The Chariot
The Chariot is major arcanum VII of the tarot. It represents disciplined will, advance with clear direction, dominion over opposing forces and triumph achieved through effort. Associated with Cancer, it embodies the warrior who has learned to control their impulses.
Origin and symbolism
In the Visconti-Sforza tarot, the card shows a figure on a chariot drawn by white horses. In the Rider-Waite-Smith, the driver is a crowned warrior in armour, on a chariot drawn by two sphinxes (one white, one black). The chariot is stopped, not advancing: the driver has reached the balance that allows him to control opposing forces. The sphinxes have no reins — they are dominated by conscious will.
The number VII is a sacred number in many traditions (seven days of the week, seven traditional planets, seven chakras). It represents victory after effort. The card symbolically closes the first series of the major arcana: from The Fool (potential) to The Magician (resources), High Priestess (wisdom), Empress (fertility), Emperor (authority), Hierophant (tradition), Lovers (choice), Chariot (triumph).
Meaning in a spread
Appearance in a reading: advance with direction, disciplined will, dominion over impulses, deserved triumph after effort, journey with purpose, victory after effort, time to literally take the reins, leadership ability. The card indicates you have what it takes to drive your situation — but only if you keep direction clear.
In shadow: uncontrolled aggression, pyrrhic victory (achieved by losing what matters), arrogance after success, haste that runs over, lack of empathy with those who do not advance as fast. The Chariot's trap is to confuse speed with direction, or dominion with tyranny.
Also known as
- Le Chariot
- The Chariot
- Victory