Imagery: A figure rides a chariot pulled by two contrasting sphinxes or horses, representing opposing forces.
General Themes: Determination, willpower, control, forward movement, victory through focus.
The Chariot Upright
This card has a lot of power behind it. The Chariot upright invites you to stand tall and embrace your path. It is a card of fierce determination and sheer willpower. Now is your time to push forward in whatever it is you are trying to achieve….but not in the way you think.
Typically, we think of forward movement as something that requires tremendous effort. But the tarot is always poetic, so in this case, this card is asking you to focus on your path and find strength in flow and forward motion. You don’t become victorious through sheer force, but in consolidating your energy and knowing your path.
Take heart. You can do this.
The Chariot Reversed
Reversed, the message of this card is to chill out! Release your need for control. This isn’t a situation that you can micromanage your way out of. In fact, the tighter you hold the reins, the bigger the mess you’ll make.
Instead, let go. Literally. Let go of the reins and see how things play out. Be receptive to new possibilities. Your vision is so narrow you can’t quite imagine another way through this at the moment, so get expansive. Step back and look around you. Take a deep breath. Then take action when a better solution presents itself.
Once you’ve loosened up enough, get moving. Don’t fret about the outcome, just go!
The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.
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