The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning Upright and Reversed

When the Chariot comes out in a reading, it represents surmounting obstacles through willpower. The message is that victory is yours when you exercise strength and control of your environment. When you drive forward with confidence in your plan, the path to success will open up before you.

Our ambitions take time and effort to unfold in the real world. If you routinely give in to distractions and unproductive habits, the effort you put into your aspirations will be scattered and too weak to achieve your aims.

On the other hand, if you give yourself too little time to complete your goals, you will need more focused strength to get you as far as you want to go.

This is a lesson about being on the middle path. Take the initiative to make progress. Be neither too lazy and distracted nor too rigid and forceful. Apply your energies where they will help you achieve your ambitions.

The Chariot Tarot Card Keywords and Facts

Before you understand the specific meaning, take a look at the keywords and phrases associated with our eighth Major Arcana Card.

Upright Keywords	Willpower, self-direction, control, victory
Reversed Keywords	Out of control, aimlessness, passivity
Yes or No	Yes
Numerology Number	7
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Element	Water
Ruling Planet	Moon

The Chariot Tarot Card Symbolism and Appearance

The Chariot rides out from the settled town life, indicating pursuing experiences and ambitions beyond the regular. Two black and white sphinxes draw it, showing the contrasting impulses that tend to pull us off track.

Sometimes you may be easily distracted by fun activities that don’t contribute to your progress. At other times, you may feel charged up and impatient, pushing too hard, trying to do it all now. It is your job as the charioteer to reign in these impulses, using them to power you toward your goals.

The charioteer wears a crown with a star and crescent moons on his shoulders. The Chariot has a draping of stars on a blue background. These symbols reflect a sense of purpose rooted in celestial or spiritual influences.

The Chariot itself appears to be a block of stone. Together with the celestial ornaments, this is a spiritual journey grounded in real-world resources, action, and the manifestation of goals.

The six-pointed star on the charioteer’s breastplate indicates both assertive and receptive principles, indicating you need to practice both ways of being to get what you’re after. The square in the center of his chest refers to the desire to establish in reality what he has envisioned from spiritual searching.

A pair of wings and a yoni/lingam adorn the chariot’s front part, hinting at the progress you can make when you moderate effort with self-care and distraction with determination.

The Chariot Tarot Card Upright Meaning

When it appears upright, the Chariot refers to ambition and dedication. The idea is that, with self-discipline, you can achieve anything. Have confidence in yourself. Focus your energy on the wins you seek.

The Chariot is about doing what it takes to be in control of your journey in life. Furthermore, it may refer to a car or actual travel.

In either case, it helps when your attention and intentions are on following the rules and doing what is required to deliver you safely to your destination.

Love (Upright)

In a love reading, the Chariot advises you to take action. Set your expectations and move confidently toward your chosen partnership. Now is not the time to stop and reflect on different possibilities.

Have a clear vision of what you want from a loving partnership. Accept that only some people come close to the ideal, and you can’t expect perfection.

If you’re in a relationship, this can indicate some travel. Or simply that things are moving along at a fast pace.

Health and Spirituality (Upright)

In a reading about health or spirituality, the Chariot refers to taking the reigns and being in charge of your well-being. It takes courage to face your health challenges. You have to advocate for yourself to get the care you need.

It takes bravery to define your spirituality. You are in the driver’s seat. Your relationship with the divine should fuel your progress and not slow you down.

Again, we see guidance to avoid extremes. Too little effort, and you risk failure. Too much effort, and you may encounter more frustration than satisfaction.

Money and Career (Upright)

When the Chariot shows up in a spread about money or career, it points to motivation and self-control. The point is to allow your ambitions to determine your next steps. Set aside all unnecessary distractions to accomplish your ultimate goals.

It is essential to control impulsive spending. Invest in those things that will help you accomplish what you set out to do, but avoid throwing money around or over-investing in distractions and side projects.

Very little can get in your way when you remain focused on your goals.

The Chariot Tarot Card Reversed

When the Chariot shows up in reverse, it means things are getting out of control. You may feel powerless to face the challenges in your path or frustrated that you don’t seem to get anywhere despite your best efforts. The message is to recognize that you’re in charge of your journey when you’re in control of yourself.

When things don’t go according to plan, one may have an impulse to give up and give in to lazy or brutish instincts. It is this impulsiveness that slows you down and distracts us from achieving your ambitions.

The Chariot in reverse is your reminder, then, to bring your impulses under control so that you can successfully surmount all obstacles.

Love (Reversed)

When the Chariot reversed comes out in a love reading, it points to an unhelpful and over-arching obsession with finding love. The message is not to pursue romantic interests to the exclusion of other goals and aspirations or become so rigid in your requirements for love that no one can live up to your ideal of perfection in partnership.

Within a bonded partnership, the Chariot shows up in reverse to indicate an imbalance of controlling behavior. Your lover is not a possession.

Be aware of things you say or do in an attempt to dictate what your partner may or may not do. Unfair or unrealistic expectations are likely to drive the other away.

This placement can also serve as a reminder to ensure your work/life balance isn’t leaning too heavily toward work and taking you away from relationships that matter to you.

Health and Spirituality (Reversed)

In a health spread, the Chariot shows up in reverse when you’ve fallen away from good habits. Whether it’s too much work or too many fast food meals, the idea is that it’s time to reign it in. Your body’s wellness depends on moderation.

Moderation, however, is different from being inflexible or uncompromising. One has to allow some room for exceptional circumstances.

Spiritually speaking, the Chariot in reverse shows a strict approach that dictates particular actions but stifles your imagination and your sense of connection to the divine. A rigid spirituality invites conflict with yourself and others when the point is to be uplifted and carried forward by our commonalities.

Money and Career (Reversed)

If you see the Chariot reversed in a money or career reading, it signals decision-making that is out of balance. The message is to notice where you’re putting your energy and re-direct it to help you progress on your ambitions. Efficiency means eliminating choices that don’t contribute to the desired outcome.

Whether you have grown too lax in your efforts or have been pushing too hard to be effective, now is the time to return to the middle path. Patience and determination will pull you forward.

The Chariot Tarot Card Yes or No Meaning

The Chariot card is a powerful yes in a “yes or no” reading! The initiative is on your side as long as you make a reasonable effort and don’t get distracted.

Important Card Combinations for the Chariot Card

The Chariot and Judgment

The Chariot and Judgment combine to indicate finding your life’s calling. This pursuit will keep you engaged and become your measure of accomplishment. The guidance is to be single-minded in your efforts to master what fuels your enthusiasm and dedicated effort.

One’s purpose in life is often felt on the spiritual level and guided by moral or ethical principles. Align yourself with the existing rules and norms to make the progress you seek.

The Chariot and the World

This combination indicates the potential for some global travel. Whether this is related to your work in the world or the vacations you take to get a work/life balance, be prepared to experience a lot of firsts.

The Chariot is a vessel grounded in reality but driven by spirit. Make sure to show gratitude and respect as you travel through other people’s countries. Allow friendship to guide your steps.

The Chariot and the Five of Swords

The Five of Swords indicates a “win at all costs” attitude. Paired with the Chariot, this says you are on the winning side of an argument. Have confidence in your position and remain loyal to your principles. You are in the right this time.

With that said: Avoid resorting to words meant to demean others. This is unproductive and will only cost you support that you could use.

The Chariot and the Six of Cups

You may have an opportunity to visit an old friend when you pull the Six of Cups with the Chariot. Seek the guidance of a senior mentor or someone who knows you well. Catching up on old times can be both grounding and inspiring.

Be careful not to over-indulge while you celebrate old times. Never drive your car while intoxicated. It’s essential to remain alert and aware when you have important goals.

The Chariot and the Empress

The Empress is a symbol of motherhood. Combined with the Chariot, this indicates a pregnancy or someone trying to start a family. The signs are good to move ahead with this plan.

It’s essential to follow the standard guidelines for good health during pregnancy. As long as you stick to healthy habits, being neither too lax nor too strict with your body, this should go well.

The Chariot and the Ten of Cups

When the Chariot appears with the Ten of Cups, it points to a pilgrimage or some other journey for spiritual development. The guidance is to be willing to travel in search of that intangible sense of fulfillment you seek.

Visiting a historical or holy site can be an impressive and moving experience. Witnessing what is celebrated there may transform your ambition into a sacred quest.

The Chariot and the King of Cups

The King of Cups is emotional and imaginative yet practical. Coupled with the Chariot, this says you will gain some recognition for your work. The powers that be are grateful for your efforts and will find a way to show their support.

Be gracious when accepting awards or rewards. Some humility and gratitude can go a long way in confirming someone’s choice to uplift you as a good example.

The Chariot and the Ace of Swords

If you’re looking for new employment, the Chariot shows up with the Ace of Swords to indicate you’ll do well in an interview. You will impress a prospective employer when you show grounded dedication and principled ethics.

The Chariot Tarot Card in Numerology.

Though the Chariot is the eighth card of the Major Arcana, its number is seven. Known worldwide as a lucky number, seven removes you from your comfort zone and sends you on a quest for more profound experiences and understanding.

Seven is the combination of rationality and intuition. It advises you to use your sensibility while allowing your subtle senses to guide you.

When you’re on a mission to achieve something grand, take the opportunities that work and that you feel good about.

Next Card: Tarot Card Number 8: Strength Meanings

Rider-Waite images used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems.