is not always easy to sustain, so the key here is to embrace it and channel it to your benefit. This is not a time for rest and relaxation, slowing down can have a negative impact on future events.

Love and relationships

The energy of the Chariot emphasizes the need to choose a partner more carefully from the perspective of a long-term relationship. For those already in a relationship, it is a time of action, growth, and transition to a new stage in their relationship, which becomes more harmonious and sincere.

Career and finance

The Chariot promises career advancement, success, and financial prosperity. Now you can boldly go forward without fear, as only improvement of the situation and increased income await. Do not be afraid to show ambition and follow your desires, even if they involve a change of place of work.

Health

This is a card of physical and mental well-being. If you have been contemplating to get rid of bad habits, now is the most favorable time for this.

Self-development and spiritual growth

A path unfolds before you, which leads to a deeper understanding of yourself, and the ability to manage your psyche and emotions. You are able to overcome weaknesses and imperfections to attain victory. Listen to your heart and intuition.

Card Recommendation

This is the best time to express yourself as boldly as possible. Shed fears and doubts, bravely go into the new, and do not be afraid to veer from the path that is no longer satisfying. Your determination and persistence now will shape your future.

The Upright Chariot Card — General Meaning

This position of the card suggests that the person struggles to keep up with the fast pace of the Chariot and by jumping from it on the move, attempts to slow down the general pace of life, to get out of the current processes and avoid fuss. This is the moment when luck can turn away, and the victory, which seemed so close, can slip away.

Love and relationships

In the reversed position of the Arcana, the Chariot warns of possible difficulties, especially in relationships, where one of the partners seeks marriage, while the other is not ready, or where there are issues of trust and infidelity.

Career and finances

This card position suggests missed opportunities for a quick breakthrough and a successful climb up the career ladder. It’s an unstable time of change, unjustified spending, fruitless ventures, and meaningless projects. Energy goes to the wrong place.

Health

This is the time to pay close attention to your physical state, as later you will still need to monitor these issues, but time and favorable circumstances will be missed.

Self-development and spiritual growth

You are off course, so you may be overcome by unpleasant states of anger, rage, or revenge. There may be empty quarrels that cause exaggerated resentment and discourage reconciliation.

Card recommendation

You should not slow down processes or try to resist them. Trust the flow, which currently determines your future, act boldly and decisively. Circumstances are developing in your favor.

The Chariot is a strong Major Arcana that can help us move quickly to a new level of life. Seize it and make the most of it!