The essential meanings of this Major Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Chariot upright signifies determination, willpower, and victory through hard control. It indicates that through focus and confidence, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. This card often comes up when you need to take the reins of a situation and steer it in the direction you want, using both discipline and optimism. It’s about balancing opposing forces (like the sphinxes) and charging ahead toward success, often after a period of struggle.

Reversed: The Chariot reversed suggests a lack of direction or an inner conflict throwing you off course. You might feel like you’ve lost control over what’s happening, or conversely, you may be exerting too much force in the wrong direction. This reversal warns against aggression or pushing too hard without a clear plan. It encourages you to regroup, address internal conflicts, and find a more balanced way forward before continuing your journey.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: The Chariot charges forward, driven by the desire to unite two hearts in victory. It signals that with determination and mutual effort, a relationship can overcome obstacles and reach a triumphant stage, steering through any differences like a charioteer guiding two opposing horses. Passion and willpower propel this romance, but The Chariot also reminds both partners to rein in wild emotions and steer together toward a shared destiny.

Career: In your career, The Chariot is a warhorse of ambition galloping toward success. It indicates a time to harness your focus, take control of projects, and charge ahead confidently to reach your goals. Victories are within reach if you maintain discipline and balance, steering past competition or obstacles with determination and a clear direction.

Spirituality: The Chariot signifies a quest for mastery and the union of opposing forces within. You are urged to take the reins of your inner journey, aligning conflicting energies (light and dark, fear and courage) and driving forward toward enlightenment. With focus and resolve, The Chariot’s energy carries you through spiritual challenges, leaving you triumphant and stronger in faith.