The Chariot

The Chariot tarot card description

A crowned warrior stands in a canopied chariot decorated with stars, driving forward from a walled city. Two sphinxes, one dark and one light, draw the chariot, and the charioteer holds no reins.

The starry canopy is protection from above; the walled city is what has been left behind; the two sphinxes are opposing forces. Without reins, the charioteer steers by will alone.

The Chariot upright

The Chariot speaks of determination, discipline and progress through focus. Opposing forces in your life, doubt and desire, head and heart, can be brought to move in one direction.

It is a card of victory earned through effort and self-control, and often of travel or forward movement.

• Love and relationships

  Moving a relationship forward with purpose; overcoming differences together.

• Finances

  Disciplined effort brings financial progress; stay focused on your goal.

• Career

  Ambition rewarded, a competition won, a goal reached. Work travel is possible.

• Health and wellbeing

  Determination helps you recover or reach a fitness goal; keep your routine steady.

The Chariot reversed

Reversed, effort may be scattered, control slipping, or you may be pushing too hard against others.

Stop, and set a direction before you move again.

• Love and relationships

  A struggle for control, or partners pulling in different directions.

• Finances

  Loss of focus, or impulsive moves that set you back.

• Career

  Obstacles, frustration, or aggression that works against you.

• Health and wellbeing

  Pushing too hard, or losing motivation; find a sustainable pace.

Health readings describe wellbeing within the tradition. They are not medical advice; for any health concern, see a doctor.

The Chariot: one-card pull, yes or no

Drawn as a single card for a yes-or-no question, The Chariot is usually read like this:

The Chariot for timing

Linked with Cancer, whose Western season runs from about 21 June to 22 July. In timing it often suggests movement soon, as long as the effort continues.

These correspondences come from the Western tarot tradition, which uses the tropical zodiac. They are not part of Vedic astrology, whose signs are counted differently.