The Chariot: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
The Chariot Upright
Keywords
Willpower, Victory, Control, Determination, Ambition, Action
In A General Or “Open Reading”
This card relates to achieving victory and control through determination. A successful road trip, winning a competition, passing a driving test, a disciplined effort leading to success. Good application of this card’s themes may lead to the success and completion of The World; the final Major Arcana card.
In a Love Or Relationships Reading
This card can signify taking decisive, willed action in a relationship. Moving a relationship forward with clear intention, a partner who is ambitious and driven, a successful long-distance relationship.
In a Money Or Career Reading
This card points to ambition, control, and victory in the workplace. A major promotion, a successful business trip, taking charge of a difficult project, a victory over a workplace competitor.
In a Spiritual Context
This card can indicate mastery over the lower self through willpower. A disciplined spiritual practice that overcomes temptation, a successful period of intense focus like a long retreat. Like The Magician.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Take the reins. Act with determination. Push forward with willpower. Control your impulses.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A clear victory. A successful conclusion achieved through ambition and control. A successful journey.
As Obstacles
An overly aggressive or forceful approach. A need to win at all costs is causing problems. A person is running roughshod over others.
As Hidden Energy
An untapped well of determination. A hidden ambition that needs to be acknowledged. The potential for a great victory.
As Resources/Alliances
Your own willpower and determination. A successful and ambitious person. A vehicle or mode of transport.
‘The Chariot’ Reversed (modern Meanings)
Reversed Keywords
Lack of Direction, No Control, Aggression, Forcefulness, Defeat
In A General Or “open Reading”
Reversed, The Chariot can point to a lack of control, a lack of direction, or aggression. A car breaking down, a project that is out of control, a journey that is cancelled, a directionless period in life. Like the 10 of Wands reversed.
In a Love Or Relationships Reading
This card often signifies a relationship that is out of control or contrived. A power struggle between partners, one person being overly aggressive, a lack of common goals, a relationship that is going nowhere.
In a Money Or Career Reading
This can mean a lack of ambition or a project that is failing. Being passed over for a promotion, a business trip that is a disaster, a complete lack of career direction, a project that is spinning its wheels. Like the 8 of Wands reversed.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a lack of control over one's lower nature. Giving in to temptation, a spiritual practice that lacks discipline, feeling lost or without direction on your spiritual path. Like The Devil.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against being too forceful or lacking direction. Get a clear plan. Let go of the need to control everything.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Defeat and a lack of control. A project will spin out of control and fail. A journey will be cancelled.
As Obstacles
A complete lack of direction. Aggression and forcefulness. Your own lack of self-discipline is preventing success. Like the Knight of Wands reversed.
As Hidden Energy
A hidden lack of control is undermining the situation. A secret desire to give up. An opponent's hidden aggression.
As Resources/Alliances
Finding a new direction. Letting go of a battle that cannot be won. A strategic retreat. Like the 5 of Cups reversed.
The RWS Chariot in Key Card Combinations
Combinations with Major Arcana
The Chariot & The Emperor
The Chariot (↑) & The Emperor (↑): A disciplined and successful military campaign. A well-planned business expansion. A victory achieved through willpower and control.
The Chariot (↓) & The Emperor (↑): A disciplined plan that is executed with reckless aggression. A stable company with a ruthless CEO.
The Chariot (↑) & The Emperor (↓): A successful but chaotic project. A victory that leads to a lack of structure. A disciplined person succeeding under a tyrant.
The Chariot (↓) & The Emperor (↓): A project failing from both a lack of direction and a lack of structure. A chaotic and undisciplined defeat.
The Chariot & The Hermit
The Chariot (↑) & The Hermit (↑): A successful journey of self-discovery. A period of focused, solitary work that leads to victory. Earnestly seeking enlightenment.
The Chariot (↓) & The Hermit (↑): A wise person who lacks the drive to act on their insights. A directionless period of introspection. Impractical advice.
The Chariot (↑) & The Hermit (↓): A successful project that leads to a feeling of isolation. A victory that feels empty. Ambition causing you to withdraw from others.
The Chariot (↓) & The Hermit (↓): A project failing due to both a lack of direction and a refusal to seek guidance. A period of aimless isolation.
Combinations with the Suit of Wands
The Chariot & The Eight of Wands
The Chariot (↑) & The Eight of Wands (↑): Rapid success. A project that moves forward with incredible speed and focus. A successful and swift journey.
The Chariot (↓) & The Eight of Wands (↑): A project that is moving too fast and is out of control. Hasty communication that is overly aggressive.
The Chariot (↑) & The Eight of Wands (↓): A well-planned project that is hit by unexpected delays. A journey that is frustratingly slow.
The Chariot (↓) & The Eight of Wands (↓): A project that is completely stalled due to both a lack of direction and constant delays. A cancelled trip.
Additional Notes On ‘The Chariot’
A.E. Waite’s divinatory meanings for ‘The Chariot’ card
"Succour, providence; also war, triumph, presumption, vengeance, trouble. Reversed: Riot, quarrel, dispute, litigation, defeat." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911).
The RWS Chariot card symbolism
A.E Waite’s Chariot card depicts a victorious figure standing confidently in a chariot under a starry canopy. He holds a wand, a symbol of his will, but no reins, indicating that he controls the two sphinxes before him through sheer force of will. The sphinxes, one black and one white, represent opposing forces that the charioteer must bring into harmony to move forward. The city behind him signifies the worldly success he is leaving behind as he drives towards new conquests. The entire scene is a powerful allegory for achieving victory through the disciplined application of willpower.
Meditations On ‘The Chariot’ Card
How can I align my lower willpower with Divine Will? Where can I apply my willpower to fulfil my dharma?
Question: Why are there no reins on the chariot?
The lack of reins signifies that the Charioteer is not controlling the sphinxes through physical force, but through the superior power of his focused will and mental discipline.
