The Chariot Tarot Card Meanings

The Chariot – The Triumph of Will

Keywords (Upright): determination, willpower, victory, control, aligned action Keywords (Reversed): lack of direction, inner conflict, forcefulness, losing control, stalled progress

Description The Charioteer stands armored, holding no reins—his control is internal. He drives a chariot drawn by two sphinxes, black and white, symbolizing opposing forces. Behind him, a city fades as he moves forward with purpose. The canopy of stars above links him to the divine.

In the Thoth deck, the Chariot is armored in golden wheels and sacred emblems, bearing the Grail and drawn by four sphinxes. It is associated with Cancer and the Hebrew letter Cheth—fence or enclosure—suggesting disciplined motion through containment and focused intent.

Upright Meaning The Chariot signals mastery through motion. You are being called to take the reins of your life—not through force, but through alignment. Opposing energies must be brought into focus; success will come through discipline, not chaos. Stay the course. This is the path of conscious momentum and spiritual will.

Reversed Meaning Reversed, the Chariot warns of scattered energy, misaligned goals, or trying to force progress where surrender is needed. You may feel pulled in opposite directions or blocked by internal resistance. Realign your intention. Victory is hollow if you lose your center on the way.

Summary The Chariot is the vehicle of triumph—driven by purpose, guided by will, and protected by spirit. Upright, it brings victory through focus. Reversed, it reveals where control is lost or misapplied. This archetype asks: are you steering with purpose—or letting the wheels pull you?