The Chariot is the first card of mobility in the Major Arcana. It represents action on all levels. The Chariot in the Tarot is synonymous with movement, progress, youth and displacement. It is the card par excellence for all those situations in life in which we need to advance and move forward. And to do so, as the card shows, it is necessary to learn to control everything in the same direction to achieve success: mind, body and soul all working towards the same thing.
In the Rider Waite Tarot, the chariot bears the wings of Mercury, which are his ability to move. Also, both the chariot and his clothing contain stars and moons that indicate that the character is pure intuition, he lets himself be led where the gods lead him and is protected and blessed. In fact, on the shoulder pads of his clothing he wears two half-moons with the faces of his ancestors who protect him and give him advice. The laurel leaves on his head indicate that he is on the path to recognized success.
This archetype is strong-willed, jovial, idealistic, enthusiastic, dynamic and active. The Chariot invites you to take the reins, move forward and “pull forward”. It tells you that even if you don’t know where you are going, it is important to move and get active in order to achieve your ideals. You don’t need to have everything under control, but rather you need to let yourself be carried by the Universe. The Chariot reminds you that there are times when it is necessary to stop driving and let yourself be carried by the universal energy itself.
This is the ideal card to guide you in moments of panic, insecurity or difficulties along the way. It tells you that you must keep going and you will succeed. It invites you to take the reins of your life and move towards your own personal fulfillment.
How to work with the Chariot card in the Tarot?
The journey through the Tarot arcana is a journey of inner knowledge, an adventure and a path to oneself. Below we propose some exercises to internalize each card. It is important that you do not do them all at once. Dedicate the time you need to each arcana and do it when you feel like it. Respect and follow your inner time.
- Think about what aspects of your life are stuck and what you can do about them to move towards your own personal fulfillment. It’s time to do something and not let things get delayed any longer!
- Place the Chariot card or a picture of the card somewhere you can see it every day. Every time you look at it, soak up the Chariot’s enthusiastic, active, and cheerful attitude and bring that energy into everything you do.