The Chariot is card VII, the card of moving forward through sheer determination. It shows a victory won not by luck but by focus, discipline and holding opposing forces together.
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What's on the The Chariot card
An armored figure stands in a chariot under a canopy of stars, a city behind them. They wear a crown topped with a star and crescent moons on their shoulders. In front of the chariot sit two sphinxes, one black and one white, facing slightly different ways. There are no reins: the charioteer steers by willpower alone.
- The black and white sphinxes: opposing forces or emotions that must work together
- No reins: control comes from inner strength, not force
- The starry canopy: protection and higher guidance on the journey
- The city behind: leaving the familiar behind to move forward
The Chariot upright meaning
Upright, the Chariot says you can win this. You're moving forward, and with focus and self-discipline, obstacles will give way. It's a card of travel, ambition, competitions, exams and any situation where you need to keep going.
The sphinxes pulling in different directions are a clue: success comes from mastering your own mixed feelings, doubts and distractions. Decide where you're going, commit, and steer.
The Chariot reversed meaning
Reversed, the Chariot loses its way. You may feel stuck, pulled in two directions, or pushing so hard that you're running people over. Plans may stall, or you may be trying to control things that can't be controlled.
Stop, check your direction and regroup. Sometimes the bravest move is to pause long enough to choose one road.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
The Chariot in love
Upright: Making progress together, overcoming challenges as a team, or pursuing someone with confidence. A relationship moving forward.
Reversed: Power struggles, one partner steering everything, or a relationship pulling in different directions.
The Chariot in career and money
Upright: Success through hard work, promotion, winning a contract or reaching a goal. Travel for work. Money improves through effort.
Reversed: Lost momentum, conflicting goals or burnout from pushing too hard. Refocus on one priority.
The Chariot as feelings
As feelings, the Chariot shows someone who feels determined and motivated about you and is ready to pursue the relationship. They may be confident, even a little competitive. Reversed, they may feel conflicted, frustrated or unsure which way to go.
Is The Chariot a yes or no card?
Yes. The Chariot is a yes: you'll get there if you stay focused and keep going. Reversed, it's a no for now, until you sort out your direction.
The Chariot correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Water |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Cancer |
| Crystals | Tiger's Eye Hematite |
| Herbs and incense | Bay Laurel Ginger |
| Candle colors | Gold Candle Silver Candle |
A Chariot Victory Spell
For an exam, an interview, a competition or any goal that needs determination.
You will need:
- A gold candle
- A dried bay leaf and a pen or marker
- A tiger's eye or any strong stone
Steps:
- Write your goal on the bay leaf in one or two words.
- Light the candle and hold the leaf and the stone together.
- Say: I hold the reins within me. My doubts pull, but I steer. Onward to victory.
- Burn the bay leaf carefully in a fireproof dish, or keep it in your wallet until the goal is reached.
- Carry the stone with you on the day it matters.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
The Chariot FAQs
What does the Chariot mean in tarot?
The Chariot means determination, willpower and victory. It shows success that comes from focus, self-discipline and keeping opposing feelings under control.
Is the Chariot a yes or no card?
The Chariot is a yes when you stay focused and committed. Reversed, it's a no until you choose a clear direction.
What does the Chariot mean in love?
In love, the Chariot means making progress, overcoming obstacles together or pursuing someone confidently. Reversed, it can point to power struggles.
Why does the Chariot have two sphinxes?
The black and white sphinxes stand for opposite forces, such as doubt and confidence or emotion and logic. The charioteer has no reins, showing that they steer by inner strength.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with The Chariot: The Lovers, Strength.