The Chariot VII in the Rider Waite Tarot
Table of contents
Table of contents
See another card
- The Fool
- The Magician I
- The High Priestess II
- The Empress III
- The Emperor IV
- The Hierophant V
- The Lovers VI
- The Chariot VII
- Strength VIII
- The Hermit IX
- Wheel of Fortune X
- Justice XI
- The Hanged Man XII
- Death XIII
- Temperance XIV
- The Devil XV
- The Tower XVI
- The Star XVII
- The Moon XVIII
- The Sun XIX
- Judgement XX
- The World XXI
- Ace of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Three of Wands
- Four of Wands
- Five of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Ten of Wands
- Page of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Queen of Wands
- King of Wands
- Ace of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Four of Cups
- Five of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- King of Cups
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
- Ace of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- King of Pentacles
The Chariot Rider Waite Smith : meaning and interpretation
Major
Water
Cancer
The Chariot, the seventh major arcana, is a card of victory, movement and conquest. It represents the energy that advances, that cuts through, that moves towards its goal without diversions. The Chariot character masters two opposing forces (the sphinxes), making it a symbol of inner triumph: success is only possible if we are able to remain centred and aligned, despite tensions. This card heralds success, but it does not come from heaven: it is the fruit of a firm will, discipline and a sense of purpose. It often appears at a key moment in your life, when a clear choice, direction or position is needed. It embodies the move to action, the ability to direct your life with courage and ambition. The Chariot reminds you that you are the master on board, and that nothing can stop you if your will is pure and well-directed.
RWS Tarot : Arcana The Chariot readings
Love / Sentimental reading
with the card The Chariot
In love, The Chariot represents a strong desire to move a relationship forward, to overcome obstacles and to take the reins of one’s love life. This card often expresses a desire for conquest or control: it can mark a dynamic, passionate phase, but sometimes tense if the two partners are not going in the same direction. If you’re in a relationship, this card indicates that one of you is taking the lead to move the relationship forward, but it invites you to balance forces: each person must keep their place and their power to act. If you’re single, The Chariot heralds an important encounter, often quick or unexpected, and encourages you to dare to step out of your comfort zone. It can also suggest a long-distance relationship, or a love on the move. It’s a card of action and triumph, but one that reminds us that love is better experienced by two… than alone at the wheel.
Professional / Work reading
with the card The Chariot
Professionally, the Chariot symbolises success through determination, movement and strategy. It heralds rapid progress in your projects, a success achieved through will and discipline. You may be in the process of taking a new direction, getting a promotion, or launching an independent activity. This card speaks of leadership, ambition and the ability to harness different forces and direct them towards a single goal. It can also evoke work-related displacements (travel, transfers, mobility). It urges you not to disperse yourself: to triumph, you need to channel your energy. In the event of conflict or competition, it is a sign of victory… provided you keep your inner balance. The Chariot reminds you that it’s your ability to remain centred in the effort that will make the difference between chaos and conquest.
Financial / Material / Money reading
with the card The Chariot
In the material and financial spheres, The Chariot heralds a drive towards autonomy, growth or improvement in your situation. It is a dynamic card that can signal a gain due to your efforts, an ability to regain control of your finances, or an opportunity for rapid success (promotion, sale, launch of a lucrative project). It also indicates that you are ready to face the challenges of achieving your goals: you have the stamina and strength to go all the way. However, it also warns against impulsive spending or overconfidence. The Chariot suggests that you have the reins in your hands: if you channel your resources intelligently, you’ll achieve solid stability. It can also evoke a major purchase, often linked to movement or travel (vehicle, moving house). It encourages you to move forward with confidence… but without losing your financial compass.
Family reading
with the card The Chariot
In the family context, the Chariot indicates a dynamic of change, independence or a desire to assert oneself within the household. It may indicate tensions linked to differences of direction or rhythm between family members. Someone in the family circle (you or someone close to you) may be trying to emancipate themselves, break away from the traditional framework or assert themselves more. This card also evokes the notion of a ‘family journey’: this could be a move, a holiday together, or a situation where the family needs to pull together in the face of a challenge. It invites you to take your place without crushing that of others. The balance between authority and listening is essential here. On the positive side, it shows a close-knit family moving towards a common goal. On the negative side, it can point to a power struggle or ego conflicts that need to be harmonised. Keeping a collective focus is fundamental.
Spiritual reading
with the card The Chariot
On a spiritual level, The Chariot represents self-mastery, inner courage and alignment between the opposing forces of the soul. This card speaks of an active awakening, a path of transformation in which you are the main actor. It invites you to become aware of your two polarities – instinct vs. wisdom, mind vs. heart – and to unite them to move towards your higher goal. This is a card of enlightened action, where the human will is placed at the service of the spiritual mission. It can also signal a moment of initiation or overcoming: you are in the process of crossing a decisive stage, a ‘passage’ towards a new version of yourself. It encourages you to have faith in your ability to lead your life, even in the face of uncertainty. On a symbolic level, the Chariot evokes the vehicle of the soul, the consciousness that moves forward in spite of trials, thanks to inner unity.
See another card
- The Fool
- The Magician I
- The High Priestess II
- The Empress III
- The Emperor IV
- The Hierophant V
- The Lovers VI
- The Chariot VII
- Strength VIII
- The Hermit IX
- Wheel of Fortune X
- Justice XI
- The Hanged Man XII
- Death XIII
- Temperance XIV
- The Devil XV
- The Tower XVI
- The Star XVII
- The Moon XVIII
- The Sun XIX
- Judgement XX
- The World XXI
- Ace of Wands
- Two of Wands
- Three of Wands
- Four of Wands
- Five of Wands
- Six of Wands
- Seven of Wands
- Eight of Wands
- Nine of Wands
- Ten of Wands
- Page of Wands
- Knight of Wands
- Queen of Wands
- King of Wands
- Ace of Cups
- Two of Cups
- Three of Cups
- Four of Cups
- Five of Cups
- Six of Cups
- Seven of Cups
- Eight of Cups
- Nine of Cups
- Ten of Cups
- Page of Cups
- Knight of Cups
- Queen of Cups
- King of Cups
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
- Ace of Pentacles
- Two of Pentacles
- Three of Pentacles
- Four of Pentacles
- Five of Pentacles
- Six of Pentacles
- Seven of Pentacles
- Eight of Pentacles
- Nine of Pentacles
- Ten of Pentacles
- Page of Pentacles
- Knight of Pentacles
- Queen of Pentacles
- King of Pentacles
5-Card spread
The Chariot and its positions in a 5-card draw.
Want to better understand how to interpret the card The Chariot according to its position in a cross drawing? What does it symbolise as a situation, obstacle, resource, piece of advice or way out? Explore its many facets and find a detailed reading of the card The Chariot in every position of the 5-card cross spread Rider Waite.
