The Chariot Tarot Card Meanings Upright and Reversed
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The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning: Upright and Reversed Meanings & Breakdowns

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The Chariot Tarot Card Keywords

Upright Keywords

Success, Ambition, Goals, Awareness, Independence

Jump to upright meanings

Reversed Keywords

Directionless, Ego-driven, Opposition, Martyrdom 

Jump to reversed meanings

The Chariot Tarot Meaning

The Chariot is the last card in the first line of the Major Arcana. It signifies a transitional period where we are asked to review what is needed in order to ‘level up’. Often, this card is associated with things such as success and ambitions, because it is focused on achievement and working towards what we want most. 

The Chariot can also represent a fierce independence and drive to make a name for yourself, to prove others wrong or even prove to yourself that your beliefs are true and not just a figment of your imagination. It is a card that often brings our attention to our own levels of self-awareness and asks us to step out of our ego-driven viewpoint so we can see all elements at play.

This card is also often seen as the beginning of individuation, meaning that from this point onwards we start to really hone in on who we are, what we stand for and how we want to move through the world. It can be a turning point for those working on personal development or self-discovery.

The Chariot Upright Meaning

The Chariot tarot card in the upright position is a representation of our belief in ourselves and reminds us that we need to be our own cheerleaders if we are going to succeed at what we’re working towards. However, it’s also a reminder that we’re not meant to do everything alone. No matter how capable you think you are, sometimes we need support or a leg up to help us reach that next stage, and that’s ok. 

Although The Chariot upright feels like a big ‘Go!’ sign, it’s not so much about taking direct action. The Chariot is the card of the astrological sign of Cancer, so there’s a lot of emotion and nurturing that needs to be done when faced with this card. This is the pre-launch period, where you do your final checks before takeoff. You want to make sure the direction you’re heading in is clear and the road ahead is free from obstacles before you charge forward.

The Chariot Tarot Meaning Upright Pagan Otherworlds Deck

The Chariot is a reminder to check the ego, as when we allow the ego to lead, we can often miss red flags along our journey. If we can check in and soothe the ego before we take action, it vastly limits the chances of issues further down the road. Instead, we need to remind the ego that it’s ok to allow for more space for emotional decision-making and intuitive guidance and that not everything has to be a race.

Journal Prompts for The Chariot, Upright

What goals are you working towards right now, and how might you be rushing to reach them?

What external support could you reach out for to make this part of your journey easier and provide more space for clarity?

When have you cut corners to get to where you wanted to go faster, and what problems did that create long-term?

“The mundane function of the soul’s subservience to the ego occurs in order for us to learn the world…all the things of the outer life.” – Clarissa Pinkola Estés

The Chariot Upright Meanings | Love, Career & Finances

The Chariot in the upright position in a love reading could suggest that there is too much emphasis on what the relationship should be, rather than allowing it to be what it is organically. It can be that there is a lack of compatibility between you and your partner that either needs to be talked out or needs reflecting on, in order to understand its full impact. You might experience more arguments or disagreements. Or, it might be that you have both decided you need to grow and evolve, and you want to either do it together or have agreed to go your separate ways.

For those who are single and looking for love, this can manifest as unrealistic expectations for a potential partner, stopping you from finding the right person. You might have a laundry list of things someone needs to tick before you give them a chance, and if so, it might be that there is some deeper work to be done here. It could also be that you are simply looking to take a break from romance right now, to allow more time to work on yourself and your own ambitions without any distractions.

In a career reading, The Chariot upright can suggest a role that offers a great deal of potential for progress. It can be a good card for making time to sit and think about what career goals you want to set. Think about what you’d like to achieve through your work. What roles do you want to work towards or even think about business ideas you want to bring to life?

However, it’s also a reminder to make sure that progress is stable and grounded in the right foundations. Moving too fast can lead to making careless decisions and mistakes, which could hinder the trajectory of your career. Ensure you know exactly what you want before you take action to get it.

In a financial reading, The Chariot in the upright position could suggest a need to get financial support, such as a loan, so that you can take that next step on your journey. When it comes to achieving something big, like starting a business or making a large purchase like a house, reaching out for financial support can massively help to relieve excess stress.

It’s also important to keep your eye on the prize. Don’t be tempted once you have the financial support to lapse on your money management skills. Ensure you are fully prepared to take on the responsibilities that applying and receiving this support can entail.

In the upright position, The Chariot, when seen in a self-development reading, can bring awareness to the ego and how it is affecting the situation at hand. It can call us to review the beliefs and perspectives we have about who we are right now or our current situation. It can help us to decide if this mindset is really serving us or if there are new ways to approach it so that we can feel more positive and optimistic.

In self-development, self-discovery or personal goal setting, The Chariot upright can request that we have a plan set out before us, before we move forward. This could be something as simple as an idea you want to bring to life, a habit you want to be rid of or a behaviour you’d like to stop. Make sure you have a direction you’d like to be heading in before setting off, as this will make it a lot easier to keep yourself on track and on target.

The Chariot Reversed Meaning

The Chariot Tarot Meaning Reversed Pagan Otherworlds Deck

The Chariot in a reversed position, much like an actual chariot or mode of transport upside down, can bring our attention to things that just aren’t working like they should. The phrase ‘spinning your wheels’ comes to mind when I think of The Chariot in a reversed position. You feel like you’re doing all the right things, but you’re not getting anywhere. 

When faced with The Chariot in a reversed position, the best thing to do is press pause and review the situation. There’s no point continuing to push on if you have no idea where you’re going or why you’re trying to get there. There’s also no point putting all your time, effort and energy into something that has proven not to be working for you.

As The Chariot card can represent our mindset and perspectives on a situation, in the reversed position, this can indicate limiting beliefs or even paradigms that are not supporting what your heart and soul want. You can feel the pull in a certain direction, but the mind puts on the brakes, causing you to constantly look towards your goals with hopelessness and frustration.

Journal Prompts for The Chariot, Reversed

How might the way you are viewing a challenge right now be affecting the actions you choose to take?

How are you allowing your ego to overpower your spirit? What is it you really want that your mind is telling you you can’t have?

How might a simple mindset shift remove any obstacles in your way and why would it allow you to move forward more easily?

“Classically, this sort of ‘carrying’ conveyance [The Chariot] is understood as the central mood of the psyche that transports us from one place in the psyche to another, from one idea to another, from one thought to another, and from one endeavour to another.” – Clarissa Pinkola Estés

The Chariot Reversed Meanings | Love, Career & Finances

The Chariot reversed in a love tarot reading might suggest that you and your partner are at a stalemate. You may potentially want different things from your future, and so need time to communicate clearly with each other and find the best path forward. It could also suggest that fierce independence could be causing you to neglect a partnership or the idea of partnership.

When it comes to conflicts or tensions in a relationship or potential partners, think about the role the ego self might be playing. Try and find ways to separate feelings from ego and pride. Try not to leave things unsaid, or on the other side of that, try not to say things in the heat of the moment. Don’t allow stubbornness to prolong suffering and have the humility to admit when you’re wrong or accept when something isn’t working as it should.

In a career reading, The Chariot reversed could suggest being in a position with limited avenues for progression, or choices for progression that don’t light you up. If you get The Chariot in a career reading, it could be a good idea to review your current position and see how it aligns with what you want your working life to look like 5, 10 or even 20 years from now.

It can also indicate a feeling of being stuck or unable to progress. Perhaps you’re in a job right now that has little room for expansion and growth. Perhaps they are not offering the training or opportunities you really need in order to thrive. If you have your own business, this could suggest a feeling of going around in circles and never really getting to where you want to be. It could cause you to feel like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to find the point where progress begins. Start to review whether this is a fact by gathering data and evidence, and if it turns out to be unsupported, reflect on what you might be doing to unintentionally cause this.

Within a financial reading, The Chariot in reverse could suggest a lack of financial independence or an over-reliance on the finances of others. The Chariot reversed is a gentle nudge to ask you to review your relationship with money and your skills in managing it. You may need to work on your money skills in order to gain a new level of independence and stability.

Also, make sure that any spending you take part in is done with clarity and confidence. Try to avoid emotional spending or spending out of boredom. Try and remain completely conscious of the income and outgoings you have.

In a self-development reading, The Chariot in reverse can bring our awareness to a lack of direction or confusion about the self. It may be that you’re not sure what you want or what direction you wish to take your life in. Or, it may be that you feel stuck and unable to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself, and you’re reluctant to seek support from others. This might be the ego or your pride talking. Try and find ways to bypass this voice and see what it is you really need, so you can ask for it.

This card can also suggest a feeling of being lost, confused or lacking in a clear vision for the future. Imagine trying to drive this chariot through thick fog; that is what The Chariot reversed can feel like. You know you’re moving, but you have no idea where you’re heading or what dangers may lie ahead. You feel completely out of control, while somehow still having your hands on the reins. (If this is something you feel is holding you back, take a look at my Purpose and Potential tarot reading package to see if it could help)

The Chariot as a mode of psychological transportation

Within the psyche, The Chariot helps take us from A to B, like a bus or train carrying us from one place to another. This mode of transport is made up of our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, fears, desires, etc. all of these things can determine the quality of the ride you take to get from those A-B points. If you are stress free and optimistic, the journey will look a lot different than if you’re frazzled and pessimistic.

When we get The Chariot in a reading, we need to review and perform maintenance on this mode of transport in order to get to where we’re going in the best of health. We need to think about the emotional environment inside of us and question how that can be changing the way we see or feel about a situation.

The Chariot | Esoteric Correspondences

Astrological Sign

The Chariot Tarot Meanings Cancer

Cancer

Cancer is an astrological sign that is seen as a nurturer. They’re compassionate and can be a great source of healing. Something that The Chariot carries with it also. Both have the ability to support you on a journey of growth and development.

Elemental Energy

Ace of Cups Tarot Meanings Water

Elemental Water

The Chariot initially feels like an action card, but because it asks us to bring our awareness to our inner world, it takes on a lot more of a passive energy than you would first expect. Instead, it aims to keep us happy, healthy and connected with our spirit.

Numerology

Number Seven Numerology Meanings

Number Seven

Within numerology, the number seven is often seen as a spiritual or ‘magic’ number. It is used throughout religion and is often seen as the number of the philosopher, someone who has the ability to look beyond the ego and see the bigger picture.

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