The Chariot: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
RWS Cards In Context › Major Arcana › KEY VII: The Chariot
‘KEY VII: The Chariot’, Rider Waite Smith tarot (1909)
The Chariot: Upright RWS Meanings
Willpower, Determination, Ambition, Victory
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 RWS 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.
RWS The Chariot Card: Paired Combinations
The Chariot With Major Arcana Cards
The Chariot & The Emperor
The Chariot (↑) & The Emperor (↑): Authority leads to decisive progress. A promotion, commission, or leadership role brings control of events and successful coordination of others. Plans advance swiftly under stable command.
The Chariot (↓) & The Emperor (↑): Direction challenged by conflicting orders. Disagreement between superior and agent delays movement or alters course. Results attained once methods align.
The Chariot (↑) & The Emperor (↓): Vision strong but structure weak. The project surges ahead before support is ready. Organisation catches up after initial effort.
The Chariot (↓) & The Emperor (↓): Disorder through divided rule. Oversight lost, vehicles or ventures mismanaged, and progress halted until plan rebuilt from foundation.
The Chariot With Minor Arcana Cards
The Chariot & Eight of Wands
The Chariot (↑) & The Eight of Wands (↑): Swift advance and clear message. Journeys, applications, or deliveries conclude ahead of schedule. Events gather pace with success tied to quick response
The Chariot (↓) & The Eight of Wands (↑): Timing misjudged or travel disrupted. Messages delayed or vehicles diverted, yet intent holds steady. Matters conclude once tempo restored.
The Chariot (↑) & The Eight of Wands (↓): Acceleration restrained by caution or weather. Progress pauses while conditions improve, then resumes under better order.
The Chariot (↓) & The Eight of Wands (↓): Stoppage or recall. Itineraries abandoned or transport halted. Renewal follows once route re‑established.
The Chariot & Five of Swords
The Chariot (↑) & The Five of Swords (↑): Victory won through sharp contest. Rivalries settled, negotiations conquered, though pride must yield to maintain goodwill. Forward motion carries both prize and lesson.
The Chariot (↓) & The Five of Swords (↑): Success undermined by overreach. Words or tactics misused bring temporary advantage but later review. Reconciliation restores reputation.
The Chariot (↑) & The Five of Swords (↓): Recovery after defeat. Position regained by strategic adjustment. Former tension dissolves under renewed control.
The Chariot (↓) & The Five of Swords (↓): Frustration through repeated argument. Travel plans altered or work stalled by resentment. Clear command restores direction at once.
A.E. Waite’s Original chariot Card Meanings
“Upright: Succour, providence; also war, triumph, presumption, vengeance, trouble. Reversed: Riot, quarrel, dispute, litigation, defeat.”
Additional Notes: RWS Chariot Card
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 RWS 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.
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