Symbolic Representation

This card shows an armored warrior standing in his victorious gold and silver wheel chariot. It also carries some symbols on it such as, the sun and moon symbols on his crown and an icon of an encircled rod on the winged shield, which is also known as "Lingam & Yoni symbol".

Black and White sphinxes can be seen resting at the wheels of the chariot. These sphinxes are replaced by lions or horses in some other decks of cards. The shelter top of the chariot is represented by a star patterned cloth.

Tarot Story

The Fool is close to accomplishing his aim, with the help of all those tools, the Magician introduced him to. But now, he has other problems blocking his way to his goal. These are his rivals, human enemies, awful situations, or even the dilemma of his own mind. He feels like he is fighting hard everyday, just to stay where he is and needs help to be taught how to conquer his enemies.

It is here that he comes across this charioteer, and remarks "You seem a successful warrior. Please tell me, what is the best line of attack to conquer an enemy?" The Charioteer enlightens the Fool by telling him, "You win by coming above and beyond that, which you wish to conquer." The warrior looks at his beasts. . "Your steeds keep the wheels spinning, but it is your control and direction that brings you victory. Dark and light, they must be made to carry on in harmony, under your guidance."

Inspirited and encouraged, now the Fool thinks he knows enough to win his own battle. Thanking the warrior, he begins to leave but the warrior stops him, "One more thing," he says, "No victory can be triumphed unless you have persistent belief in your cause. And above all, remember, that victory is not the end, but, the beginning."

Tarot Connotation

The most complicated of all cards to describe, The Chariot basically means war, a fight, a struggle, but also a final triumph, either over rivals, challenges, life, or the struggle or dilemma inside you. This card is ruled by the sun sign of Cancer, the moon.

One more typical characteristic seen in the visual representation of the card is that, the chariot is all about movement and activity, and yet it is shown as at a halt.

This means a coming together of the opposites, as depicted through the black and white sphinxes. They have the tendency to pull each other and the chariot, in different directions. But this is where the rider's control and direction comes to test, as they must be made to run together in one direction. Control is what the card is associating as a necessity over conflicting feelings, desires, wishes, and situations. The card warns the seeker to get them in unison, to give them an integrated path. The card can also signify new drive or encouragement, which has the power to get you out of a stagnant situation, onto the moving tracks again.

While the Chariot card signifies confidence, belief and inspiration to lead to success facing all the odds, it also warns the seeker about a brutal want to succeed at any price. But what is most important than all is what comes after the victory and it is that series of situations for which the seeker needs to save his/her energy, so that he can deal aptly with what is to come next.