7 - The Chariot
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Momentum, direction, power, triumph |
| Reversed Keywords: | Loss of control, loss of direction, abrupt stop, defeat |
A person sits in a chariot curtained with a blue, star-patterned canopy. They wear armor and a crown, and they're carrying a blue staff with a yellow tip in one hand. A winged shield crest is emblazoned on the front of the chariot. A pair of sphinxes, one black and one white, sit before the chariot as though leading it, though neither is held by reins.
In the background, we can see a city wall and buildings beyond. The sky is a bright yellow, the same color as the chariot's wheels.
In Readings: Upright
As a vehicle, the Chariot suggests movement and momentum. The two sphinxes are opposite in appearance, but they are harmoniously working together under the direction of the driver toward a common goal.
The upright Chariot indicates a person or situation that is successful in that it's moving forward toward a targeted end. One could call it "drive" to be punny. The driver is in control, plans are in motion, and there may be no stopping the events coming your way.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Eight of Pentacles: A strong burst of motivation will give you the energy needed to get the job done - and done well.
Two of Swords: It's time to make the decision, now or never. To stop is to lose control.
Ten of Cups: You're making steady progress toward your ultimate happiness.
Five of Cups, reversed: Someone is finally moving on.
In Readings: Reversed
When reversed, the driver's careful control of the Chariot is lost. Someone is hitting a wall. The sphinxes no longer see eye to eye, and they are not working together to pull the Chariot forward. Either there is no movement, or things are charging off in the wrong direction.
In some cases, this loss of control spells defeat. It's the Chariot driver's mastery over conflicting views and problems that gives victory, after all. Without that, there can be no reaching the finish line.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Four of Wands, reversed: This chaos uproots even the everyday and mundane; it isn't easily settled. Somebody at the function is going to cause problems, probably on purpose.
Strength: Someone's stubbornness and self-assurance are derailing the entire conversation.
The World, reversed: You've gone so far off course that you've lost sight of the larger picture.
King of Cups: This guy thinks they know better. They don't.
Other Perspectives
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