The Chariot (VII)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Aries as a surge of power.

THE CHARIOT The Chariot signifies your significant leap forward. It shows that you have broken out of the circle of former interests and set off on a new path. This is driven by a striving for freedom, ambition, the search for a lost paradise, or simply the thirst for self-realization. The Chariot is the only card in the Tarot deck that links such an impulse with a feeling of joy and self-assurance. In all other cases, parting with the old is associated with fear and a heaviness of soul. But here — courage, curiosity — a person rushes forward, seeking application for his powers and unafraid to take risks. The card symbolizes strength and dexterity (the handling of the Chariot), but also inexperience (a journey into unknown lands). Therefore it should also be perceived as a warning — do not overestimate your strength, do not be too self-confident, and do not allow yourself to become "dizzy with success." It is best to recognize in time how much there is still to learn.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

7 - THE CHARIOT Cancer The seventh card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called THE CHARIOT, and depicted upon it is a victorious warrior, crowned with a diadem and seated in a chariot drawn by black and white sphinxes (or horses). The starry canopy of the chariot is supported by four pillars. The card symbolizes the Exalted One, racing forth in the chariot of Creation. The vehicle of solar energy, marked with the divine number seven, reveals the mystery of the seven planets. The four pillars supporting the canopy are the symbol of the four powers upon which the world rests (Fire, Air, Earth, Water). The Exalted One holds the scepter of solar energy, and his shoulders are adorned with crescents — the Urim and Thummim. The Sphinx painted upon the chariot represents the secret and unknown force by means of which the Sovereign moves continuously through the various parts of the Universe. The figure in armor does not stand in the chariot, but rises out of a cube (symbolizing ascent). The union of opposites within a single person is that which grants him the possibility of independent existence, endowing him with an independent fate, set apart from the fate of the world as a whole, ultimately separating his soul from the World Soul and from God. Our life, where suffering alternates with happiness, is only a shadow of that true happy existence which we would wish to see in it. But the mercy of the Creator has so arranged the world that we nevertheless rejoice in life, forgetting our suffering. Reason allows a person to see meaning even in its dark sides, and suffering itself is capable of returning as joy to the person and to those around him. Fate is generous with events and with the opportunity to amend the past, and ultimately grants a person what he desires. The movements of karma, in which the soul takes part, lead to deaths, wars, and natural disasters. But the Creator forgives the soul which, in its agony, struggles to break free from the contradictions and sins in which it is unwillingly involved through having been incarnated into this world, and gives it shelter, prompting it to understand that even upon the field of battle the Charioteer not only kills but creates a new reality; — therefore, the soul must live — and must fight. For this reason, the concept of fulfillment is also bound up with the ARCANUM OF THE CHARIOT. The more a person corresponds to his predestination, the better he succeeds in manifesting the freedom of his will. The Charioteer is composed and concentrated on what he is doing, undistracted by external hindrances. His armor protects him from the world. This card reflects the zodiacal character of the sign of Cancer, which beneath the shell of Saturn conceals the riches of its inner world, preserving it from outer influences that bring into the soul doubts about the rightness of the path chosen. Cancer is a sign uncertain of itself, but astrology counsels it to become a warrior, replacing passive Saturnian protection with the active defense of Mars: Cancer is the sign of the conception of Aries, which is ruled by Mars, and therefore Capricorn, where Mars is in exaltation, is the best foundation for the Martian manifestation of one's inner world and the aspirations of one's soul. The description of the epic "awakening of the hero" suits the Seventh ARCANUM as nothing else could. On the outer level, this card symbolizes the hitherto hidden forces that help one find the road to one's "true self" and to one's destiny. The Charioteer is self-knowledge and the determination of one's path, it is the victory over one's own inertia, it is the strength of will that has at last removed the seals from the hero.

Upright position the card speaks of the fact that comprehension (or, at the least, acceptance) of the laws of Karma is characteristic of you. You are seeking a way out of the closed wheel of causes and effects, and the success which you will achieve will be the result of your efforts, not of chance. It signifies development, expression, vigorous practical activity. In specific cases, the card foretells journeys, often distant ones. In the psychological sphere — self-control, self-expression, strength of will, victory over the blows of fate thanks to positive traits of character. Sometimes the card indicates that "misfortune" will nearly gain the upper hand over you, but you will nevertheless emerge victorious from this situation.

Reversed position the card may indicate that you are pressing forward in some specific direction with a clear awareness of your goal and its meaning. But… failure awaits you. At the very last moment, Fortune will turn away from you, and you will lose what was almost within your grasp. Your plans will collapse in the most sudden manner, and this will be due to the fact that you were unable (or unwilling) to assess the situation in time. The card may also speak of deficiencies of psychic equilibrium, of uncertainty, of pressure from others, and of the unfavorable influence of those surrounding you. It may also be interpreted as needless reverence for outworn traditions and excessive self-restraint, and may signal possible imminent conflicts with the law or unexpected legal proceedings.

"By destroying obstacles, you annihilate all your enemies, and all your desires shall be fulfilled if you approach the future with courage, armed with the consciousness of your right. And let reason rule over you, but do not strive to rid yourself entirely of feelings and emotions: without them your chariot may overturn." Papus