This post may include affiliate links to products we think you'll find useful. We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Tarot cards are a form of divination used to gain insights into various aspects of life, from love to career. Among the 78 cards, The Chariot stands out as a symbol of control, willpower, and victory. Whether upright or reversed, this card offers nuanced advice on steering your life’s journey.
The Chariot keywords & concepts
The Chariot upright keywords
- Control
- Willpower
- Victory
- Direction
The Chariot reversed keywords
- Chaos
- Lack of Control
- Defeat
- Indecision
The Chariot tarot card description & symbolism
The Chariot tarot card embodies the concepts of control, willpower, and conquest, serving as a metaphorical representation of triumph through discipline. When this card shows up in a reading, it’s often a signal that you’re in the driver’s seat of your own life, steering it towards a specific goal or outcome. With the card’s charioteer expertly managing the horses—each symbolizing different aspects of life—you get the sense that mastery over your environment and circumstances is not just possible, but probable. The Chariot is a beacon of directed purpose and intent, suggesting that once you set your mind to something and harness your inner resources effectively, victory is within reach. It’s a card that essentially tells you, “You’ve got this, now go and own your journey.”
Upright The Chariot meanings
1. Control
When you pull The Chariot in an upright position, control is one of the first things that should pop into your head. This card is basically giving you the steering wheel of your life. It signals that you’ve got a firm grip on your emotions, thoughts, and actions. You’re the one calling the shots, and everything seems to be moving in accordance with your plan. The horses on the card? Yeah, consider them as different aspects of your life—be it work, relationships, or personal growth. You’re managing to keep them in line, guiding them towards a unified goal. Control in this context doesn’t mean manipulation or coercion; it means self-governance and effective leadership over your own destiny.
2. Willpower
Ah, willpower, the juice that fuels control. The Chariot upright suggests that you’re not just riding on luck; you’re actively willing things into being. Got obstacles? You bulldoze right through them. Temptations? You swerve around them like a pro. It’s not that you’re not facing challenges; you absolutely are. But you’ve got this inner resolve that makes you unstoppable. This card is a nod to your mental and emotional strength. Your willpower is your armor, and it’s as if nothing can pierce through it as long as you stay focused and committed.
3. Victory
Now, what’s the end result of having control and willpower? A big, shiny V for Victory. The Chariot upright is often a sign of triumph coming your way or already in play. This isn’t a win by default; it’s a win you’ve earned. Maybe you’ve just closed a big deal, aced an exam, or conquered a personal demon. Whatever the case, take a moment to soak it in. The Chariot wants you to know that your hard work, determination, and strategic moves haven’t gone unnoticed. You’ve crossed the finish line, and it’s time to revel in the success you’ve so rightly earned.
4. Direction
Lastly, let’s talk about direction. Ever heard the saying, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there?” Well, The Chariot upright is the antithesis of that. You know exactly where you’re headed, and you’ve got the roadmap to prove it. This card suggests a life lived with intentionality. You’ve set your sights on a goal, and every move you make is a calculated step toward reaching it. Your focus is laser-sharp, and you’re not easily swayed by distractions or detours. In fact, you might even enjoy the journey because you’re so clear about the destination. Direction, in this context, serves as your internal compass, keeping you aligned with your true north.
Reversed The Chariot meanings
1. Chaos
When you see The Chariot flipped upside down, chaos is one of the big themes jumping out at you. Picture yourself in a car where the steering wheel has a mind of its own, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what this aspect of the card means. Your life might feel like it’s spiraling, and circumstances seem to have more control over you than you do over them. Maybe your work-life balance is a mess, or your relationships are in turmoil. In essence, the harmony and order you desire seem to be eluding you, making room for disarray and confusion.
2. Lack of Control
If control is the hallmark of The Chariot upright, then lack of control is its reverse persona. You’re not the one holding the reins, and it probably feels unsettling. Perhaps you’re facing external forces, like a boss or a partner, taking over parts of your life, or maybe it’s internal forces like fear or insecurity that have you in a chokehold. Regardless of the source, you feel like a passenger rather than the driver in your own life story. The horses on the card, symbolizing different parts of your life, are now running wild and pulling you in opposing directions.
3. Defeat
Ouch, defeat stings, but it’s one of the core themes of The Chariot in reverse. Whether you’ve recently suffered a loss or feel like you’re about to, this card is signaling that victory isn’t on the horizon this time. But remember, defeat isn’t the end of the world, even though it may feel like it. It’s more like a harsh lesson or a reality check. Perhaps you didn’t prepare well, or maybe you rushed into something without a solid game plan. Whatever caused it, the defeat indicated by this card serves as a wake-up call to reassess and regroup.
4. Indecision
The Chariot in reverse also points to indecision, and this is likely feeding into the chaos and lack of control you’re experiencing. When you can’t make up your mind, it’s tough to steer your life in any meaningful direction. Indecision often leaves you stuck at crossroads, unable to move forward or backward. Unlike the upright Chariot, which knows precisely where it’s going, the reversed Chariot suggests that you’re feeling lost or uncertain. You might be second-guessing your choices, constantly flipping between options, or even paralyzed by fear of making the wrong move. This lack of decisiveness can lead to missed opportunities and stalling progress. The card essentially serves as a signal that it’s time to confront this indecision, make a choice, and take the reins back in your own life.
The Chariot meaning for love & relationships
Upright
When The Chariot appears in an upright position in a love and relationship reading, it often signifies that you’re taking the reins in your romantic life. Maybe you’ve just entered a new relationship where both partners are working cohesively toward common goals, or perhaps you’re reigniting passion and purpose in an existing relationship. Either way, The Chariot suggests that you’re actively guiding your love life towards success and fulfillment, not just passively hoping things will work out. It’s a period where your emotional intelligence and self-control harmonize well with your desires, driving you towards a love life that’s both meaningful and rewarding.
Reversed
On the flip side, when The Chariot appears in reverse, it can indicate that you’re experiencing difficulties taking control of your love life. This card can point to power struggles between you and your partner or a feeling that your relationship is in a state of chaos. It could also signify a stalemate, where neither party can decide on the next steps to take. In essence, the reversed Chariot alerts you that your romantic life is somewhat adrift, and it might be time to confront the issues that are preventing you from steering it in the right direction.
The Chariot meaning for work & career
Upright
When you pull The Chariot in an upright position focused on your career, it’s like the universe is giving you a high-five for being on top of your game. This card suggests that you’re steering your career path with confidence and intent. You’re not just aimlessly going through the motions; you have a vision, and you’re taking proactive steps to get there. Whether it’s acing a project, nailing an interview, or rallying a team, The Chariot tells you that your drive and leadership are pushing you toward some well-deserved success.
Reversed
Now, if The Chariot shows up reversed in a career-oriented reading, it’s time to hit the brakes and reassess. This card could indicate that you’re feeling out of control in your professional life. Maybe you’re facing a series of setbacks, or perhaps you’re struggling to lead a team that just won’t cooperate. The reversed Chariot suggests that your career is lacking direction and focus, and it’s a wake-up call to regain control before you veer off course.
The Chariot meaning for wealth & prosperity
Upright
When The Chariot appears upright in a financial context, it’s usually a sign that you’ve got your money matters under control. You’re likely setting budgets, making wise investments, and watching your financial growth with a keen eye. This card suggests that your disciplined approach is not only helping you achieve stability but also paving the way for future financial wins. It’s as if you’ve successfully harnessed your resources to serve your long-term goals, and things are looking promising on the money front.
Reversed
On the other hand, if you get The Chariot reversed in a reading about finances, you might want to pay close attention. This could signal that your financial life is a bit chaotic right now. Whether it’s unexpected bills piling up, poor investment choices, or just a general sense of instability, things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like. The reversed Chariot advises you to regain control of your finances by reassessing your budget, revisiting your spending habits, or seeking professional advice to get back on track.
The meaning of The Chariot tarot card in different spreads
The Chariot’s meaning can shift slightly depending on its position in a tarot spread and the questions you’re asking. In a past, present, future spread, for example, The Chariot in the past position might indicate that your previous determination has set the stage for current events. If it lands in the present, it could be a nudge to take control now to influence outcomes. In a love spread, The Chariot might signify an active pursuit of relationship goals or a phase of unity and teamwork with your partner. In career-focused spreads, it could highlight upcoming victories at work or the need to steer a project more decisively. Its essence remains constant—control, willpower, and victory—but its specific impact varies based on context.
Final thoughts
The Chariot tarot card is a symbol of control, willpower, and triumph. When it shows up in a reading, it’s usually a strong indicator that you’re on the right track, steering your life toward your goals with intention and discipline. However, when reversed, it serves as a cautionary tale, warning you about potential chaos, lack of control, or defeat. Whether you’re questioning your career path, love life, or personal growth, The Chariot offers valuable insights into how to take the reins and navigate your journey.
