The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed, Love & Yes or No

Upright meaning

Keywords: Moving forward · Victory · Willpower · Drive · Decisiveness

A figure in armour stands in a chariot pulled by two sphinxes, one black and one white. The two pull in different directions, yet sheer willpower holds them together and steers them one way. This card is about charging toward your goal and winning.

Love

If someone has caught your eye, now's the time to make a move. A relationship that's been hesitating can pick up speed fast, and long-distance love or a trip could be the spark.

Relationships

This relationship is moving forward quickly. Even if you're different in some ways, those differences become a strength when you're both heading toward the same goal.

Career & study

This is a time to beat the competition and hit your targets. Good news is likely wherever results are on the line, like a promotion, an acceptance letter or a signed deal. Business trips and moves work in your favour too.

Money

The more actively you go after it, the more your income grows. But money can go out just as fast as it comes in, so keep a firm grip on the reins.

Mind & wellbeing

You're full of drive, and your body feels light and energised. Set yourself a fitness goal now and you'll see real results.

As a person

Someone with clear goals and plenty of drive. They're confident and quick to decide, though they can sometimes come across as impatient.

As someone's feelings

They want to come toward you, and they're ready to make a move. They clearly intend to take things forward.

What to do

Choose one goal and pour your energy into it. It's fine to pick up speed right now.

Watch out for

If you're fixated on winning, you might lose sight of how the people around you feel. Check in along the way so you stay on course.

Reversed meaning

Keywords: Losing direction · Impatience · Lack of control · Going nowhere

The two forces pulling the chariot are going their own way, so it can't move forward. You've got the drive, but your direction is wobbling, or you're pushing too hard, too fast and running into walls.

Love

Rushing things could leave the other person feeling pressured. Or the two of you are moving at different speeds, and that's frustrating. Slow down for a bit and match their pace.

Relationships

You're looking in different directions, so the relationship has stalled. Start by agreeing again on where you both want to go.

Career & study

Plans may stall, or you might feel you're falling behind the competition. Don't try to juggle everything at once. Finish one thing at a time.

Money

Impatience could push you into a rash decision right now. Steer clear of rushed investments and big purchases.

Mind & wellbeing

Pushing too hard can wear you out, and stress may leave you on edge. Take extra care when driving or travelling.

As a person

Someone stubborn and impatient. They struggle to keep their temper in check and tend to bulldoze ahead their own way.

As someone's feelings

They're interested in you, but right now they're distracted by other things, or they're not sure where to take the relationship.

What to do

Pause and redefine your goals and priorities. Put all your energy into the one thing that matters most.

Watch out for

Be careful about making decisions while you're angry, and don't try to force someone to move at your pace.

Symbols in the picture

A warrior in armor stands in a chariot drawn by a black sphinx and a white sphinx. This card is about pulling different forces together and pushing forward as one.

• The Black and White Sphinxes. Two sphinxes, one black and one white, sit in front of the chariot. They stand for two forces that want to go opposite ways, like feeling and reason. If you can bring your conflicting feelings together, you'll move forward.
  Reversed: The pull of each sphinx toward its own side has grown stronger, and your heart is split and at war with itself. Before you argue with anyone else, sort out what's clashing inside you.
• The Chariot Without Reins. There are no reins in the warrior's hands. He steers by willpower, not by force. Rather than dragging others along, make your own resolve firm.
  Reversed: Where willpower alone should be steering, it has turned into forcing things through. The harder you try to win, the more things stall, so start by lowering your voice.
• The Starry Canopy. A canopy full of stars hangs over the warrior's head. It's a sign that the heavens are backing this movement. If you're headed the right way, keep pushing forward.
  Reversed: The starry canopy is still overhead, but your direction has blurred, so its support isn't reaching you. Before you speed up, check whether this is really the right road.
• The Walled City Behind Him. Behind him, across a river, you can see city walls and buildings. It marks a departure, leaving the familiar and heading out into the world. It's time to move instead of staying where it's comfortable.
  Reversed: The walls across the river are a place you've already left, but your heart keeps looking back. Your body has moved on while half your heart stayed behind, so be honest about what you left there.
• The Wand in His Hand. In his right hand he holds a rod with a pointed tip. It's the will that gives orders and sets the direction. Sum up your goal in one sentence, and the path will come into view.
  Reversed: He still grips the rod, but the power to set a direction is being spent on beating other people instead of reaching a goal. Write down what you actually want in one sentence again, and the conflict will ease.