The Chariot in Tarot: Upright & Reversed

Shelby Bundy

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The Chariot

Card seven in the Tarot is The Chariot.  As the Fool continued along their journey, we encountered The Lovers in card six. Here, we found ourselves connecting with another and working as a team. Life is easier when you’re supported by another human, that is no secret. Bills get paid quicker, problems can be solved faster and there is always a fresh perspective available to us in the form of a caring partner. When you receive this type of partnership in a person, it can feel as though the gates have just opened and anything is possible. That is where our fool meets The Chariot.


The Chariot is the personification of motivation and determination. He is the archetype of the full speed ahead ambition that takes hold when we get that spark of inspiration. He has a goal, a plan and there isn’t anything that is going to get in his way, so you better step off the road. This energy is pure and unwavering; almost as if our fool just went back to the cliff and did a double back handspring off the ledge, sticking the landing after a mid air twist. He’s going places and doing things.

Now, to be sure, this energy can be encountered without meeting The Lovers, of course. We have all the magick we need inside of us. Following The Lovers, this card presents us with the opportunity to move forward feeling completely supported and confident. That is the takeaway there.


Reversed, The Chariot can show a lack of determination or motivation. Possibly, he has the idea, but just can’t seem to get off the couch to make it happen. There is a sluggish feeling to this card reversed…like the inner fire of The Chariot has been reduced to steam. Steam can make engines run, however it’s not as quick on the go as a spark.

When you see our Chariot reversed on your table, take a look at what is holding you back. Bring your attention to the reasons you are not busting down doors, kickin’ ass and taking names. Chances are, you will find yourself with a new to-do list of things to conquer before you can flip him upright and get on your feet.

Alternatively, I have seen this card appear when the Chariots energy is misdirected or “all over the place.” It can feel somewhat like a ping pong ball bouncing all over the place…full of movement without a clear direction. When this happens, its time to slow down and create a clear direction to send The Chariot down. 

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