The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning

A strong, experienced charioteer looks confidently into the distance, guiding a chariot drawn by sphinxes. Everything about him says brave warrior: he will reach his goal and win, whatever it takes.

Having mastered the sphinxes and discovered the truth, he is ready to triumph in money matters, science, the arts, and his personal life. Wise and courageous, he knows how to turn even a difficult situation to his advantage.

The Chariot promises success in whatever you do, but you'll have to put in the effort. Bring strength, determination, courage, alertness, and organization to the job, and victory won't be far behind. You're riding the wave and heading straight for success!

The upright card can also mean a journey, most likely an unexpected business trip. It will go well, teach you something new, and help you climb another rung on the career ladder.

Real progress requires you to take part. Life often throws challenges in your path. Use all your skills, knowledge, intelligence, and strength to turn the test into an exciting, rewarding adventure that teaches you something.

Upright keywords

• Triumph, the road to success, effort, persistence.
• Order, movement, optimism, energy, initiative.
• Decisiveness, logic, willpower, skill, ambition, finding your place in life.
• Events turning in your favor.

The reversed Chariot says you're misusing what you have: talent, money, time, energy. You lack the discipline, persistence, and self-control to set out, start a new chapter, and make a real leap forward.

Perhaps someone is having a bad influence on you and holding you back. Or you're clinging to a relationship that's run its course because you don't want to let go of the past.

Either way, you're slipping backward or running in place. Events are unfolding without your input. You can't control them, and all you can do is watch helplessly from the sidelines.

To get through this difficult stretch, take the reins of your own life! You need to be the driver, guiding the chariot with confidence. Don't just rattle around in the back seat, wishing the ride would end.

Reversed keywords

• Chaos, rejection, failure, wasted effort.
• A business collapse, a failed attempt, suffering, worry.
• Opposing forces, a prolonged argument, destructive emotions, strained relationships.

The upright Chariot says your love life is moving quickly, though not smoothly. Personal ambitions and selfishness are pulling you apart. Perhaps you're trying to make your partner do things your way, while they resist with all their might.

A thaw gives way to a frost, then a full-blown ice age. Neither of you wants to compromise, or one tries to settle things in a way the other simply can't accept. Sometimes this tense relationship feels too difficult for both of you. Yet you share a goal, and only a joint effort can get you there.

Reversed, the Chariot foretells arguments, a struggle for control, and leaving behind relationships that have run their course.

What are they like in love?

Upright, this person is a winner in love! Confident, persistent, and determined, they're ready to overcome every obstacle to win the heart of someone they care about.

Reversed, they're less consistent or persistent. They doubt they're good enough for the person they desire, and that doubt can lead to failure.

In a business reading, the Chariot means a tough fight against circumstances and a victory earned through hard work. Self-control, willpower, determination, and persistence will keep you standing.

Treat it as a challenge and an adventure. Be ready to act and take risks, and progress will come quickly. Perhaps you've long dreamed of changing jobs or starting your own business. Now is the time for a bold step toward that plan. Just remember: greater success brings greater responsibility.

Reversed, the message changes to collapsed plans, losses, and obstacles you can't overcome.

Upright, the Chariot represents someone strong, confident, and determined, with excellent control of both their feelings and the situation around them.

Reversed, this person badly needs more organization and self-control. Their life is full of surprises as a result, some pleasant, some rather less so.

Upright, the card says organization, determination, and self-control will help you reach your goals.

Reversed, it asks you to tackle your disorganization. It's standing between you and what you want to achieve.

Upright, the outlook is very favorable. You'll take full control of events and steer them where you want them to go.

Reversed, the result is uncertain. Disorganization and carelessness could stop you from reaching your goals.

Mars, and Mars in Aries: active exchange and communication, success in work and travel, and overcoming obstacles.

The Fool — A young boss, poor management, absentmindedness.

The Magician — An all-or-nothing attitude, seizing an idea, starting to put a plan into action.

The High Priestess — A romance on the road, following intuition toward a goal, changing jobs in secret.

The Empress — The road to prosperity, getting a grip on yourself, a woman in control.

The Emperor — Restoring order, returning to the past, a serious relationship.

The Hierophant — Self-discipline, falling for propaganda, joining a powerful organization.

The Lovers — An uncertain future, looking for a traveling companion, planning a route.

Strength — An immature decision, conviction in what you're doing, the will to win.

The Hermit — Self-sufficiency, working alone, opting out of romance.

Wheel of Fortune — A lucky turn of events, a position abroad, life-changing developments.

Justice — A lawsuit, a military recruitment office, a decision in your favor.

The Hanged Man — Indecision, unfounded jealousy, being stuck in the past, the risk of injury.

Death — A shaky position, changing careers, an uneasy feeling.

Temperance — Moving home, adjusting to circumstances, gradual growth.

The Devil — A conflict, instinctive behavior, breaking the law.

The Tower — An accident on a journey, past mistakes catching up with you, a trip that won't happen.

The Star — Productive cooperation, work you love, creative success.

The Moon — Secret hostility, schemes behind the scenes, a sudden realization.

The Sun — The true path to happiness, getting out into the world, a talent for organizing.

Judgment — Finding reserves of strength, useful skills, leaving a burdensome relationship.

The World — A peaceful agreement, an amicable parting, finding a solution together.

Ace of Wands — Confident leadership, conflicting feelings within, risky business.

Two of Wands — A crossroads in life, hesitation, gaining one thing at the cost of another.

Three of Wands — Leaning one way or the other, choosing a direction, a shaky agreement.

Four of Wands — Visiting relatives, a housewarming, a family celebration with minor squabbles.

Five of Wands — A well-argued debate, a view of your own, brainstorming or flirting.

Six of Wands — The right direction, continuity, trying out a leadership role.

Seven of Wands — Entering the market, healthy competition, building a reputation.

Eight of Wands — Closing a deal, finding your niche, refining a method, or making up with your partner.

Nine of Wands — A distressing experience, a difficult spell, painful feelings in a relationship.

Ten of Wands — Lacking the necessary skills, carrying the whole family, working too much.

Page of Wands — Beating a competitor, winning a contest, getting into a school or college.

Knight of Wands — Reckless driving, a racing driver, reacting quickly to change.

Queen of Wands — Climbing the career ladder quickly, being a favorite, a protégé.

King of Wands — Showing what you can do, making a proposal, taking the initiative.

Ace of Swords — An emergency, the risk of injury, a sign from beyond telling you to stop.

Two of Swords — A teenager, opinions that keep shifting, a partial victory.

Three of Swords — Pointless trips or efforts, dangerous trust in a partner, a string of setbacks.

Four of Swords — Not getting support, sticking to your position, feeling low.

Five of Swords — A poor start, the reality of the situation, a hitch in your plans.

Six of Swords — Learning from your mistakes, a painful but useful lesson, a second chance.

Seven of Swords — Extra opportunities, profit through acquaintances, useful information.

Eight of Swords — Looking for a way out, courage beginning to stir, trying to clear debts or repay a loan.

Nine of Swords — False hopes, an opportunity that didn't work out, expecting trouble.

Ten of Swords — Sensing danger, worrying about loved ones, nightmares or ominous signs.

Page of Swords — Not seeing beyond the end of your nose, inexperience, carefree innocence, an easy target.

Knight of Swords — A military career, the security services, a man in the army.

Queen of Swords — A widow, wanting to marry, a difficult temperament.

King of Swords — Law enforcement, a loved one serving in the police, attention from the authorities.

Ace of Cups — A public celebration, a big party, enjoying yourself without a thought for the consequences.

Two of Cups — An interesting acquaintance, a casual connection, a short-lived romance.

Three of Cups — Accepting an offer, happy news, carefree fun.

Four of Cups — Otherworldly influences, a prophetic dream, a small upset.

Five of Cups — An unexpected find, family trouble, foolish behavior.

Six of Cups — A military veteran, retirement from service, a government position.

Seven of Cups — Setting a goal, impatience, beginning to plan for the future.

Eight of Cups — Striking out on your own, misplaced posturing or rigid principles.

Nine of Cups — A generous heart, a fun-filled life, an easygoing guy who fits right in.

Ten of Cups — A firstborn child, a large family always bickering, a lack of agreement.

Page of Cups — Heavy drinking, danger on the road, frequent job changes.

Knight of Cups — A friend's help, a capable man, knowing how to make people like you.

Queen of Cups — People who love to argue, walking into the middle of an argument, an emotionally unstable young woman.

King of Cups — A dealmaker, a shrewd entrepreneur, an expert negotiator.

Ace of Pentacles — Finding treasure, a treasure hunter, meeting a diamond in the rough.

Two of Pentacles — Spending on repairs, making small investments, an unprofitable venture.

Three of Pentacles — A young professional, starting a job, a conscientious employee or inexperienced admirer.

Four of Pentacles — An ill-considered investment, money worries, a salary that barely stretches far enough.

Five of Pentacles — Financial penalties, an overdue loan, recklessly dangerous overconfidence.

Six of Pentacles — A heartfelt gift, an awkward situation, feelings openly expressed.

Seven of Pentacles — Support from a large company or involvement in a community organization, working for prestige and reputation.

Eight of Pentacles — A skill that needs polishing, independence, an admirer with hidden motives.

Nine of Pentacles — Flirting with someone more influential, gallant courtship, a woman's romantic games.

Ten of Pentacles — A split in the family, serious disagreements, discord with colleagues.

Page of Pentacles — Discovering infidelity, failing to see betrayal until the very end, someone exploiting your trust.

Knight of Pentacles — A profitable contract, a big win, unexpected business luck.

Queen of Pentacles — Freedom to act, making your own decisions, considerable influence.

King of Pentacles — A natural gift for making money, sociability, a shrewd entrepreneur or a charming, wealthy suitor.