The Chariot Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Chariot Keywords 

• Upright: victory, self-control, determination, focus, ambition, sense of direction
• Reversed: imbalance, lack of control, inner conflict, redirection, defeat

The Chariot: Description and Symbolism

The charioteer is determined to reach his destination. With a wand in his hand symbolizing strong willpower, nothing will deter him from his end goal. He has moved past the confines of his society, represented by the city in the background. The joyful yellow background symbolizes the optimism he carries with him on his journey to victory.

The black and white sphinxes that lead the chariot face opposite directions, symbolizing opposing forces that the charioteer must learn to balance. The crest on the front of the chariot depicts the Hindu lingam and yoni symbols, reinforcing the dualistic theme. Masculine and feminine principles must come together to create an effective approach. These wise sphinxes correspond to the portrayal of action versus receptivity, consciousness versus unconsciousness, and masculinity versus femininity.

Despite the forces that pull him in opposite directions, the charioteer persists. He is resilient and focused on personal goals, represented by the winged Sun on the front of the chariot. He steers the sphinxes with no reins, symbolizing the power of having a strong mental focus. The charioteer has learned to integrate both forces to achieve his goals.

The Chariot card is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign Cancer. Ruled by the Moon, this astrological association speaks to the balance of conscious and unconscious forces in your spirit. Cancer signifies the beginning of summer, just as the charioteer creates new beginnings for himself through resilience. The emotions and unconscious forces that arise are harnessed and taken into consideration as the charioteer strives towards his goals.

The Chariot – Upright Meaning

The Chariot card is an uplifting symbol of victory. You have learned many lessons and have made significant progress toward your goals. It is time to give yourself credit for the hard work you have done. Stay the course and you will soon reap the rewards.

When the Chariot card appears in a reading, it encourages you to trust your judgment. You are maintaining a balance between the opposing forces that drive you. Continue to account for your feelings and drives, and you are bound to go far.

Love Meaning – The Chariot Upright

The Chariot card is a promising sign of new beginnings in love. If you have been healing from a recent conflict or separation, you are encouraged to open your heart to new possibilities. You have learned many lessons through past relationships that will help you manifest a fulfilling connection. Continue to honor your true feelings and desires, and you are likely to see a positive outcome.

With its themes of perseverance and victory, the Chariot card depicts a balanced relationship dynamic. You and your partner are determined to understand one another through thick and thin. Conflicts are likely to be resolved with compassion. Your relationship is built on shared values and future goals, enabling you to start new projects that are mutually fulfilling. Ultimately, the Chariot describes a relationship where both parties can work as a team.

To describe how someone feels, the Chariot card depicts someone with a level head. The other person is confident about their feelings and intentions, willing to see them through. They are hopeful for a future connection and willing to do the work to make it happen.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Chariot Upright

The Chariot card suggests upcoming success in work and finances. You have been working hard at your job to see your vision come to life. This tarot card encourages you to keep your ambitious spirit alive and trust your judgment through any obstacles. You have learned lessons that have sharpened your focus, allowing you to accomplish whatever you set out to do.

When asking for career advice, the Chariot card encourages you to keep your head up and move forward. You can trust the direction you have chosen for yourself. Continue to listen to your intuition to find a balance between your different goals and ideas.

Financially, the Chariot card reminds you that you are equipped to handle any obstacle that could arise. Stay consistent with your financial priorities, and you will be rewarded for your dedication.

Health Meaning – The Chariot Upright

In a health context, the Chariot card applauds you for the ways you have been exercising self-control lately. You are finding an adequate balance between passing desires and long-term goals. Prioritize activities and interactions that keep you feeling inspired. Your strong focus and sense of direction will continue to energize you both mentally and physically. 

Spirituality Meaning – The Chariot Upright

The Chariot card can be a hopeful sign of manifestation when pulled in a tarot reading. You are likely to see positive results if you continue to follow your current spiritual path. To connect more deeply with your practice, the Chariot encourages you to journal and engage in activities that align with the vision you are bringing to life. 

The Chariot As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Chariot card can indicate that you made it through a challenging experience that brought intense emotions. You have learned how to manage your feelings in a way that doesn’t hinder your progress, but rather, contributes to your sense of purpose.

The Chariot As Actions Meaning – Upright

When the Chariot appears to represent actions, it suggests that you have conquered a series of obstacles to achieve a goal. You know how to balance your emotional and logical desires when making decisions. The Chariot encourages you to remain confident in your abilities as you continue down this path.

The Chariot – Reversed Meaning

When the Chariot card appears reversed, you may be feeling a sense of defeat. Your path may have been obstructed by an unprecedented event that needs to be accounted for. You are reminded not to lose faith in this situation. You have the power to redefine your direction.

An alternative interpretation of the reversed Chariot is that you have fallen out of trust with yourself. Perhaps a new concern requires more emotional energy than you would like to give. Rather than doubling down on what you “should” be doing, it would be a good time to attend to your needs in this moment. The results you seek will come in due time, so give yourself grace.

Love Meaning – The Chariot Reversed

When the Chariot appears reversed in a love context, you may be going through a period where it feels challenging to push through conflict. Perhaps you and your partner had an argument or an unexpected obstacle threw a wrench in your plans. Give yourself some time alone to reflect on how to pick up the pieces. You are capable of coming up with a plan to move forward in agreement, but it will require you to have a strong grasp on your emotions and concerns.

If you are single, the reversed Chariot card suggests you may be experiencing a sense of defeat in love. Whether recent dates haven’t gone according to plan or you are healing from a past relationship, this tarot card gently nudges you to get back up. You deserve a relationship that makes you feel seen and heard, no matter what has gotten in the way. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and loved ones for support as you clarify what you are looking for in love.

As someone else’s feelings, the reversed Chariot card represents someone who feels confused about how to move forward with the connection. There is a need to give this person time to sort out their intentions and desires. 

Career and Finance Meaning – The Chariot Reversed

The reversed Chariot could suggest that an unexpected obstacle is making you feel defeated about your work or financial situation. You may have to reassess your approach to reach your desired outcome.

Alternatively, this card may suggest that you have had a change of heart about your career path. Perhaps you have wanted to switch career fields or start your own business. If your present circumstance is forcing you into a time of reconsideration, it will benefit you to make the most of it. Slowing down to reflect on what you truly desire will save you time and energy in the long run.

Health Meaning – The Chariot Reversed

When the reversed Chariot is pulled in a health context, you could be going through a period where it’s challenging to find a balance. If a recent concern in your work or personal life is leaving you feeling overwhelmed, you are encouraged to shift your focus. Find a healthy distraction or creative outlet for the thoughts and feelings that have been weighing you down lately. You will find relief from grounding in the present moment.

Spirituality Meaning – The Chariot Reversed

In a spiritual context, the reversed Chariot card could represent a period where you are reconsidering what motivates you. Rather than pushing forward to accomplish new goals, you are encouraged to take a moment to reflect. Integrating inner child work into your spiritual practice may help you reconnect with your spark at this time.

The Chariot As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Chariot card may indicate that you are going through an internal conflict. A situation could be leaving you feeling overwhelmed with emotions. Once you take time to reflect on the feelings that have been influencing your decisions, you will have more clarity on how to move forward.

The Chariot As Actions Meaning – Reversed

When the reversed Chariot appears, an unexpected event may be preventing you from taking action. Consider how significant the obstacle is and whether there’s a way you could work around it. You could be perceiving a situation as a bigger issue than it truly is, so it wouldn’t hurt to take a leap of faith. This could also be an opportunity to shift your focus in the hope of a more fulfilling outcome.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

The Chariot in the ‘past’ position signifies a past situation that required you to maintain focus on your goals. A past achievement or decision about your direction is informing your current situation. 

Present Position

When the Chariot appears in the ‘present’ position, it encourages you to trust your judgment in the given situation. You have chosen a direction that is worth your time and effort. This card suggests that you are motivated and determined to achieve your goals now.

Future Position

In the ‘future’ position, the Chariot predicts an upcoming success. This card advises you to maintain your focus and keep up the good work to bring your vision to life.

Yes or No Meaning of The Chariot

• The Chariot Upright: Yes
• The Chariot Reversed: No

When the Chariot appears upright in a tarot reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. You are on the path to success if you sustain your efforts in this situation.

When the Chariot appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. There is an imbalance or temporary pause that requires reflection to achieve your desired outcome.

Advice and Message of The Chariot

The Chariot card appears as a reminder to trust your direction. Multiple factors or desires in your current situation need to be balanced to stay consistent. You are encouraged to remain confident in your judgment as you choose what to prioritize. 

Summary of The Chariot Tarot Meaning

The Chariot card’s strong themes of success and resilience promises a hopeful outcome in your given situation. You have acquired the skills and knowledge you need to achieve what you set out to do. When the Chariot appears reversed, you may be struggling with an obstacle that has hindered your progress. Rather than feeling defeated, the Chariot gently reminds you to remain hopeful. You can trust your judgment to guide you to victory now.