The Chariot in Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: Will, Victory, and Action

The Chariot: Card Seven of the Tarot

The Image

A bold warrior sits in a chariot drawn by two sphinxes—one black (representing severity) and one white (representing mercy). These paired creatures embody the balance of opposing forces, yin and yang united in perfect equilibrium.

The chariot itself rests on four pillars, corresponding to the four letters of the Hebrew name YHWH, or the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. A blue canopy adorned with hexagrams drapes overhead—celestial symbols suggesting the heavens' influence on the warrior's success.

In hand, the warrior grips a mace, symbol of will and power. Upon his head rests an eight-pointed crown (representing rulership) and a wreath of laurels (symbolizing victory). His armored shoulders bear crescent insignia, linking this card to Cancer in astrology—a sign governed by the Moon. His diagonal belt displays astrological glyphs, while his robe is embroidered with alchemical signs. Across his chest gleams a square, representing the element of earth and the dominion of will itself. An Egyptian winged disc adorns the chariot's front—a symbol of inspiration.

Behind the warrior stretches a river, one of the four rivers of Eden from Scripture, and beyond it rises a distant, towering city. The warrior faces away from civilization, suggesting he has turned from the material world to begin a spiritual journey.

One detail stands out with particular force: the warrior holds no reins. He does not control the sphinxes through physical force, but entirely through the power of his will alone.

Key Themes

Will • Discipline • Victory • Action • Control • Balance • Journey • Conflict

The Chariot Upright

Core Meaning

The Chariot corresponds to Cancer in astrology and connects to Ares, the god of war, in Greek mythology. It represents those possessed of spiritual strength and steadfastness—figures like Napoleon or Genghis Khan, those who rise to conquer and prevail.

Victory is this card's primary meaning. The warrior prizes results above all else; driven by a fierce hunger to win, he typically does. He thrives on competition, yearns to be first, and willingly doubles his effort to achieve it.

Unshakeable Will

Another defining quality is will so resolute it cannot be moved. Remember: the warrior holds no reins. He commands the chariot entirely through will, keeping the two sphinxes from pulling in opposite directions. He possesses unflappable conviction and determination, wielding absolute control over circumstances.

Unlike The Lovers (card six), which concerns choice, The Chariot (card seven) transforms those choices into concrete action, overcoming fear of failure and doubt about wrong decisions.

Discipline and Self-Mastery

Discipline, self-demand, and emotional restraint are the warrior's defining qualities. Only strict discipline allows him to emerge victorious from conflict. He will never accept a life of chaos, drift, or ambiguity. He refuses to let emotion govern him or to become sentimental.

Journey and Movement

The name itself—chariot—suggests vehicles and travel, often implying journeys on foot. The card also embodies motion or change, not necessarily physical but spiritual in nature. After the choices made at The Fool, life is certain to undergo transformation.

In Specific Situations

Career: The Chariot shows that while competition is necessary, victory remains possible. This is the moment to claim your triumph.

Relationships: This card often signals ardent pursuit, though it may also suggest a lack of softer dialogue and emotional exchange. A rivalry may emerge—or you may find yourself in one.

Health: An upright Chariot reveals someone with powerful motivation to overcome illness.

When The Chariot Represents a Person

Perhaps a traveler, driver, warrior, victor—or anyone who carries that warrior spirit.

Counsel

When The Chariot appears, it typically means you will face a certain level of challenge, and at such a moment evasion is unwise. Embody the warrior's spirit: steadfast, powerful, persistent, and disciplined. Fight your battle well; victory is likely to be yours. Remember that The Chariot carries a quality of success.

The Chariot Reversed

The Darker Side

The Chariot reversed may signal failure or defeat. It can also reveal someone whose willpower has become excessive, whose aggression runs too high, or who is scattering energy across too many fronts, leading to poor results.

Conflict and Obstacles

Conflict and obstacles become unavoidable. In relationships, quarrels may surface, or even a love triangle may emerge.

Regarding Travel

A journey may be postponed or canceled, and you may encounter unforeseen circumstances or traffic accidents.

When The Chariot Represents a Person

Possibly a loser, a reckless driver, someone entangled in conflict, or a hot-headed person.

Health

Reversed, the card may relate to overexertion and impact injuries. Now is the time to rest body and mind, to reflect calmly on whether you have fallen into the pitfalls described above, so you may avoid wasting time and effort in vain.